Cold Case Detective

THE POSITION

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed within 2 weeks of receipt and the posting may be closed at any time without further notice.

Come Partner with the District Attorney’s Office as a part-time Cold Case Detective at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The mission of the Sheriff’s Office is conserving the peace through values-driven service, and the mission of the District Attorney’s Office is seeking justice and protecting our community.

The Position

This is an opportunity for highly experience law enforcement detectives who want to continue their skills on a part-time basis to help solve violent crime cold cases.

This is a limited duration variable hour position funded through September 30, 2026 with the possibility of renewal. Please note that the information on the benefits tab is for regular full-time positions only and may not be accurate for this position. Because this position is part-time (variable hour) it is not represented by Washington County Police Officers' Association (WCPOA.) This position also does not receive the customary benefits available to regular employees, such as vacation accruals, holidays, health benefits, or life insurance.

Schedule

This is part-time/variable hour position that will work an average of 20 hours per week. You will be scheduled to work 20 hours between 8-5, M-F.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following

• At least ten (10) years of experience in law enforcement.
• Significant training and experience in the investigation of major crimes, including homicides, violent assaults, sex crimes and robberies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, research skills, persistence, and a high level of motivation.
• Experience investigating cases involving DNA and forensic evidence.
• Experience entering and retrieving data from various databases
  
  

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described in the minimum qualifications.

Essential Job Duties

To review the complete classification and list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, follow this link: Cold Case Detective

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience as a certified level law enforcement officer. (please note 10 years of experience is preferred)
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Possession of DPSST Basic Police Certification at time of appointment.
• A passing score on a practical pistol course.
• Has maintained all In-service training requirements as required by the WCSO.
• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.
• Applicants must successfully pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Applicants must pass a physical agility test, medical exam, drug screening, and psychological evaluation prior to appointment.
  
  

Please be clear and specific in the application sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses if applicable. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process

• Apply Today: We ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law
• MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.
• SME Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded to a panel of subject matter experts (SME) who will review and score your application materials. This process may take up to 2 weeks.
• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the SME review as soon as possible
  
  

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application

You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Questions Regarding This Recruitment?

Contact Brighton Bohnenkamp, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Brighton_Bohnenkamp@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources

New to GovernmentJobs.com?

• Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Washington County is a drug-free workplace *
  
  

This position is represented by Washington County Police Officers' Association (WCPOA) collective bargaining agreement.

Additional Pay & Benefits

• Merit Increases – salary step increases granted upon satisfactory performance and completion of 26 qualified pay periods.
• Bilingual Pay – $75 per pay period which is paid out every two weeks.
• Incentive Pay – 2 to 8% for a combination of certification levels, training, college education and years of service.
• Premium Pay for various special assignments (Field Training Officer, Tactical Negotiations Team – SWAT, Motorcycle Officer, Corrections Emergency Response Team, and K-9.
• Overtime and/or compensatory time allowances for overtime, callback and court appearance.
• Uniform including initial tailoring, duty gear, and firearm.
• Clothing allowance – $75 per month, if assigned to plain clothes duty full-time.
• Footwear allowance – $150 per year.
  
  

Washington County Sheriff's Office Offers Their Employees a Collaborative Culture, Professional Development Opportunities, And a Comprehensive Total Compensation Package Which Includes

• Medical, Dental, Vision for employee, spouse/domestic partner and children
• VEBA account with County contribution
• Life and AD&D Insurance, Occupational Life, Long-term Disability
• Paid time-off in lieu of holidays and other employee leaves (vacation, sick, military and more)
• Oregon PERS/OPSRP and Deferred Compensation
• Tuition reimbursement
  
  

For a complete list of premium pays and other benefits, refer to the Washington County Police Officers' Association (WCPOA) collective bargaining agreement located at Labor Agreements. To explore additional benefits offered, visit Employee Benefits.

01

Do you possess at least 10 years of experience as a certified level law enforcement officer?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Will you possess a DPSST Basic Police Certification (or higher) or equivalent for out of state applicants at time of hire?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

To the best of your knowledge, are you able to meet the following requirements of the position upon hire?

• A passing score on a practical pistol course;
• Able to maintain all in-service training requirements as required by the WCSO;
• Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record;
• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Please select all areas in which you have had significant training and experience in the investigation of major crimes.

• Violent Acts
• Homicides
• Sex Crimes
• Robberies
• Drug Related Crimes
• None of the Above
  
  

05

Which one of the following areas do you have training and experience with? (Check all that apply)

• DNA and Forensic Evidence
• Reviewing and Operating Digital Video Recording Equipment
• Research Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Entering and retrieving data from various databases.
• Investigative Procedures
• None of the Above
  
  

06

Driving Record Check

Driving a motorized vehicle is an essential function for this position. Successful applicants must possess a valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.

Washington County will conduct a driving record check on applicants prior to employment.

To assist in this process, please check ALL applicable statements for the last three (3) year period.

• I currently hold or have held a valid Oregon driver license.
• I currently hold or have held a valid out-of-state driver license.
• I currently have or have held a valid out-of-country driver license.
• I do not currently hold or have never held a valid driver license.
  
  

07

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT REVIEW: The following supplemental questionnaire will be used to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in this position. Your responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). The higher the score, which includes any applicable veterans' preference points, the higher the ranking on the eligible list. Generally, top 6 – 8 candidates are referred for each vacancy starting with the top ranked candidates.

We want to hear your authentic voice and original answers. Plagiarism in any form may result in lower scores and/or candidate removal from a recruitment. The County defines plagiarism as presenting the work of others as your own. Examples include copying work, using AI-generated text, and receiving assistance from others.

Instructions & Helpful Tips

• Answer each question carefully and accurately in the space provided. Your responses should reflect what is documented in the education and work experience sections of your employment application.
• Make sure your responses are clear, concise, and complete.
• If a question consists of multiple parts, answer each part separately.
• Provide examples! Examples should be relevant to this position and question, and can be from your formal education, work experience (paid, internship, volunteer), and/or training, unless otherwise indicated in the question.
• When describing a process or procedure, make sure to clearly describe your duties and responsibilities.
• Minimize the use of jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms.
• Each question is scored separately, so do not combine answers or refer to your answer from a different question.
• Before submitting your application, use a word processor, such as Microsoft Word or Google docs, to check for grammar and spelling.
  
  

By selecting yes below, you are indicating that you have read and understood the information provided, and agree to the above instructions.

If you have any questions, please contact the assigned Talent Acquisition Business Partner or email Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov.

• Yes
  
  

08

Please describe any applicable specialized training and work experience that would benefit you in the role of a Detective. In your response please include the following:

• Where you completed this training or work experience and describe in detail what you learned
• Your experience investigating major crimes, including homicides, violent assaults, sex crimes, robberies
• Your experience investigating cases involving DNA and forensic evidence
• Required Question