*Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit

Initial Posting Date:
10/12/2026
Application Deadline:
11/08/2026
Agency:
Department of Justice
Salary Range:
$8,159 - $11,489
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
*Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit
Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Justice is recruiting for a highly experienced Criminal Investigator to work in the Criminal Justice Division in either our Salem or Portland office. The assignment will be in the Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU). The agent may also be assigned to any other unit (Internet Crimes Against Children, District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, Organized Crime, etc.) within the Criminal Justice Division based on the needs of the agency.
The Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU). ECREU engages in a broad range of environmental work (air and water pollution, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife offenses, pesticides) as well as assists in protecting cultural resources (damaged, looted or destroyed archaeological sites, artifacts, and other objects of cultural significance). This work is primarily criminal in nature and can involve a special agent handling specific cases in a particular county or an agent providing specialized assistance to district attorneys statewide upon request.
Other units the agent may be assigned to include the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, and Financial Crimes. The mission of the ICAC Task Force is to identify, apprehend, and prosecute sexual predators who exploit children through the use of computers and the Internet, and to sponsor community education efforts regarding the prevention of internet crimes against children. Criminal investigators in the District Attorney Assist section carry out this mission by providing investigative assistance to Oregon prosecutors on major serious crimes, inclusive of financial crimes, noted for their complex facts and difficult legal issues. The Elders Crimes Unit investigates crimes targeting our vulnerable elder population.
The ideal candidate for this position are those who have experience investigating complex criminal investigations, with a nexus to Environmental Crimes. A knowledge base and experience in utilizing advanced electronic surveillance tools and techniques (e.g. pole cameras, tracking devices, communication interception, cell-site mapping) is preferred, but not required. If hired, you will investigate these various crimes for and work with DOJ Asst. Attorney Generals; plan, coordinate and direct complex and interagency investigations with State, Local and Federal agencies; and assist law enforcement agencies and prosecutors with investigations.
This is a sworn police officer position represented by the Criminal Investigators Association (CIA). The candidate hired will become a member of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) under the designation of police officer. A comprehensive medical, vision, and dental package, along with paid time off, will accompany competitive and equitable pay, make work-life balance attainable, and show you the door to professional development and job satisfaction. For more information about our benefits, you can learn here.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Independently, or with responsibility for directing the work of experienced Special Agents or other personnel as required, plan, coordinate, direct and conduct complete investigations involving any matters under the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.
Prepare and review search warrants and affidavits to ensure that all items of a pertinent nature are encompassed within terms of the warrant.
Plan and organize the processing of crime scenes.
Participate in covert investigative operations involving law enforcement agencies from federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
Preserve the integrity of physical evidence by safeguarding the chain of custody and utilizing evidence handling techniques known to be effective by law enforcement. For example, properly mark, tag, and seal evidence, and limit access to those with an administrative or investigative need in order to further the investigation and prepare the case for grand jury and trial.
Conduct thorough and in-depth interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Serve as a search team leader; search persons, vehicles, structures and/or area using prescribed search techniques.
Obtain and serve arrest warrants, grand jury and Attorney General subpoenas. Make arrests.
Continuously review and evaluate case evidence to determine value and completeness in preparation for grand jury or prosecution.
Prepare and finalize comprehensive