Surveillance Investigator

APEX Investigation; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

FSA

Simple IRA Plan

Job summary

APEX Investigation in California is seeking a Surveillance Investigator to conduct stationary and mobile surveillance, gather critical intelligence, and prepare thorough reports for clients.

You’ll work in the field with a discreet vehicle, maintain professionalism, and meet court standards while delivering timely, actionable findings.

Qualifications

• Ownership or access to a discreet, reliable vehicle.
• Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and overnight travel as needed.
• Ability to work an average of 40-50 hours per week, starting as early as 5:00-7:00 AM.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Strong and confident driving skills.
• A valid credit card for reimbursable travel and gas expenses.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Proficiency in using a Windows laptop with the latest operating system.

Responsibilities

• Perform discreet stationary and mobile surveillance using your own nondescript vehicle.
• Capture high-quality video footage in line with court evidence standards.
• Submit accurate, detailed, and timely case reports using our online case management system.
• Analyze case details to define objectives and verify crucial information such as addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle descriptions.
• Maintain constant communication with management for real-time updates on investigations.

Skills

Vehicle ownership

Driver's license

Discreet surveillance

Flexible availability

Attention to detail

Education

Criminal Justice degree

Tools

Windows laptop

Job description

Actively interviewing now — immediate openings available.

Signing bonus — paid after successful completion of the 90-day introductory period. Full details shared during the offer stage.

About Us

APEX Investigation is a trusted leader in Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, Liability, and Human Resource Investigations. For over 40 years, APEX has stood firm in its dedication to reducing insurance risks and combating fraudulent claims. Our commitment to delivering fast, high-quality, and reliable investigations has made us the partner of choice for our clients. APEX Investigation’s mission is to build lasting relationships through trust, integrity and quality investigations. The APEX team lives out that mission by providing constant communication, results you can use, delivered fast at a fair price.

The Role

We are seeking a Surveillance Investigator to join our dynamic team. In this role, you’ll conduct stationary and mobile surveillance, gather critical intelligence, and produce detailed reports that help clients make informed decisions. Every day offers new challenges and opportunities to showcase your investigative expertise and problem-solving skills.

Compensation and Earnings

• Hourly Rate: $22 - $28
• Target Annual Earnings: $60,000 – $74,000
• Monthly Performance Bonuses: Up to $300/month ($3,600/year)
• Mileage Reimbursement: $0.705/mile (IRS rate)
• Paid Travel Time

Earnings vary based on individual performance and market conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform discreet stationary and mobile surveillance using your own nondescript vehicle
• Capture high-quality video footage in line with court evidence standards
• Submit accurate, detailed, and timely case reports using our online case management system
• Analyze case details to define objectives and verify crucial information such as addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle descriptions
• Maintain constant communication with management for real-time updates on investigations

Day in The Life of a PI

Here’s what a typical day actually looks like — no two are the same, but this gives you a feel for the work.

• Conducting discreet surveillance by monitoring, following, and capturing video footage of subjects as they go about their daily activities
• Engaging in both vehicle and foot surveillance while maintaining cover and situational awareness
• Observing and documenting a variety of activities, from routine errands like grocery shopping to dynamic environments such as the gym, sporting events, or the movies
• Developing effective pre-surveillance strategies tailored to the location and specific case details
• Preparing detailed, accurate reports on all observed activities and submitting high-quality video evidence to support findings
• Maintaining consistent communication with your team leader to update on activity and adjust strategies as needed
• Check out this video to learn more: Day in The Life of a PI

What You’ll Need to Apply

Required

• Ownership or access to a discreet, reliable vehicle (see vehicle guidelines below)
• Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and overnight travel as needed
• Ability to work an average of 40-50 hours per week, starting as early as 5:00-7:00 AM
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong and confident driving skills
• A valid credit card for reimbursable travel and gas expenses
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check
• Proficiency in using a Windows laptop with the latest operating system

Preferred

• Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and/or experience in Loss Prevention
• Bonus: Bilingual (Spanish) or military veteran experience

Surveillance Vehicle Guidelines

• To ensure your vehicle blends into its surroundings, it must meet the following criteria:
• Nondescript, neutral colors (e.g., earth tones); prohibited colors include red, yellow, orange, and maroon
• No convertibles, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, or vehicles with loud exhaust, aftermarket wheels, or personalized license plates
• Approved window tinting must comply with state law
• Vehicle must be in safe, reliable condition and regularly maintained by the investigator.

Why APEX

• Work independently — no office, no micromanaging. You run your own day in the field.
• Get paid to travel — mileage and travel time are both compensated. California is your office.
• Earn your PI license — every hour in the field counts toward your California Private Investigator License.
• Real mentorship — you’ll have an experienced manager in your corner, not just a supervisor checking boxes.
• A team that has your back — field investigators who know the work and support each other.
• Competitive pay that grows — performance bonuses reward results, not just showing up.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• PTO
• FSA
• Simple IRA Plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, creed, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, Vietnam era Veteran’s status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.

After making a conditional offer of employment, the company will conduct a job-related background check. A comprehensive background check may consist of prior employment verification, motor vehicle records, professional reference checks, education confirmation and/ or criminal record and credit checks. Third-party services will be hired to perform these checks. Employer will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the ordinance.

After an offer is made and accepted, the employer will comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act I-9 requirements to establish your identity and employment eligibility.