Background Investigator

Jobtailor

Santa Maria (CA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 110,000

Full time

5 days ago
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Job summary

Jobtailor in Santa Maria, CA seeks an Investigator to complete a 6–7 week training and become certified in Federal Investigative Standards. You will conduct daily travel for in-person federal background investigations and assess employment suitability for roles requiring access to sensitive or classified information.

Responsibilities include interviewing subjects and stakeholders, performing record searches, and reporting findings using a government-issued system.

Qualifications

  • 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience conducting federal background investigations preferred
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance
  • Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication preferred
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Must reside within 30 miles of Santa Maria city center
  • Daily local travel and travel outside the primary work area as needed
  • Temporary Duty Assignments/remote travel of 14–30 days away from home per TDY may be required
  • Home office required
  • Valid driver’s license and full-time use of reliable transportation
  • Sufficient motor vehicle insurance
  • Accurate and efficient typing capabilities; 40+ WPM recommended
  • Ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
  • Ability to speak for extended periods and hear sufficiently for in-person and telephone communication
  • Ability to record, read, and transcribe words and numbers accurately
  • Proficient grammar and writing skills
  • Professional interaction, attendance, punctuality, attention to detail, confidentiality, ethics, and integrity
  • Professional attire required
  • Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, stand for long periods, and drive in adverse or night conditions
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment under remote supervision
  • Organizational, scheduling, prioritization, writing, and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Conduct daily travel for in-person federal background investigations
  • Determine employment suitability of individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified information
  • Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, friends, and family
  • 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

Skills

Federal background investigations
Typing 40+ WPM
Attention to detail
Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Government-Issued Computer System

Job description

  • Complete full-time, 6–7 week new Investigator training to become certified in the Federal Investigative Standards
  • Conduct daily travel for in-person federal background investigations
  • Determine employment suitability of individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
  • Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, friends, and family
  • 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
Requirements
  • 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree
  • Experience conducting federal background investigations preferred
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance
  • Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication preferred
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Must reside within 30 miles of Santa Maria city center
  • Daily local travel and travel outside the primary work area as needed
  • Temporary Duty Assignments/remote travel of 14–30 days away from home per TDY may be requireded
  • Home office required
  • Valid driver’s license and full-time use of reliable transportation
  • Sufficient motor vehicle insurance
  • Accurate and efficient typing capabilities; 40+ WPM recommended
  • Ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
  • Ability to speak for extended periods and hear sufficiently for in-person and telephone communication
  • Ability to record, read, and transcribe words and numbers accurately
  • Proficient grammar and writing skills
  • Professional interaction, attendance, punctuality, attention to detail, confidentiality, ethics, and integrity
  • Professional attire required
  • Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, stand for long periods, and drive in adverse or night conditions
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment under remote supervision
  • Organizational, scheduling, prioritization, writing, and communication skills
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in conducting federal background investigations, including interviewing and record searches, while maintaining confidentiality and integrity. Proficient in typing, writing, and using multiple computer programs to report findings clearly and accurately.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Federal Background Investigations
  • Top Secret Eligible Clearance
  • Typing Capabilities (40+ WPM)
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Organizational Skills
Hard Skills
  • Record Searches
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Writing Skills
  • Typing Skills
  • Data Reporting
Soft Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Professional Interaction
  • Communication Skills
  • Punctuality
  • Ethics and Integrity
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Federal Investigative Standards Certification
Industry Keywords
  • Federal Background Investigations
  • Employment Suitability
  • Sensitive Information
  • Temporary Duty Assignments
  • Remote Supervision
Tools & Technologies
  • Government-Issued Computer System
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