Background Investigator – Full-Time

Boulder County; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation at hire

Medical leave accruals each month

Job summary

Boulder County Sheriff's Office is seeking a full-time Background Investigator to conduct comprehensive pre-employment investigations for sworn and civilian applicants. You will review applications, conduct interviews, verify information, and prepare detailed reports while maintaining confidentiality and meeting timelines.

The role requires strong investigative skills, integrity, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Possession of a Peace Officer POST Certificate in good standing (not necessarily current).
• Minimum of four years investigative experience in law enforcement or related field; or two years of pre-employment background investigations experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for sworn and civilian applicants.
• Review applications, personal history statements, employment records, criminal histories, financial information, military records, and other documents.
• Conduct investigative interviews with applicants, employers, supervisors, coworkers, references, and others.
• Identify discrepancies and conduct follow-up investigations as needed.
• Utilize databases and public records to verify information.
• Prepare thorough written reports documenting findings and concerns.
• Communicate findings to Personnel and Training staff and command personnel.
• Independently manage multiple investigations and meet timelines while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate investigative files per policy and law.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

POST certificate in good standing

Tools

Law enforcement databases

Public records

Job description

Boulder County Sheriff's Office

Background Investigator- Full Time

2027 Hiring Range:

$4,712 - $5,749 Monthly

$56,544 - $68,988 Annually

2027 Salary Range:

$4,712 - $6,786 Monthly

$56,544 - $81,432 Annually

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office is seeking an experienced, self-motivated individual to serve as a full-time Background Investigator within the Personnel and Training Unit. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for sworn and civilian applicants seeking employment with the Sheriff's Office.

The Background Investigator evaluates applicants' qualifications, character, employment history, and overall suitability for employment. The position requires strong investigative skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage multiple investigations. The successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information and communicating with applicants, references, and other agencies.

New employees receive an 80-hour bank of vacation at the time of hire, in addition to 8 hours of both vacation and medical leave accruals each month.

Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

Boulder County is a family-friendly workplace dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

1. Conducts comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for sworn and civilian applicants.
2. Reviews applications, personal history statements, employment records, criminal histories, financial information, military records, and other relevant documentation.
3. Conducts investigative interviews with applicants, employers, supervisors, coworkers, references, and other individuals.
4. Identifies discrepancies, inconsistencies, or areas of concern and conducts appropriate follow-up investigations.
5. Utilizes law enforcement databases, public records, and other authorized investigative resources to verify information.
6. Prepare thorough, accurate, and professional written reports documenting investigative findings and potential areas of concern.
7. Communicates investigative findings to Personnel and Training staff and command personnel.
8. Independently manages multiple investigations while meeting established timelines and maintaining confidentiality.
9. Maintain accurate investigative files and records in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Currently or previously held a Peace Officer (POST) Certificate in good standing (does not have to be current).
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional investigative experience in law enforcement, criminal investigations, personnel investigations, or a closely related field; or a minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for a law enforcement, government, or public safety agency.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct investigative interviews, evaluate information, and prepare detailed written reports.
• Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screening processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior sworn law enforcement experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience involving criminal investigations, background investigations, internal investigations, or law enforcement hiring and selection processes. Additional consideration will be given to applicants with formal background investigator training, and experience conducting comprehensive public safety employment investigations.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position primarily operates in an office environment and requires extensive computer use, report writing, telephone communications, and interviews. Occasional travel and schedule flexibility may be necessary to complete investigative assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable Sheriff's Office hiring requirements, which may include a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, drug screening, and other required assessments.