What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Legal Investigator position at The City of Houston?
Part-Time Legal Investigator
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Part-Time Legal Investigator
Salary
1,875.00 - $2,784.00 Biweekly
Location
900 Bagby-City Hall Annex
Job Type
Part Time
Job Number
35824
Department
Legal
Opening Date
01 / 16 / 2025
Closing Date
1 / 23 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from : ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification : PART TIME LEGAL INVESTIGATOR
Division : NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
Reporting Location : 900 BAGBY
Workdays & Hours : MONDAY – FRIDAY 8 : 00 AM – 5 : 00 PM
- Subject to Change
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees while adhering to the following guiding principles :
Quality & Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
Partnership & Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
Integrity & Candor – Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
Dignity & Diversity – Promoting each person’s value.
Innovation & Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.
Composed of approximately 100 of Houston’s finest attorneys working in 10 legal practice sections, the OCA handles personal injury, commercial and civil rights litigation, major commercial and real estate transactions, and a diverse array of human resources, labor and employment matters, while also counseling the municipal corporation on economic development, constitutional issues, elections, ethics, quality of life matters, and preparing City ordinances governing Houston and its citizens.
Every member of the OCA must be committed to “Service Through Law.”
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The City of Houston seeks applicants for a part-time legal investigator position in the Neighborhood Services section of the OCA. The applicant must have photography equipment in working order to take long range photographs of residential properties during non-business hours, primarily early mornings (6am to 9am) or evenings (6pm to 9pm) during the week, and weekend mornings or late nights on an as needed basis. The applicant may be called to testify in civil district court.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :
Surveillance of properties to conduct site inspections.
Conducting neighborhood surveys which involve driving through a subdivision to observe and document deed restriction violations similar to the complaint being investigated.
Taking photographs and estimating distances for evidentiary purposes.
Uploading photographs with short narratives on investigative findings.
Testifying in court.
Communicating with the public.
Working with attorneys in developing evidence.
Working on special projects assigned by management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position is physically comfortable. Must be available to work weekends and evenings. Will be working outdoors on many days. Includes driving city-owned vehicles.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION :
An Associate's degree is required.
EXPERIENCE :
Two years of experience in investigative techniques are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS :
Valid Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants with :
Two years investigative techniques, preferably in a legal setting.
Excellent investigation skills.
Strong organization skills.
Professional communication skills.
Must be dependable.
Must be willing to work on short notice in early mornings, late evenings, and weekend hours on an as needed basis to conduct site inspections.
Proficiency with the Office 365 suite of programs, including Word, Outlook, and software used by the OCA.
Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
All applicants will be expected to provide a writing sample, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Posted salary is based on full time hours. Actual salary paid will be based on experience, hours worked, and number of assigned investigations.
Pay Grade : 18
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at : www.houstontx.gov .
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting : or call (832) 393-6214.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832)393-6214.
If you need login assistance or technical support call (855) 524-5627.
EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include :
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation / parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
High School Diploma / GED
Associates Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Which best describes your years of investigative technique experience.
1 year of investigative technique experience
2 years of investigative technique experience
3 years of investigative technique experience
4 years of investigative technique experience
5 years of investigative technique experience
Please describe your experience related to this position, preferably in a legal setting. (Note : See resume will delay your application)
Do you have a valid / current driver's license?
Are you willing to work on short notice in early mornings, late evenings, and weekend hours on an as needed basis to conduct site inspections.
Do you understand that this is a part time position and your salary will be based on hours worked?
Required Question
Salary : $1,875 - $2,784