MCSO Background Investigator

Current employees:
Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$36.91 - $45.33 Hourly

Department:

Sheriff

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

February 05, 2026

The Opportunity:

Who We Are:

Join the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and become part of a dynamic team where your commitment to justice and community safety can make a real difference. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to serving the community, passionate about helping others and inspired by a strong sense of purpose. MCSO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, and investing in professional development opportunities throughout your career.

To learn more about our agency, please watch our video:
Join Our Team

Position Overview:

Are you a critical thinker who can collect information from various sources, identify inconsistencies and present your findings in writing? Do you have excellent communication skills, tact and discretion that allows you to perform sensitive inquiries? Are you an experienced and skilled user of electronics and like to learn specialized programs? Can you be relied on to pay close attention to the details of your work?

If this describes you, please review this posting thoroughly and follow the application instructions listed in Screening and Evaluation. Only fully completed applications will be evaluated for further consideration.

Essential Duties of a Background Investigator:

• Writing comprehensive reports, identifying strengths and weaknesses of applicants and summarizing investigative findings related to employment suitability
• Researching and reviewing records including legal, criminal, driving, educational and credit history when relevant
• Contacting and soliciting information from personal and employment references
• Interviewing applicants in person, by video, or by phone
• Directing applicants to provide additional information and documentation, as needed
• Obtaining and evaluating pertinent police, court or other investigative reports or materials
• Using a computer program to manage and track each element of a paperless investigation
• Ensuring investigations are consistent with employment law, bargaining agreements, county and agency policies

Please note:

this position is located in an office setting, performing the majority of each investigation by phone, fax, email and computer. Heavy amount of computer-based research and typing entailed. There is very limited field work involved. This position does allow for hybrid telework/office work once training is complete. Training and office hours will be at the Multnomah Building.

To Qualify

MCSO and Multnomah County are committed to the diversity of our workforce and our strength lies in the perspectives our employees bring to their work. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQIA+ community members. Together, MCSO and Multnomah County promotes inclusion, equity and fairness where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications /Transferable

Skills:

• Three (3) years of specialized work experience is required where the primary duties are collection of information, gathering and analysis of facts, making conclusions, and providing written report of findings.
• Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university OR additional related experience can substitute education on a year for year basis.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by time of appointment, an appropriate and valid driver license is required.
• Must pass a background investigation which includes a criminal records and employment references check.

Preferred Qualifications /Transferable

Skills:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable…