Background Investigator (Temporary Program Analyst)

County of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Luis Obispo's Sheriff’s Office seeks a dedicated Background Investigator to support the hiring process by thoroughly vetting applicants and maintaining strict confidentiality. This civilian role emphasizes accuracy, sound judgment, and adherence to POST regulations while conducting field investigations, interviews, and verification of qualifications for both sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Flexibility with scheduling, potential evening work, and occasional travel are included as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, public policy, or closely related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience performing work related to program administration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough background investigations for employment with the Sheriff’s Office.
• Verify minimum qualifications and identify inconsistencies or falsifications.
• Ensure compliance with POST regulations and guidelines.
• Perform field investigations and interviews with references and law enforcement.
• Coordinate pre-employment Live Scan fingerprinting.
• Review related court, police, and governmental records.
• Prepare clear, concise investigative reports and correspondence.
• Maintain confidential background records and stay current on applicable laws.

Skills

Background investigations

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Report writing

Communication

Interviews

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration

Two years of progressively responsible experience in program administration

Tools

Live Scan fingerprinting

Job description

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Background Investigator to join our team. This civilian role is essential in upholding the integrity and security of our organization by thoroughly vetting applicants. If you excel at analysis, pay close attention to accuracy, and maintain strict confidentiality, we encourage you to apply and help support our high standards of trust and compliance.

This position is well suited for individuals with sound judgment and a strong commitment to supporting the law enforcement hiring process.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

Reporting Schedule

• Up to 960 hours per fiscal year
• Flexible scheduling based on departmental needs
• May include evening work and occasional travel
• Well-suited for individuals seeking part-time work and involvement in the law enforcement profession
• This position is hourly and will not be eligible for retirement or county health benefits

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough background investigations for employment with the Sheriff’s Office, identifying inconsistencies, omissions, falsifications, and verifying minimum qualifications.
• Ensure compliance with California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) regulations and guidelines.
• Conduct background investigations for sworn and non-sworn personnel.
• Perform field investigations and interviews with former employers, coworkers, neighbors, personal references, and law enforcement officials.
• Collect and verify information through telephone, email correspondence, and in-person interviews.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive investigative reports and correspondence.
• Coordinate pre-employment Live Scan fingerprinting.
• Review court, police, public, and governmental records relevant to background investigations.
• Maintain organized and confidential background investigation records.
• Stay current on applicable federal, state, and local laws related to background investigations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, maintained throughout employment.
• POST Background Investigator Training Certificate preferred.

Knowledge of

• Modern law enforcement principles, practices, and investigative procedures.
• POST selection standards and guidelines.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Research methods, investigative techniques, and sources of background information.
• Techniques for discreetly obtaining sensitive information.Report writing, business correspondence, and recordkeeping practices.
• Customer service principles and effective public interaction.
• English language usage, grammar, spelling, and composition.
• Modern office equipment, computer systems, and software applications relevant to investigative work.

Ability to

• Conduct comprehensive background investigations with accuracy and objectivity.
• Analyze, compare, and interpret information to identify discrepancies and draw logical conclusions.
• Gather, evaluate, and synthesize facts and evidence.
• Apply laws, policies, regulations, and standards relevant to background investigations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-organized reports.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times.
• Approach investigations neutrally and report findings objectively.
• Work independently, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems and modern business tools.
• Communicate professionally and clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, applicants, and external contacts.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration, business administration, public policy, or a closely related field. In addition, two years of progressively responsible experience performing work related to program administration.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Confidential inquiries are welcome.