Jobs › Marathon County

Reserve Deputy - DA Investigator 20 hours/week

Marathon County · Wausau, WI · Part time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Marathon County

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You'd support both the safety of the District Attorney's Office and the preparation of criminal cases. Which part of that interests you most, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they understand both halves of the role and are ready to do each well.

Are you currently certified by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, and tell me about your law enforcement background?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the certification requirement and have field experience relevant to investigations.

Tell me about a time you had to work without direct supervision and make an important call.

What they are checking: Whether they use sound independent judgment, which the posting says is needed in emergencies.

What would you do

A prosecutor asks you to locate a witness who has moved and won't return calls. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they are resourceful and use lawful, ethical methods to find and contact witnesses.

While you're working on a case, you find evidence that may help the defense. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the duty to disclose exculpatory evidence, which protects the integrity of prosecutions.

An upset person in the DA's office lobby becomes aggressive toward staff. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can de-escalate and keep the office safe with the least force needed.

You'll take direction from the District Attorney while following Sheriff's Office rules. How would you handle a conflict between the two?

What they are checking: Whether they can work within two lines of authority and raise conflicts through proper channels.

This is a 20 hour, weekday position without benefits. How does that fit your situation?

What they are checking: Whether the part-time schedule is a good long-term fit, which affects how long they will stay.

About the work

How would you prepare a case file so a prosecutor can rely on it at trial?

What they are checking: Whether they understand evidence organization, chain of custody and clear reports that hold up in court.

How do you interview a reluctant victim or witness so they feel safe enough to talk?

What they are checking: Whether they can build trust with victims, which affects whether cases go forward.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Marathon County from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Marathon County.

Job Posting End Date: Worker Sub-Type: Casual Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20 POSITION SUMMARY: Join the Marathon County Sheriff's Office as a Reserve Deputy - DA Investigator and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the District Attorney’s Office while contributing to the preparation of criminal cases. This is a part-time, 20 hour/week position, that is not eligible for benefits. Hours of work will be scheduled Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Candidates must be certified law enforcement officers in the State of Wisconsin or become a certified officer and maintain the requirements of that certification as governed by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board under SS165.85, Wis. Stats. The investigator will be authorized to carry a firearm upon successful firearms qualifications and approval by the Sheriff or his/her designee. The Reserve Deputy - DA Investigator will take direction from the District Attorney in accordance with Sheriff Office rules, regulations, and policies. Some initiative and independent judgment is exercised in performing work assignments, although unusual problems may be referred to a supervisor for advice on procedural or policy matters. Employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in emergency situations. Primary responsibilities of the investigator provides security for attorneys, victims, victim advocates, and witnesses; provide office and courtroom security; escort attorneys, victims, advocates, and witnesses to and from trial; participates and documents attorney interviews/trial preparation; assist the prosecutorial staff in the preparation of criminal cases that occur in Marathon County; conduct formal investigations as directed by the District Attorney; assist law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis; conduct criminal follow-up after local law enforcement has referred a case. The Reserve Deputy - DA Investigator is expected to complete various duties assigned by the Sheriff's Office, including functions such as completing background investigations or other law enforcement duties or assignments. QUALIFICATIONS: • Possess a current State of Wisconsin sworn law officer certification; OR will meet the minimum qualifications to be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer as defined by Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB). • Possess a valid driver's license and driving record that meets Sheriff's Office standards. • Applicants must not have been convicted of any federal felony or of any offense which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon. • Applicants must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon. • Must be of good character to withstand an extensive background investigation. May have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Refer to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department Exposure Control Plan for more specific information. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: • Provides security for district attorney staff, victims, victim advocates, and witnesses. • Maintains order and provides security services in courtrooms and other areas of the Courthouse. • Testify in court as needed. • Sign criminal complaints. • Answer phones and assist the public. • Prepare legal reports and documents. • Prepare files. • Prepare criminal histories(E-time). • Collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and community partners. • Participate in the interview of victims and witnesses of crimes. • Perform routine administrative and clerical work as directed by district attorney staff. • Skill in the use of computer software programs, functions, and operations. • Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future. • Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork. Knowledge of: • Federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to investigations. • Approved principles and practices of law enforcement work and of applicable laws and ordinances. • Modern investigative techniques and procedures. • Criminal laws, including laws of arrest, search and seizure, judicial process, rules of evidence, probable cause, admissibility in court, and witness statements. • Laws relating to subpoenas and the legal processes. • Investigative tools and databases. • Maintains regular and predictable attendance. • Performs related work as required. Skills/Abilities: • Assemble and evaluate facts to make sound recommendations. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as with other agencies and the public. • Exercise sound judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and recommendations. • Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of initiative, maturity, integrity, loyalty, accountability, creativity, and good judgment. • Interview victims and witnesses. • Understand, interprets, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. • Prepare, review, and evaluate comprehensive investigative reports. • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. • Handle confidential and sensitive matters discreetly and effectively. • Effectively multi-task to consistently meet changing and challenging deadlines. COMPENSATION: Starting hourly rate $24.08. No benefits are provided for this casual part-time position. SELECTION PROCEDURE: ​Candidates moving forward in the selection process will undergo an extensive background/criminal investigation : verification of education and certification, verification of employment record, background/criminal check and a driving record check. Candidates offered employment will be required to submit to and pass the post-offer assessments : physical and back exam, drug screen, fingerprinting, and a psychological assessment that are paid for by Marathon County. Special Accommodations: Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline. Notice to Applicants: Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law

Apply at Marathon County