Background Investigator

James City County; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

James City County in Virginia is seeking a part-time Background Investigator to independently conduct background investigations for all civilian and sworn candidates for the Department. This role evaluates personal, financial, and criminal history and supports the applicant screening process.

Responsibilities include interviewing applicants and references, verifying credentials, coordinating polygraph exams, and assisting HR with psychological evaluations and medical screenings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of law enforcement experience required.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and background investigation procedures.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain integrity of records.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background investigations including criminal, driving, credit, military, employment, and education histories.
• Interview applicants, references, former employers, and other sources to assess character and qualifications.
• Verify credentials such as education, military service, and professional certifications.
• Coordinate polygraph examinations and communicate results with the examiner.
• Assist HR with coordinating psychological evaluations and medical/physical screenings.
• Compile investigative files and prepare narrative reports documenting findings.
• Provide objective assessments and recommendations on applicant suitability.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.

Skills

Interviewing

Investigations

Confidentiality

Credentials verification

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or Bachelor's preferred

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for independently conducting background investigations for all civilian and sworn candidates for the Department. This includes evaluation of personal, financial, and criminal history for all law enforcement candidates.

Part-time Position: 25 hours/week
Salary: Starts at $35/hour DOQ

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive background investigations, including reviews of criminal records, driving histories, credit reports, military service, employment, and educational backgrounds.
• Interviews applicants, references, former employers, and other relevant sources to assess the applicant's character, integrity, qualifications, and truthfulness.
• Verifies credentials provided by candidates including education, military discharges, employment history, and professional or legal certifications.
• Coordinates schedules for polygraph examinations and communicates with the polygraph examiner regarding results.
• Assists Human Resources with coordinating psychological evaluations and medical and physical screenings as part of the applicant selection process.
• Compiles comprehensive investigative files and prepares narrative reports documenting investigative findings.
• Provides objective assessments and recommendations regarding applicant's suitability for employment.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises discretion when handling sensitive applicant and investigative information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of law enforcement experience required.
• Knowledge of law enforcement practices, investigative techniques, and background investigation procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain objectivity, and make well-supported recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, employees, outside agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Requires the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain the integrity of investigative records.

James City County is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you need assistance with completing the employment application, please contact the HR Department at 757-253-6680 or email [e-mail].