Background Investigator - Variable Hour

City of Aurora; United States; On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Aurora is seeking a Background Investigator to perform pre-employment background investigations for several city departments, including Aurora911, the Fire Department, and the Police Department. The role includes CVSA interviews, data verification, document review, and preparing written summaries of findings to support hiring decisions.

The position requires two years of related experience, CVSA certification eligibility, a valid Colorado driver’s license, and strong interpersonal

Qualifications

• Two years working in a governmental or contract investigative agency performing pre-employment public safety background investigations.
• Eligible to obtain an OSN through the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.
• CVSA certification required.
• Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough and complete background investigations according to department and City HR policies.
• Reviews applications and directs applicants to provide additional information as needed.
• Obtains proper information release documents and conducts interviews of applicants and references.
• Gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Attention to detail

Crisis communications

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CVSA

Microsoft Office

Windows OS

Job description

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Salary to be commensurate with experience The hiring rate for this position is $33.74/hour This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), This position is an on call position where you would work anywhere from 0 - 40 hours a week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

Background Investigator conduct pre-employment background investigations on Detentions/Courts, Aurora911, Aurora Fire Department, and Aurora Police Department candidates to determine suitability of employment; and perform other related work as required. Additional duties will include CVSA interviews/investigations.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts thorough and complete background investigations according to department and City Human Resources policies, applicable laws, and procedural requirements. Reviews applications/personal history statements (and other documents, as required to determine suitability) for completeness and directs applicants to provide additional information if needed. Obtains proper information release documents. Contacts and conduct investigative interviews of applicants, candidate personal references, and candidate employment references. Develops and pursue lines of inquiry. Gathers, verifies, and analyzes personal, professional, credit/financial, and educational documents. Contacts other agencies, governments, and professional organizations to obtain and verify information. Researches, obtains, and reviews data from various databases and information systems to verify information and/or check for inconsistencies related to applicant information. Prepare letters, reports, and written summary of findings. Analyzes investigation results and draws logical and objective conclusions. Responds to requests for information. Assists outside agencies when appropriately requested to provide background information regarding previous applicant background investigation. Answers applicant questions Refers requests, or questions to managers, as appropriate. Attends training sessions, seminars, and conferences. Trains and advise others as required. May be required to travel to interview sources and verify information. Performs other related duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: High School diploma, GED, or equivalent Experience: Two years working in a governmental or contract investigative agency performing pre-employment public safety background investigations. Licenses and Certifications Required: You must be eligible to obtain an OSN through the Colorado Bureau of Investigations. You must be eligible to obtain a CVSA certification. Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications: Law Enforcement experience Law Enforcement and investigative databases Microsoft Office CVSA Certified Knowledge: Principles and practices of investigation and research, including interviewing techniques, conflict management, and methods and techniques of negotiation. Electronic information systems to access data. Principles of identification, report writing and techniques. Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting. Research techniques, statistical analysis, and data collection. Basic computer and modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations. Relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to the legal requirements of background investigations and hiring practices of applicants. Skills: Strong interpersonal skills Skill in the use of Microsoft Windows-based programs Strong customer service skills Skills in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking and media relations Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors Work within stringent deadlines. Organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks to complete work. Abilities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials. Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce. Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner. Effectively evaluate suitability of an applicant and prepare sound verification for recommendations based on research and analysis. Demonstrate sensitivity of diverse cultures and individuals. Exercise good judgment in safeguarding confidential and sensitive information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of an emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Sedentary physical work that involves moving no more than 10 pounds at a time Constant decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking. Frequent repetitive motion Frequent sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time. Frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person. Occasional driving Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work. Occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision. Occasional reaching; grasping; frequent repetitive motion; writing. Occasional lifting, carrying Occasional pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, and climbing Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents Frequent hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard and vehicle Work Environment: Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions Equipment Used: Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment This position requires the use of law enforcement and public databases The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24. For Veterans preference: The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

WHY WORK FOR AURORA?

Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces

WHY WORK FOR AURORA?

Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community Growing city and employee population Competitive total compensation package Rich benefits package with low employee costs Generous paid leave program 100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs Continued education and career advancement opportunities Learn more about city of Aurora benefits

COMPANY CULTURE

Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity Respect Professionalism Customer Service And we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The city shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the city shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy.

The city of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The city of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.