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Background Investigator Opm Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For more information on background investigations for Federal jobs please visit OPM Investigations. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former ...

U.S. Coast Guard

Marine Investigator

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$101K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background ... The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former ...

U.S. Coast Guard

Marine Investigator

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$101K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background ... The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former ...

US Navy

Security Specialist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Uses Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and/or contacts the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine if an applicable Background Investigation is on file and if so, orders report ...

U.S. Marine Corps

Security Specialist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Uses Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and/or contacts the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine if an applicable Background Investigation is on file and if so, orders report ...

Augmentation

Be Seen First

Adjudicator - Remote

Washington, DC · Remote

$48 - $53/hr

OPM). and/or HHS headquarters. * Track action status within the DPSAC case management system of ... Possess a favorably adjudicated background investigation at a Tier 4 level or higher.

Augmentation

Be Seen First

Adjudicator - Remote

Washington, DC · Remote

$48 - $53/hr

OPM). and/or HHS headquarters. * Track action status within the DPSAC case management system of ... Possess a favorably adjudicated background investigation at a Tier 4 level or higher.

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Background Investigator Opm information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do background investigator opm jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for background investigator opm in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a federal background investigator?

To become a federal background investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must pass a background check themselves. Applying through USAJOBS for positions with agencies like the Office of Personnel Management or the FBI is common, and candidates often need strong research, interviewing, and report-writing skills. Additional training and security clearance are required after hiring.

What does a background investigator OPM do?

A typical day for a Background Investigator OPM involves conducting interviews with subjects, references, and employers; collecting and reviewing documentation; and compiling detailed reports for adjudication. Investigators regularly communicate with various individuals, both in person and by phone, to verify facts and clarify discrepancies. You may spend part of your time visiting field locations or performing research from an office setting, depending on assignment requirements. The work is largely independent but involves close collaboration with supervisors and support staff to ensure that investigations comply with OPM standards and deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background investigator OPM?

To thrive as a Background Investigator OPM, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and apply federal security guidelines, often backed by relevant experience or a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with investigative databases, case management systems, and compliance with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) protocols is essential. Excellent communication, interviewing, and organization skills help you gather comprehensive information and manage multiple cases efficiently. These abilities are critical for ensuring thorough, accurate background checks that uphold national security and personnel standards.

What is a background investigator OPM?

A Background Investigator for OPM (Office of Personnel Management) conducts security clearance investigations for individuals seeking employment with the federal government or its contractors. They gather information by conducting interviews, reviewing records, and compiling detailed reports on candidates' backgrounds. Their work helps determine whether individuals meet the necessary security and suitability requirements for government positions. Background Investigators must follow strict federal guidelines and maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

Is it hard to become a background investigator opm?

Becoming a Background Investigator for OPM typically requires a background check, relevant experience in investigations or security, and sometimes a security clearance. The process involves applying through federal job portals, passing assessments, and completing training, making it moderately competitive but achievable with proper qualifications.
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What states have the most Background Investigator Opm jobs?

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Background Investigator Opm jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Investigator Opm job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Background Investigator- NATIONWIDE

Potomac Management Solutions

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

We're seeking experienced Background Investigators to join our growing professional team NATIONWIDE area as contract Investigators. Investigators will support national security and suitability investigations, focusing on performing background investigations on behalf of government clients. Potomac Management offers industry-leading reimbursement rates for Background Investigations and supporting casework. We value our Investigators and what they bring to our organization and the mission objectives they help to accomplish.
What makes Potomac Management different?
  • Can actually provide casework to IC Investigators!
  • As an Independent Contractor, the schedule is yours to make. Do as little or as much as you are looking to fill your schedule with.
  • We do NOT put restrictions and anti-compete clauses in our contracts. We believe you will work for Potomac Management out of choice. You don't have to worry about language within your contracts that prevent you from seeking and advancing your compensation and career elsewhere. Whether during or after working for us, you are not obligated to not work for others, nor limited on your ability to obtain casework with other companies. We are that confident that you can achieve your casework goals with our organization.
  • Consistent and readily accessible ongoing mentoring and training. Even as an experienced contract field investigator, we are here to support you. When you succeed, we succeed. We value our Investigators and want to provide the resources needed to be successful. Have in-person help when you need it, not just weekly conference calls with little substance or value.
  • With Potomac Management, you're not just another production unit. We get to know you personally and provide that personal feedback.

Minimum Qualifications for Background Investigator:
  • Must have completed an approved OPM/National Training Standards (NTS) investigator program.
  • Must have at least 2 years of experience performing background investigations for FEDERAL (we recommend at least 3 years of full-time experience working as a field Background Investigator to be successful as an Independent Contractor).
  • Must have worked on FEDERAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR contract .
  • Must be at least 18 yrs of age and a US Citizen.
  • Must have an Active TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
  • Ability to work remotely and travel with a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and clean driving record.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent (relevant years of experience).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to build rapport with new people.
  • Personal computer and business solutions software skills.
  • Ability to synthesize information, identify key findings and determine conclusions.
  • Ability to identify, understand and apply federal/state/local regulations/laws regarding investigations.

Essential Functions of Background Investigator:
  • Conduct interviews, retrieve records, conduct research, and prepare reports of investigation in compliance with federal standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations.
  • Conduct face-to-face interviews with the applicant, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and associates.
  • Complete record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, mental health, financial and educational institutions.
  • Compile information in a clear, concise report that helps determine employment suitability and security clearance eligibility via a standardized reporting format (in accordance with investigative standards).
  • Meet quality, timeliness, and production metrics for all work assigned in a rapid, time-sensitive setting.
  • Interact with team leader and case review officers to ensure thoroughness of investigations.
  • Additional duties or specific tasks may be assigned and functions may be modified, according to the necessity to achieve business objectives.

Experienced Background Investigators who take pride in their work and want to be appreciated for their efforts are encouraged to contact us! From day one, you'll notice the Potomac difference in continuing your career with us. If you fit this description and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume online today. If you do not find interest, but know of someone who may, we kindly ask that you refer the individual by sharing this opportunity.
Potomac Management Solutions, LLC (PMS), specializes in Human Resources/Staffing, Program Operations, Administration, Health Systems Management, and Federal Law Enforcement Services Support. We understand the fundamental components of government management - transforming mission objectives into programs that efficiently support contract operations and deliver government products/services, all within or below the assigned fiduciary allotment. With over 25 years of combined experience, Potomac Management Solutions, an 8(a) Minority, Woman-owned Small Business, brings proven and trusted solutions to agency mission objectives.
In conformity with applicable laws, Potomac Management Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran, a Vietnam Era veteran, a veteran who has served on active duty for which a campaign badge was authorized, or a newly separated veteran.

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