Criminal Field Researcher

InformData; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

InformData is seeking a Criminal Field Researcher in the United States to research public records and determine criminal or civil histories of applicants. The role supports clients in verifying identities and making informed decisions with reliable background checks.

You will build relationships with court personnel, perform targeted searches, and accurately enter results into proprietary systems, marking results as clear or recording findings per client instructions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.
• Reliable transportation, computer, and high-speed internet.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive relationships with court personnel and the public.
• Research using public records indexes to retrieve information.
• Enter results into systems, marking as 'clear' or recording findings per instructions.
• Communicate with Supervisor about holidays, closures, or delays.
• Provide timely updates to Supervisor on issues affecting operations.
• Adhere to quality and turnaround time standards.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary

As a Criminal Field Researcher, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our clients by researching public records to determine whether an applicant has a criminal and/or civil record. Your work will assist clients in validating the identity of individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions. The integrity and quality of the information you provide will directly contribute to building trust and maintaining safety within our communities. You’ll be part of a team that is committed to excellence and helping our clients stay safe by delivering reliable and accurate background checks.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with court personnel and members of the public.
• Perform research using public records indexes to retrieve relevant information.
• Accurately enter results into proprietary systems, marking them as “clear” (no information found) or recording information found in the court's primary index according to client instructions.
• Proactively communicate with the Supervisor regarding court holidays, closures, or delays, ensuring timely updates to InformData.
• Provide timely updates to the Supervisor on any issues that could impact business operations or customer commitments.
• Notify the Supervisor about courthouse structure updates, changes in processes, or fee adjustments.
• Serve as a back‑up for other Field Researchers within the designated area as needed.
• Adhere to InformData’s Quality and Turnaround Time (TAT) standards.
• Report any quality concerns or trending issues to the Supervisor promptly.
• Support the ordering and completion of court copy requests.
• Conduct searches in surrounding areas or through online research when assigned.
• Eligible employees may have the opportunity to participate in a performance‑based incentive program, which may provide additional compensation based on program terms and individual or team performance.

Please note that this job description is meant to give a basic understanding of the position and does not cover every part of the job duties and requirements. InformData reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Accountability

• Maintain expertise in background screening processes.
• Develop a thorough understanding of all InformData operational workflows.
• Assist in achieving and maintaining accuracy metrics, including:
  • Accuracy/DPMO
  • Time Service (variable and specific)
  • Productivity
  • Turnaround Time (TAT)
  • On‑Time Delivery

Qualifications

• Possess a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Proficient in computer software, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Type at a minimum speed of 35 words per minute.
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Have daily access to reliable transportation, a computer, and high‑speed internet.
• Successfully complete all required introductory training.
• Be available to work during normal courthouse hours and willing to work overtime with prior notice.
• Excel at multi‑tasking, time management, and maintaining detail‑oriented processes.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check.

Working Conditions

• This position requires the incumbent to work indoors at a desk for extended periods of time and use of workstation.
• Some courthouse locations may require field researchers to stand for long periods of time.
• The person must be able to comprehend and follow work instructions in a fast‑paced, team environment.
• This position requires the ability to interact with all levels within the organization and requires the ability to respond professionally to all individuals and work well as a team player.
• This position may be required to work overtime on occasion to meet company objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to occasionally move about the office to access office equipment, etc.
• Must be able to constantly operate office equipment such as a keyboard, phone, computer, copier, fax machine and printer, etc.
• Must be able to frequently communicate with and listen to other InformData employees and vendors.
• Must be able to occasionally move, bend, lift, push, pull and carry no more than 20 pounds.
• Must be able to view multiple monitors for extended periods of time and visually determine accuracy, details and transcribe date in close proximity of computer software.

The essential functions of the job may or may not have been described fully in this job description. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of InformData to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship.

This role is open only to candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, either now or in the future.

InformData is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.