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Entry Level Investigative Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Police Officer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

... Entry Level Police Officer with the Tigard Police Department. Please read below for more ... Background Investigation (detailed and time-intensive process that can take weeks to months to ...

... and investigation. Sworn officers enforce state and local laws, regulations and ordinances and ... An email with an internal link to the Entry Level Police Officer position will be sent once ...

... entry-level personnel. If you're ready to grow your skills and share in the Legacy mission of ... It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical ...

Research Asst 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$25.83/hr

... entry-level personnel. If you're ready to grow your skills and share in the Legacy mission of ... It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical ...

... entry-level personnel. If you're ready to grow your skills and share in the Legacy mission of ... It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical ...

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Entry Level Investigative information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Investigative professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Investigative professional, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant bachelor's degree in fields like criminal justice or journalism. Familiarity with research databases, case management software, and basic investigative tools is often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and persistence are vital soft skills for effective information gathering and reporting. These skills ensure thorough, accurate investigations and support the integrity and impact of findings.

What types of cases or tasks can an entry-level investigative professional expect to handle on a daily basis?

Entry-level investigative professionals typically support more experienced investigators by conducting preliminary research, gathering and organizing evidence, performing background checks, and helping with fieldwork such as interviews or surveillance. Daily tasks may include reviewing case files, preparing reports, assisting with data entry, and collaborating with legal teams or law enforcement. These responsibilities provide valuable hands-on experience and a strong foundation for advancement within investigative roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Investigative vs Entry Level Private Investigator?

AspectEntry Level InvestigativeEntry Level Private Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require licensing or certificationsHigh school diploma; licensing varies by state
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, fieldwork, surveillanceFieldwork, surveillance, client meetings
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, insurance companiesPrivate investigation agencies, law firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Investigative roles typically involve research, surveillance, and gathering information, often in a variety of settings. Entry Level Private Investigators focus more on surveillance, background checks, and client interactions. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, private investigators often need licensing depending on the state. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right entry point into investigative careers.

What are entry level investigative jobs?

Entry level investigative jobs are positions designed for individuals starting their careers in investigation, often requiring minimal prior experience. These roles typically involve assisting with gathering facts, conducting research, interviewing witnesses, and supporting senior investigators in their work. Common employers include private investigation firms, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and legal offices. Entry level investigators may also be responsible for writing reports and maintaining detailed records, all while learning investigative procedures and ethics on the job. Most positions require at least a high school diploma, though some may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Investigative jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Entry Level Investigative jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Entry Level Investigative job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Investigative job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
2026 Police Officer - Entry Level

2026 Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Oregon City

Oregon City, OR

$81K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Oregon City Police Department is establishing a hiring list for entry level police officer. Police Officers that have DPSST Certification will receive additional pay: 5% for Intermediate Certification and 10% for Advanced Certification. By the 11 p.m., December 31, 2026 deadline, applicants must complete an online City of Oregon City job application and National Testing Network FrontLine Test scores in order to be considered for employment

Oregon City Police requires a score of 75% or higher in four FrontLine tests to include writing, reading, and both parts of the Public Safety Self-Assessment to be considered for a position. Testing Information The Oregon City Police Department offers full testing services for the position of police officer through National Testing Network, Inc. To fill out an application and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement and sign up for the Oregon City Police Department

What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website: Completion of the application process Review all information related to the Oregon City Police Department police officer position, including minimum requirements, salary and benefits. Detailed information about the testing process for the entry level test. Opportunity to take online practice tests at www.frontlinetest.com Schedule your own convenient test time

Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays. Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment. Upon completion of the entry level exam, all candidate scores are automatically forwarded to the Oregon City Police Department.

Candidates must attain at least an 75% score on each section of the NTN exam to be placed on the department's eligibility list. Oregon City Police Department will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to continue to participate in other stages of the department selection process, including the scheduling of the ORPAT (physical agility testing). The ORPAT will be scheduled and conducted by the Oregon City Police Department.

The City of Oregon City DOES NOT accept ORPAT test results from other jurisdictions. National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the Oregon City Police Department's responsibility and decision making in the testing process.

All candidate results are provided to Oregon City Police Department where the final decisions are made. Summary This is full performance law enforcement and crime prevention work. Employees occupying positions of this class are responsible for the protection of life and property through enforcing statutes and laws; rendering emergency assistance to the public in a wide variety of situations; performing standard crime and accident prevention duties; serving arrest warrants; dispatching police services; issuing citations for violation of city ordinance and state statutes; identifying and recovering stolen property; investigation of traffic accidents and initial investigation of crimes; deciding whether to arrest or not, as well as when to use force or firearms.

Work involves an element of personal danger and incumbents are responsible for enforcing statutes and laws with minimal supervision. Work is occasionally reviewed while it is being performed but it is primarily reviewed by a supervisor who reads reports and evaluates results of completed work. During their probationary period, officers receive classroom and on-the-job training related to police work applying these to work situations.

They are transferred from one shift to another to acquaint them with various aspects of work within the department. Throughout this period, officers perform the full range of police officer duties under the immediate supervision of an experienced police officer or high graded person. They are also required to obey all orders from superior officers and all rules and regulations of this department.

Examples of Duties Patrols a designated area of the city in a police patrol vehicle or on foot to deter and discover crime and enforce traffic ordinances; does on-the-scene investigations of incidents, aids persons in trouble, and renders other public services as needed. Issues citations to violators of city ordinances and state statutes; serves warrants of arrest; arrests persons on misdemeanor and felony charges; handcuffs and searches arrested persons and secures their custody; completes necessary reports concerning the alleged crime, the circumstances of arrest, evidence obtained and the names of witnesses, victims, and complainants. Responds to reports of possible crime and takes initial action as situations require, to secure the scene; administers emergency first aid; interviews available victims and witnesses; gathers evidence and arrests suspects; completes incident and arrest reports; investigates persons suspected of being engaged in crime; ascertains and secures evidence pertaining to alleged crime; arrests suspects for probable cause; and requests specialized assistance as needed.

Responds to automobile accidents; administers emergency first aid and summons necessary assistance; interviews principals and witnesses; makes general drawings of accident scenes, noting details and completes standard accident reports; issues citations or makes arrests as situation warrants. Investigates and assist drivers in stalled vehicles and pedestrians who appear to be hurt or in trouble; interviews persons with complaints or inquiries, gives information on laws and ordinances, and attempts to resolve the problem or to direct them to proper authorities. Investigates family disputes and reports of maltreatment of children; takes principals into custody, as needed, or refers them to appropriate agencies, such as juvenile and medical authorities.

Performs guard duty in court or serves as bodyguard to public officials or threatened persons; transfers prisoners to and from jails, testifies in court. Performs specialized duties depending upon individual officer's background and abilities and the needs of the department and are required to maintain their assigned departmental equipment. Perform physical requirements associated with the position; including the ability to walk, run, jump, stand, lift, sit, restrain combative individuals, drive for long periods of time, and other physical requirements as determined by DPSST.

Develops contacts to obtain information about crime, maintains contact with paroled criminals and suspects at large. Broadcasts and receives messages; maintains contact with and notes status of field units. Processes and secures services or information required by field units; relays requests to proper departmental division.

Not all work to be performed is specifically described. Typical Qualifications Skill in analyzing situations quickly and objectively to recognize actual and potential dangers and to determine proper course of action. Skill in reading and understanding laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Skill in coping with stress situations firmly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights. Skill in communicating clearly, verbally and in writing. Skill in the use of computers.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees and with citizens from varied racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Skill in developing skill in the use and care of a variety of firearms. Skill in learning and using investigative techniques and procedures.

Skill in observing and remembering detail. Skill in learning to drive light duty passenger vehicles skillfully. Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform the work of the class.

Skill in the use and care of firearms. Supplemental Information Graduation from high school, or the equivalent GED certificate. Preference will be given to previous experience in law enforcement or those who have a basic DPSST certificate.

College level law enforcement course work is desirable but not required. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training, which insures the ability to perform the work, may be substituted for the above. The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity employer.

The City will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or protected veteran status. It is the City's policy to prohibit workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of protected status. The City of Oregon City is committed to creating a respectful and professional work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes employment opportunities.

Oregon City Police Department - Scholarship Request Form: Oregon City Police is in partnership with The National Testing Network. The National Testing Network (NTN) allows applicants to take the law enforcement video and written test and Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) at any time at an NTN location and use those scores when applying with the Oregon City Police Department (OCPD) for law enforcement positions. There is a fee associated with this service.

However, OCPD does not want a fee to prevent any interested person from testing to become an Officer. If you are interested in taking this test for a law enforcement career opportunity but are discouraged by the fee, please complete this Scholarship Request Form. OCPD has scholarships available, if you have questions, please call Kelly Dilbeck, Police Business Manager at 503-905-3513.

Receiving a scholarship has no bearing on your scoring or testing outcomes. Upon acceptance, this scholarship is only valid for the Oregon City Police Department. You will be notified of your acceptance and sent a voucher number.

You must have applied with the City of Oregon City first before receiving this scholarship. Please do not sign up for testing until you have received your voucher number. The Oregon City Police Department will not forward this scholarship or test results to other agencies.