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Cold Case Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cold Case Volunteer information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do cold case volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cold case volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Cold Case Volunteers, and how can these be addressed?

Cold Case Volunteers often encounter challenges such as limited access to information, emotional impact from working on unresolved cases, and the need for meticulous attention to detail when reviewing old evidence. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with law enforcement, attending regular debriefing sessions, and utilizing structured protocols for documentation and evidence handling. Strong teamwork and open communication with supervising professionals are essential for overcoming obstacles and making meaningful contributions to an investigation.

What are cold case volunteers?

Cold case volunteers are individuals who assist law enforcement agencies or nonprofit organizations in reviewing and investigating unsolved criminal cases, often called 'cold cases.' These volunteers may help by researching case files, organizing evidence, analyzing information, or providing specialized skills such as forensic analysis or genealogy. Their work helps bring fresh perspectives to stalled cases, potentially leading to new leads or the resolution of long-standing mysteries. Cold case volunteers typically undergo background checks and may receive training to ensure they handle sensitive information appropriately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cold Case Volunteer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cold Case Volunteer, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often a background or coursework in criminal justice or forensic science. Familiarity with case management databases, public records systems, and sometimes training in investigative techniques is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and persistence are crucial soft skills for collaborating with law enforcement and handling sensitive information. These abilities ensure thorough case reviews, support for investigative teams, and responsible handling of confidential data to advance unresolved cases.

What is the difference between Cold Case Volunteer vs Crime Scene Technician?

AspectCold Case VolunteerCrime Scene Technician
Required CredentialsMinimal; often background check and trainingForensic training, certifications, and technical skills
Work EnvironmentOffice, archives, or remote researchOn-site at crime scenes or labs
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, nonprofitsPolice departments, forensic labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Cold Case Volunteers assist law enforcement by researching and reviewing unsolved cases, often remotely or in archives, with minimal credentials. Crime Scene Technicians, however, perform on-site forensic work requiring specialized training and certifications. While both roles support criminal investigations, they differ significantly in work environment and required skills.

Infographic showing various Cold Case Volunteer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Property Beautification Group Volunteer Day at a Supportive Housing Org

Avalon Housing Volunteers

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

About Avalon Housing

At Avalon, housing is a human right. Our mission is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider. Supportive housing is a combination of affordable housing paired with services, such as case management. We don't just help people find housing, we help people stay and thrive in their homes.

If you are passionate about creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where all people are welcome, Avalon may be a good fit for you.

About Our Service Days

Support Avalon Housing through a Property Beautification Day! Join our grounds team on a clean up day at one of our many supportive, affordable housing properties. You can participate with your friends, family, community group, or co-workers, helping beautify our properties with seasonal clean up, planting, and weeding.Want to double your impact from a Property Beautification Day? Consider purchasing native plants or making a restricted gift to support beautifying our properties! To donate native plants, please contact John Slowey, Avalon's Senior Groundskeeper, to learn about which native plants are needed at jslowey@avalonhousing.org.

Scheduling:
  • Months available: mid-April through mid-November
  • Monday - Friday between the hours of 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Block of 2-3 hours
Volunteer Requirements:
  • Must be a minimum of 15 years old with an adult chaperone if under 18 years old
    Group size up to a maximum of 20 volunteers
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
  • Ability to effectively work with diverse populations in a non-judgmental way
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Must possess a positive and enthusiastic attitude and strong commitment toward helping those in need
Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to bend, kneel, and reach
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, bright sunlight, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
  • Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that cover your arms and legs and that you do not mind getting dirty
Position Information:

Job Title: Service Day Volunteer

Reports To: Aleah Pisarz, Volunteer Coordinator

Location: On-site at one of our properties located around Washtenaw County

Compensation: This is an unpaid and voluntary role. However, any direct and approved expenses related to the role will be reimbursed.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants including applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to underrepresented gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations and/or relationship structures, people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and with lived experience with homelessness or recovery from a substance use disorder, and people with underrepresented religious and/or socio-economic backgrounds. Avalon also encourages those with criminal histories to apply. Avalon doesn't request information about criminal histories until an offer of employment is extended. Avalon will not exclude someone based on criminal history unless it is determined the criminal history is related to or directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position. We are committed to transparency about our decision making process, and will seek clarifying information from an applicant to help us make a determination in this regard.


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