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Chief Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Security Officer

Fort Wayne, IN

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Prosecutor's Office FLSA Status: Nonexempt Classification/Level: Part-time Date: 2026 Under the direction of the Chief Investigator, the Security Officer is responsible for providing safety to all ...

Investigator (NS)Item# 00157

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$114K - $144K/yr

Under the general direction of the Chief Investigator and Division of Investigations Executive Management, the Investigator directs, supervises, and performs confidential investigations of alleged ...

Part Time Security Officer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Prosecutor's Office FLSA Status: Nonexempt Classification/Level: Part-time Date: 2026 Under the direction of the Chief Investigator, the Security Officer is responsible for providing safety to all ...

Investigator (NS)Item# 00157

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Under the general direction of the Chief Investigator and Division of Investigations Executive Management, the Investigator directs, supervises, and performs confidential investigations of alleged ...

Part Time Security Officer

Fort Wayne, IN

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Security Officer Under the direction of the Chief Investigator, the Security Officer is responsible for providing safety to all staff and visitors in and around the Keystone Building and for ...

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Chief Investigator information

See salary details

$53K

$110.3K

$160.5K

How much do chief investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief investigator in the United States is $110,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Investigator vs Detective?

AspectChief InvestigatorDetective
Required CredentialsTypically requires law enforcement experience, detective certification, and leadership skillsRequires law enforcement experience and investigative training, often with detective certification
Work EnvironmentLeads investigation teams, manages case strategies, and oversees multiple investigationsConducts investigations, gathers evidence, and interviews witnesses
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and government agenciesCommonly employed in police departments, federal agencies, and private security firms

While both roles involve investigations, the Chief Investigator typically holds a leadership position overseeing investigations, whereas a Detective is directly involved in conducting investigations on the ground. The Chief Investigator often has more managerial responsibilities and a broader scope of oversight.

How does a Chief Investigator typically balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on investigative work?

As a Chief Investigator, you will often need to juggle direct oversight of investigations alongside administrative duties such as case management, reporting, and team supervision. While you may occasionally participate in fieldwork or critical interviews, much of your role centers on guiding investigative strategy, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards. Effective delegation, clear communication, and strong organizational skills are essential to maintain this balance. You'll regularly collaborate with other departments, legal counsel, and external agencies to ensure thorough and efficient case resolution.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Investigators in high-level government or private sector roles, such as federal law enforcement or corporate security, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, bonuses, and additional compensation. Executive positions in industries like finance, law, or technology also often offer salaries at this level, especially for those with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.

What is the highest paying investigator job?

The highest paying investigator roles are often senior positions such as private investigators with specialized skills, corporate security investigators, or federal agency investigators like FBI special agents. These roles typically require extensive experience, security clearances, and advanced training, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the level of responsibility and location.

What are Chief Investigators?

Chief Investigators are senior professionals responsible for leading, overseeing, and managing research projects or investigations within an organization or research institution. They ensure that studies are conducted according to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines, coordinate project teams, and are often accountable for the project's overall progress and outcomes. Chief Investigators also manage budgets, communicate findings, and may serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Chief Investigator role can pay around $10,000 per month, especially in private investigation or corporate security fields, often requiring experience, strong analytical skills, and sometimes licensing or certifications. High-paying investigative jobs typically demand specialized knowledge, a good reputation, and the ability to handle complex cases, but they do not always require a formal degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Investigator, you need expertise in research design, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research management software, grant submission systems, and adherence to protocols like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring research integrity, team coordination, and successful project outcomes.

What does a chief investigator do?

A chief investigator oversees investigations within an organization, managing teams, developing strategies, and ensuring thorough and accurate fact-finding. They often coordinate with law enforcement, legal teams, or regulatory agencies and require strong leadership, analytical skills, and knowledge of investigative procedures. The role may involve reviewing evidence, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
More about Chief Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Chief Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Chief Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,332 per year, or $53 per hour.

$81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Division/Unit: Investigation Bureau

Position Title: Senior Rackets Investigator

Civil Service Title: Senior Rackets Investigator

Salary Range: $81,905 - $81,905

Job Description:
The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Senior Rackets Investigator in its Investigation Bureau. In this position, under supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment and initiative, the Senior Investigator is responsible for conducting a wide variety of investigations. This is a sworn police officer position. The candidate must meet all qualifications to be certified as a police officer on the NYS DCJS Police registry. This position requires you to have successfully completed police academy training in New York State, and you are required to pass a mandatory background check to carry a firearm. Please note: we are looking for candidates that have experience investigating all aspects of Cybercrime cases, White collar, Financial Fraud, Long term investigations, Racketeering, and Counter-terrorism investigations. 


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conducting, managing, and updating ongoing criminal investigative caseloads with a focus on, but not limited to, Counterterrorism Debriefing and Intervention Team.
  • Conducting investigations into cyber-crime and terrorism-related activities.
  • Conducting and managing fieldwork, consisting of surveillance, quality assurance checks, and various undercover operations.
  • Reviewing voluminous and complicated facts to ascertain their validity.
  • Preparing extensive and comprehensive narrative reports.
  • Executing search warrants often leads to arrests.
  • Work in an undercover capacity.
  • Collaborate with various law enforcement agencies and outside organizations.
  • Conduct surveillance to obtain and compile intelligence.
  • Manage and monitor, at times, complex and lengthy investigations.
  • Work with and oversee junior investigators when appropriate.
  • Contact and interview witnesses and subjects.
  • Testifying at grand jury, criminal trials, and all other court proceedings.
  • Perform field visits to businesses, communities, and other contacts.
  • Gather information through collateral contacts, financial institutions, and other law enforcement agencies. Use various City databases to perform background and information searches, such as: eJustice, IIS, IFCOM, Webcrims, Google, and various watchdog registries.
  • Working on special projects and tasks as assigned by the Chief Investigator.
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

  • Firearms qualification required.
  • Must possess a valid certificate of completion from a New York State Basic Course for Police Officers academy or must be eligible to attend and successfully complete a Police Officer Refresher course.
  • Must have a valid NYS driver's license.
  • Must pass a medical exam, drug test, psychological screening, and an intensive background check.
  • As per NY Public Officers Law 2, 3-B, U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum of 15 years prior law enforcement or criminal justice experience.
  • Relevant experience in the investigation of domestic and international terrorism activities preferred. Experience liaising and collaborating with various state, federal and international law enforcement organizations preferred.
  • Experience in working with victims and witnesses of domestic violence, hate crimes and special victims' cases.
  • Ability to conduct confidential and sensitive investigations.
  • Experience as an investigator evaluating credit worthiness.
  • Performing investigations involving the research, compilation, and/or location of evidence or information to build a case or uncover activities of a criminal, corrupt, unlawful, or unethical nature.
  • Proficiency in the use of wiretap equipment, GPS tracking devices, video and audio surveillance transmitting, and recording devices preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple short-term projects.
  • Ability to follow directions and apply proper policies, procedures, and guidelines. 
  • Strong attention to detail and high concern for data accuracy. 
  • Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
  • Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to multitask.
  • Ability to interact with all levels of staff and other law enforcement agencies.
  • Detective Squad or O.C.I.D. or Task Force Officer, with a minimum of 1- 2 years experience in that special investigative assignment.
  • Flexibility for domestic or overseas travel. 
  • Have and maintain a U.S. Passport.

How to Apply:

  • Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume. 

Hours/Shift:

  • Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
  • Ability to work flexible hours.

How to Apply:

  • Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume. 

Additional 

  • Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
  • Looking for candidates that could commit to three (3) years to the hiring Unit.
  • Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

  1. Graduation from high school or its equivalent and three years of full-time, paid experience in police enforcement or investigative work, one year of which must have been in rackets or police investigative work.
  2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1". However, all candidates are required to have one year of full-time, paid experience in rackets or police investigative work.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

  • As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/. 

Residency Requirement:

  • City Residency is not required for this position. 

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The New York County District Attorney's Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office's Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office's matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law.  These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.
The Professional Staff Recruitment Team at DANY supports the Office's initiatives to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. We seek employees that are interested in a career in the public sector and will support the Office's initiative of delivering One Standard of Justice for All.
For questions or inquiries, please contact Recruitment@dany.nyc.gov.