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Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity. Job Type: Variable Hour
Pay Range: $35.71 - $43.39 Hourly
Department: Sheriff's Office
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
About the Opportunity: The Washington County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting applications for a variable hour Background Investigator position within the Background Investigation Unit. This role offers variable hours (up to 20 hours a week) and a significant amount of flexibility. As a Background Investigator, you will conduct comprehensive, thorough, and equitable investigations for a diverse range of Sheriff's Office applicants, including employees, volunteers, and contractors.
Our team consists of six part-time investigators, three full-time investigators, one Senior Administrative Specialist, and a supervisor. Initial training will be completed at our downtown Hillsboro, Oregon office. Upon completion of training, you will have the opportunity to work from home, with periodic in-office requirements for Background interviews and staff meetings. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is committed to values of integrity, equity, fairness, and respect for diversity. If you are a detail-oriented professional with excellent analytical skills and a strong commitment to these values, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in investigative work, either through conducting Background Investigations or performing criminal investigations. Familiarity with the Oregon criminal justice system and experience as a sworn officer is highly desirable. Proficiency with Background Investigation software and criminal justice databases is also preferred.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Conducts thorough and complete background investigations; reviews application documents for completeness and directs applicants to provide additional information if needed; and contacts and conducts interviews of applicants, applicant's personal references, and applicant's employment references. Locates and reviews information regarding criminal history, police reports, school transcripts, credit reports, driving records, and other documentation available regarding applicant's history. Confers with managers, supervisors, or hiring decision-makers to discuss information obtained regarding job applicants under consideration; reviews scope of investigation(s) and requests additional instruction or advice as needed; and researches legal or factual issues regarding suitability of applicants' background including, but not limited to, criminal histories and prior job performance. Conducts interviews, including discrepancy interviews, with applicants and/or personal and employment references to assess truthfulness and credibility of documentation or information collected. Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communication; creates a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion and actively promotes an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society. Writes reports and written summaries of findings; identifies strengths and weaknesses; makes recommendations regarding suitability or disqualification for employment and access to security-sensitive facilities and systems; and maintains records on investigations and investigation activities. Responds to requests for information; assists outside agencies and provides background information to these agencies when appropriate; communicates with users of background investigations regarding status of an applicant's background investigation; answers applicants' questions; and refers requests and questions to manager or hiring decision-maker as appropriate. Serves as liaison for the background unit and interacts with other employees, applicants, Sheriff's Office, and County staff as required. Attends meetings, hiring workshops, and recruitment events as directed. Reviews standards and procedures as needed; keeps current on applicable federal and state laws. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Two (2) years of college or an Associate's Degree in criminal justice or other related field; AND Three (3) years of training and experience conducting backgrounds/investigations with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies; OR Five (5) years of training and experience conducting backgrounds/investigations with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.
Additional Licenses, Certificates, Physical Abilities and Specialty Requirements:
Variable Hour positions are at-will and hours are limited to 20 hours per week.These positions will accrue sick time and are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits. This position is classified as Background Investigator. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly. To review the full information of this classification, please use the following linkhere. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses.Please note:Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluatedseparatelyfrom your application. Next Steps: Apply today!Instead of submitting a resume, 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: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Panel Interview(s):The top six to eight (6-8) candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview. Background Investigation: The selected finalist(s) for this position must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office. The background Investigation for this position typically take 6-8 weeks to complete so you will want to plan accordingly. The information that will be required when you complete the Personal History Statement includes, but is not limited to:
Employment Information (past 10 years or back to age 17; 3 co-workers will be requested from each past employer) Residential Information (past 10 years or back to age 17) Financial Information References (6 without using the same people as coworker or supervisor references) Family Member Information Driving History Past/Present Drug Use and/or Controlled Substances Criminal History
Conditional Offer/Drug Screen: The Sheriff's Office will extend a conditional offer of employment, conditional on passing a drug screen. Start Date:A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met. 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. 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.
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. Questions? Recruiter: Laura Aranda
Email Address: Laura_Aranda@washingtoncountyor.gov
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Washington County, OR
sick time, remote work
Jan 21, 2026