Accident Reconstructionist

Posting Date

08/03/26

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $29.25 - $38.63 hourly
• Full Pay Range: $29.95 - $48.00 hourly

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Public Defender

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision science and courtroom strategy. In this high-impact role, your technical expertise will be the backbone of our legal defense, turning complex crash data into actionable, science-backed trial strategies that directly empower our attorneys.

You will serve as the primary expert voice tasked with reconstructing intricate collision sequences, auditing prosecution/plaintiff findings, and uncovering the critical details that others miss. By delivering definitive investigative insights, you give our legal teams the clarity and leverage needed to build compelling defense narratives, dismantle opposing arguments, and secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

If you are ready to bring your technical expertise to the frontlines of legal defense and make a measurable impact on every case you touch, apply today!

About Us

With over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

Work with a greater purpose

Tuition reimbursement

Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families

Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

Three years of investigative experience with law enforcement, government, or military agency

High school diploma or GED

Other Requirements

Demonstrated experience and training as an Accident Investigator/Reconstructionist

Recognition as a court expert in accident investigation/reconstruction as demonstrated through a CV

Applicants must include in their application a list of all investigative experience and assignments as well as a list of all accident investigation, reconstruction, and DUI training courses

Must possess or obtain a valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

Knowledge of law enforcement investigative techniques and government relations as they relate to indigent defense administration

Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas and concepts to others

Ability to assimilate information from a variety of sources, analyze information, and make or recommend courses of investigation

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system

Ability to interact tactfully with clients, their families, attorneys, and other professionals

Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills

Job Contributions

Proactively assist in reviewing vehicle accident, fatality, and DUI cases

Provide expertise in the development of defense strategies and case theories

Conduct field investigations including but not limited to:

Vehicle Inspections

Taking photos

Videotaping

Obtaining witness statements, and

Preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams

Update attorneys regularly on progress of investigations and recommendations for further initiatives or preparation of the case

Review case documents and recommend securing additional background information that may be needed for the case (may need to obtain family histories, alibis, and various in-state/out-of-state public, private, and government records)

Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases which may require in-state and/or out-of-state travel

Interface with criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies, and contacts at other related agencies

Responsible for the use and maintenance of computers and various types of crash software and programs, cameras, video and recording devices, motor vehicles, and other related equipment

Based on Office business needs, may be assigned as an investigator to any of the Office’s units/groups, including but not limited to:

Capital Homicide

Trial

Early Representation

Juvenile in Adult Court, and/or

Vehicular

Conduct computer inquiries and extensive record searches and maintain records and documentation

Working Conditions

Hybrid or alternative work schedule options are available after training based on business needs

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight

Work in dangerous environments such as local roads, highways/freeways, intersections, and around unsafe vehicles

High volume of work with an emphasis on accuracy

Viewing and reviewing traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

Assigned multiple cases and tasks with frequent changes and interruptions

Work alone at times and in close proximity to other investigators and defense teams

Contact with the public, crime scenes, and criminal defendants are frequent occurrences

May be required to lift 20 pounds floor to waist, 25 pounds waist to shoulder, 10 pounds shoulder to overhead, carry 25 pounds a distance of 1000 feet, and push/pull 50 pounds a distance of 1000 feet

Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!