Background Investigator (FT Employee) - Fort Smith, AR

Peraton; Arkansas; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a full-time background investigator to support sensitive government investigations near Fort Smith, AR. The role requires travel to conduct in-person interviews and record checks across designated areas, with reporting on a secure government system.

You will complete rigorous initial training, maintain Top Secret eligibility, and work both independently and as part of a team under remote supervision. Strong writing, grammar, and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree may be considered; experience with federal background investigations preferred
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance; Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication is preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area as needed
• Home office required
• Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY)/remote travel 14–30 days may be required
• Must reside within the mileage requirement posted in job description
• A valid driver’s license and full time usage of reliable transportation are required; Driving is an essential function and MVR may be checked
• Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance
• Accurate and efficient typing capabilities(40+ WPM recommended) and ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
• Must be able to speak for extended periods and communicate clearly
• Proficient grammar and writing skills to submit high quality reports

Responsibilities

• Complete a full-time, 6–7 week new Investigator training to be certified in Federal Investigative Standards
• Daily travel for in-person background investigations to assess employment suitability
• Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, friends and family
• Perform record searches at police, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and health facilities
• Type and report all information in a government system with clarity and conciseness
• Work independently as part of a team with a Field Manager

Skills

Typing 40+ WPM

Strong writing skills

Proficient grammar

Professional communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

4 years of general work experience

Job description

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates with 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree may be considered; candidates with 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 is preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area as needed
• Home office required
• Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY)/remote travel ranging from 14 – 30 days away from home per TDY may be required
• Must reside within the stated mileage requirement posted in job description
• A valid driver's license and full time usage of reliable transportation are required. Driving is an essential function of the job and Motor Vehicle Records may be checked as part of the hiring process or at any time during employment
• Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance
• Accurate and efficient typing capabilities(40+ WPM recommended) and ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
• Must be able to speak for extended periods of time and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and over the phone; record, read and transcribe words and numbers with a high degree of accuracy
• Proficient grammar and writing skills in order to submit high quality reports with minimal or no errors
• Must be able to interact professionally with others, to write for long periods of time, meet expectations for attendance and punctuality, and able to pay attention to details while conducting fieldwork
• Maintain high level of confidentiality ethics and integrity
• Professional attire required
• Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, endure long periods of standing and drive in adverse and/or night conditions

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals and personalities professionally and effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment under remote supervision
• Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
• Proficient writing and communication skills

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

#RDG

Peraton is seeking to fill a critical role for a full-time background investigator near Fort Smith, AR. Applicants must reside within 25 miles of the city center of Fort Smith.

What you’ll do:

The Investigator will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• Successfully complete a full time, 6-7 week new Investigator training both virtually and in person in order to be certified in the Federal Investigative Standards for government background investigations
• Travel daily when conducting in person background investigations for the purpose of determining employment suitability of persons who require access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
• Investigators will schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews throughout their designated area with the subject and their neighbors, employers, friends and family
• Investigators will also perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities
• Investigators are required to type and report all obtained information in a clear and concise report on a government issued computer system
• Working independently while also a member of a team of Investigators and with a Field Manager