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Federal Background Investigator Jobs in Delaware

Investigator II

New Castle, DE · On-site

$45K - $56K/yr

Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules ... Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of ...

Investigator III

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other ... Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules ...

TOXICOLOGIST (FORENSIC)

Dover, DE · On-site +1

$138K - $180K/yr

... investigative proceedings. * Delivering expert forensic testimony in military, federal, state, and ... completed background investigation. * This position may be screened for and obtain necessary ...

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Federal Background Investigator information

See Delaware salary details

$32K

$75.4K

$131.1K

How much do federal background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal background investigator in Delaware is $75,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal background investigator?

Federal Background Investigators are professionals responsible for conducting thorough investigations into individuals' backgrounds to determine their suitability for federal employment or security clearances. Their work involves interviewing subjects and references, reviewing records, and compiling detailed reports for government agencies. These investigations help ensure that individuals granted access to sensitive information or positions of trust meet strict standards for reliability, character, and trustworthiness.

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

To thrive as a Federal Background Investigator, you need a solid understanding of investigative techniques, critical thinking, and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with specialized databases, case management systems, and compliance with federal guidelines is essential, and some roles may require a security clearance. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively are critical for conducting interviews and compiling accurate reports. These skills ensure thorough, unbiased investigations that maintain the integrity of federal hiring and security processes.

What does a federal background investigator do?

A federal background investigator performs in-depth research on individuals before hiring them to ensure the security and safety of the public. In this role, you work for a government agency and review potential government personnel and contractors. Your investigation responsibilities include following operations policies to verify provided information, interviewing friends and family, obtaining related documents from law enforcement and credit agencies, and providing a summary of your findings. Upon completing your duties, you offer a final recommendation on whether to give clearance or not. You often collaborate with technical specialists to obtain information.

What are some common challenges faced by federal background investigators during the investigation process?

Federal Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as locating and interviewing reluctant or hard-to-find subjects, managing tight deadlines for case completion, and navigating complex or incomplete records. Additionally, they must handle sensitive information with discretion and comply with strict federal guidelines and protocols. Success in this role requires strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills, as well as adaptability to varying work environments and evolving investigative requirements.

What is the difference between Federal Background Investigator vs Federal Security Specialist?

AspectFederal Background InvestigatorFederal Security Specialist
Required CredentialsBackground check experience, security clearanceSecurity clearance, security protocols
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, field investigationsSecurity screening, compliance roles
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies, investigations

Federal Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and investigations for federal employment or security clearance purposes, often working in the field. Federal Security Specialists handle security screening, ensuring compliance with security protocols within federal agencies. While both roles require security clearance and involve security-related work, investigators primarily gather information, whereas specialists focus on security procedures and compliance.

Is it hard to become a federal background investigator?

Becoming a federal background investigator typically requires meeting specific qualifications such as a relevant educational background, security clearance, and experience in investigations or law enforcement. The process involves passing written exams, background checks, and training, making it competitive but achievable for qualified candidates.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Background Investigator jobs in Delaware?

For Federal Background Investigator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Background Investigator jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Background Investigator jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Federal Background Investigator jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Federal Background Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Background Investigator job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,389 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Investigator II

State of Delaware

New Castle, DE • On-site

$45K - $56K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
DOT - Motor Vehicles
The mission of the Division of Motor Vehicles is to provide excellence in transportation by providing courteous and efficient service to the public while protecting Delaware residents by establishing the validity of licensed drivers and ensuring safe and non-polluting vehicles are operated on Delaware roadways. Also, by providing a safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive Toll network that offers a variety of convenient, cost-effective options for processing all vehicular traffic.
Click here to learn more about DelDOT Motor Vehicle Division.
Summary Statement
This is experienced level investigation work of alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations. In addition to work performed by an Investigator I, employees independently perform the full range of Essential Functions under general supervision for both routine and complex investigations. Examples of factors contributing to complexity include conducting investigations that are long-term, involve substantial dollar amounts or severe cases of alleged violations of law that result in criminal, civil or administrative charges.
Career Ladder
Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Conducts investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.
  • Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other records, documents and items.
  • Formulates questions and conducts interviews to obtain information and ascertain facts from witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties.
  • Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Makes judgments after evaluating all available facts and recommends appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and may take enforcement action as necessary.
  • Uses commercial and proprietary automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify and report on investigative/intelligence data and related information.
  • Documents details of all calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions during the investigation and may be assigned to respond to hotlines.
  • Prepares and submits investigative reports that clearly and accurately document findings, supporting facts, and action taken.
  • Testifies and presents evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.
  • Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers and the public in person, electronically, or by written communication.
  • Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
  • May conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases; and may make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation.
  • May make recommendations to subpoena information.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Investigator II Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. One year of experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
  2. One year of experience in collecting, evaluating and analyzing relevant information to make recommendations on alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.
  3. One year of experience in providing clear, prompt and accurate information to respond to and resolve complaints.
  4. Six months' experience in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings such as providing testimony before boards/commissions/authorities, preparing evidence/sworn statements, or managing and prioritizing cases.

Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources. DelDOT does not provide employment-based sponsorship.
Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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