Background Investigator

Jobtailor; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is hiring for an in-person background investigator in the Boston area. The role involves interviewing subjects, performing comprehensive record searches, and reporting findings via a government system. Candidates must be able to obtain Top Secret eligibility and have related federal background experience.

Travel locally 15–20% weekly and operate with high integrity, strict confidentiality, and professional conduct. A valid driver's license and reliable vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance; active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication preferred.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• High school diploma minimum.
• Background investigators must complete New Investigator training.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person background investigations to determine employment suitability for individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information.
• Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, and friends.
• Perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities.
• Type and report obtained information clearly and concisely using a government-issued computer system.
• Work independently as part of an investigator team and with a Field Manager.
• Travel locally and outside the primary work area (approx. 15–20% of the work week).
• Maintain confidentiality, ethics, and integrity.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Record searches

Background investigation

Typing skills

Transcription skills

Scheduling

Prioritization

Quality metrics

Federal compliance

Investigative functions

Professional interaction

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Government-Issued Computer System

Job description

Conduct in-person background investigations to determine employment suitability for individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, and friends
Perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities
Type and report obtained information clearly and concisely using a government-issued computer system
Work independently as part of an investigator team and with a Field Manager
Travel locally and outside the primary work area; local travel is approximately 15–20% of the work week
Maintain confidentiality, ethics, and integrity

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance; active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• At minimum, High School diploma
• 1 year of specialized Federal Background Investigative experience within the last five years, with investigator training compliant with National Training Standards
• 3 years of general experience within the last five years, such as military, local, state or federal law enforcement or investigative functions
• Completion of “New Investigator” training
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle
• Sufficient motor vehicle insurance
• Daily local and outside-area travel as needed
• Home office required
• Must reside within 25 miles of Boston city center
• Ability to interact professionally with varied individuals and personalities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate typing and computer skills; 40+ WPM recommended
• Ability to speak for extended periods and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and by phone
• Ability to record, read and transcribe words and numbers accurately
• Demonstrated metrics in quality, timeliness, and production
• Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, stand for long periods, and drive in adverse or night conditions
• Professional attire required

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in conducting background investigations and interviews, maintaining confidentiality and integrity while adhering to federal standards. Proficient in written and verbal communication, with strong organizational and prioritization skills essential for investigative roles.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Top Secret Clearance Eligibility
• Federal Background Investigative Experience
• New Investigator Training Completion
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Intermediate Computer Skills

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Background Investigation
• Record Searches
• Interviewing Skills
• Typing Skills
• Transcription Skills
• Scheduling
• Prioritization
• Quality Metrics
• Federal Compliance
• Investigative Functions

Soft Skills

• Professional Interaction
• Adaptability
• Organizational Skills
• Communication Skills
• Integrity

Certifications & Qualifications

• Top Secret Clearance
• New Investigator Training

Industry Keywords

• Federal Background Investigation
• U.S. Government
• Confidentiality
• Ethics
• Law Enforcement

Tools & Technologies

• Government-Issued Computer System