SO_Background Specialist

Williamson County; Hutto (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Williamson County Sheriff's Office seeks a diligent Background Investigator to join our team in Texas. The position conducts thorough background investigations of civilian and commissioned candidates, interviews multiple sources, and compiles detailed reports using the Guardian Background system.

Responsibilities include records searches, analyzing information against agency standards, identifying inconsistencies, and presenting objective findings.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Three (3) years of investigative, law enforcement, background investigation, compliance, or related experience involving information gathering, interviewing, and report writing.
• Experience with background investigations and exposure to law enforcement standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive background investigations by interviewing employers, coworkers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, family members, and other sources.
• Performs records searches with law enforcement agencies, courts, educational institutions, and medical facilities to gather information.
• Analyzes background information and interview statements against Williamson County Sheriff’s Office standards and policies.
• Identifies inconsistencies and prepares objective summaries of findings.
• Compiles reports of investigation using the Guardian Background system in accordance with agency procedures.
• Prepares clear, concise written investigative reports documenting findings.
• Operates investigative technologies and equipment used in the process.
• Attends required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Performs special duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Report writing

Investigative techniques

Records searches

Analytical thinking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Guardian Background system

Job description

Position will be effective October 1, 2026

Reporting directly to a Sheriff’s Sergeant, responsible for conducting thorough background investigations to evaluate both civilian and commissioned candidates for employment with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

• Conducts comprehensive background investigations by interviewing employers, coworkers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, family members, and other relevant sources, both in person and remotely, traveling as required
• Performs records searches with law enforcement agencies, courts, educational institutions, and medical or health facilities to obtain required investigative information
• Analyzes candidate background information, interview statements, and collected records against established Williamson County Sheriff’s Office standards and policies
• Identifies inconsistencies, omissions, errors, falsifications, or adverse information and prepares objective, detailed summaries of investigative findings
• Compiles and organizes investigative materials into comprehensive Reports of Investigation and Results of Investigation packages using the Guardian Background system, in accordance with agency procedures
• Prepares clear, accurate, and concise written investigative reports documenting all findings
• Operates, implements, and manages investigative technologies and related equipment used throughout the investigative process
• Attends required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to - Sergeant
• Direct Reports - no

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
• Position involves safely operating a motor vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
• Regular travel between work sites as required
• May be required to perform some work outdoors in inclement weather (heat, cold, wet conditions)

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
• May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Three (3) years of investigative, law enforcement, background investigation, compliance, or related professional experience involving information gathering, interviewing, and report writing

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Valid driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience as a background investigator, law enforcement officer, detective, or internal affairs investigator
• Experience conducting pre-employment background investigations for public safety agencies
• Familiarity with law enforcement hiring standards, investigative procedures, and criminal justice record systems

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: Yes
• Physical exam: No
• Psychological exam: No

Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chew, etc.) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (e.g., vapor, e-cigarettes, etc.) is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.