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Covert Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Perform covert surveillance from your vehicle by tracking and capturing high-quality video evidence of surveillance targets. * Report Writing: Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Washington, DC

Perform covert surveillance from your vehicle by tracking and capturing high-quality video evidence of surveillance targets. * Report Writing: Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports ...

Ethos Risk Services

Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Perform covert surveillance from your vehicle by tracking and capturing high-quality video evidence of surveillance targets. * Report Writing: Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports ...

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Covert information

See Washington salary details

$36.2K

$85.3K

$148.4K

How much do covert jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for covert in Washington is $85,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Covert Operative, you need a background in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and often a degree in criminal justice or related fields, along with specialized training. Familiarity with encryption technology, secure communications, and surveillance equipment is typically required, and relevant certifications may be necessary. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and discretion help individuals build trust, blend in, and make quick decisions under pressure. These skills and qualities are essential to effectively gather information, protect national security interests, and operate safely in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in covert operations, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in covert operations often face challenges such as maintaining secrecy, managing stress from high-risk environments, and adapting quickly to changing situations. Balancing operational security with effective communication can be difficult, as can integrating into teams where roles and intentions may not be fully disclosed. Success in these roles typically requires strong situational awareness, emotional resilience, and ongoing training in both technical and interpersonal skills. Regular debriefings, mental health support, and clear protocols are essential for managing these challenges effectively.

What are 'covert' jobs?

Covert jobs refer to positions that require secrecy or discretion, often involving undercover work. These roles are common in fields like law enforcement, military, or intelligence agencies, where employees might operate without revealing their true identity or purpose. The primary objective of a covert job is to gather information or perform tasks without drawing attention. Such positions often require specialized training and a high level of trust due to the sensitive nature of the work.

What is the difference between Covert vs Detective?

AspectCovertDetective
CredentialsVaries, often includes law enforcement or security trainingLaw enforcement or investigative certifications often required
Work EnvironmentUndercover operations, discreet settingsCrime scenes, interviews, surveillance
Employer & IndustryPrivate security, intelligence agenciesPolice departments, investigative agencies

Covert roles focus on undercover and discreet operations, often within security or intelligence sectors, while detectives conduct investigations openly, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Both roles require investigative skills and law enforcement knowledge, but their methods and environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Covert jobs in Washington? For Covert jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Covert jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Covert jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Covert jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Covert job openings:
Covert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Covert job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $85,312 per year, or $41 per hour.
Licensed Covert Surveillance Investigator - Part Time - Fairfax, VA

Licensed Covert Surveillance Investigator - Part Time - Fairfax, VA

Meridian Investigative Group, Inc

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description:

JOB PURPOSE

Conduct covert field surveillance with an emphasis on worker’s compensation fraud and insurance fraud.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Conduct covert field surveillance via both stationary and mobile surveillance.
  • Obtain professional quality video and photographic documentation of subjects.
  • Prepare and file comprehensive investigative reports using the information that was collected from surveillance investigations.
  • Upload video, photographs, audio files, and documents into the case management system.
  • Conduct scene investigations, interviews, recorded statements, etc.
  • Prepare written and recorded Statements from in-person interviews.
  • Provide legal testimony.
  • Other duties as assigned


Requirements:

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum two years experience working as an investigator.
  • Ability to conduct covert field surveillance assignments.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony.
  • Ability to gather and organize evidence.
  • Ability to investigate and analyze information.
  • Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements.

LICENSES /CERTIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid state-issued driver’s license.
  • Current auto insurance.
  • MUST possess a Private Investigator license in the state where work is performed.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

  • A reliable vehicle.
  • Smartphone with access to the app store. Android OS7 or higher, Apple iOS 11 or higher.
  • Laptop computer with Microsoft Word, Windows, and wireless Internet connection.
  • Digital video camera with upload capability and accurate time and date stamp.
  • Covert camera.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • As an hourly, non-exempt status employee, your job may require extended work hours and significant work travel. This includes occasional overnight travel, weekend and/or evening work, and working on holidays.
  • The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
  • The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from weather.
  • The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work involves individuals to stay seated/sedentary for long periods of time.
  • Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, exposure to the sun, and various days and hours of scheduled work.


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