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Forensic Genealogist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genealogist Research, Heir Research

Draper, UT ยท On-site +1

$51K - $65K/yr

S. genealogical research with a focus on heir research/ forensic genealogy and/or modern genealogical research and/or people finding/ skip tracing is required. * Advanced knowledge of brick wall ...

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How much do forensic genealogist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic genealogist in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic genealogist?

A forensic genealogist uses genealogical research techniques to solve legal, law enforcement, and forensic cases. They analyze historical records, DNA data, and other evidence to identify unknown individuals, locate heirs, or assist in criminal investigations. Their work is often used in probate cases, missing person searches, and law enforcement investigations. Forensic genealogists collaborate with attorneys, government agencies, and law enforcement to provide expert research and analysis.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic genealogist?

To thrive as a Forensic Genealogist, you need expertise in genealogical research, DNA analysis, investigative techniques, and a background in history or related fields. Familiarity with genetic testing tools, genealogy software, public records databases, and certifications from organizations like the Board for Certification of Genealogists are valuable assets. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, persistence, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These abilities are vital for accurately tracing family histories, interpreting complex data, and presenting clear, legally sound findings.

What challenges do forensic genealogists face?

Forensic genealogists often encounter challenges such as incomplete or inaccessible records, non-paternity events, and inconsistent documentation across sources. Navigating sensitive family situations and maintaining confidentiality while interpreting DNA evidence can require both patience and diplomacy. Collaboration with legal teams, law enforcement, or clients is also common, so clear communication and the ability to explain complex findings are essential. Successfully overcoming these challenges allows forensic genealogists to produce reliable, actionable results in legal and investigative contexts.

What does a forensic genealogist do?

A forensic genealogist researches family history and genetic data to help solve legal cases, identify unknown persons, or establish relationships. They analyze historical records, DNA test results, and use specialized tools to provide evidence for law enforcement, legal proceedings, or inheritance disputes.

How much do forensic genealogists make?

Forensic genealogists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and case complexity. Senior professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially when working independently or on complex investigations.

How do you become a forensic genealogist?

To become a forensic genealogist, individuals typically need a background in genealogy, often with certification from organizations like the Board for Certification of Genealogists or the International Society of Genetic Genealogy. Skills in research, data analysis, and familiarity with DNA testing are essential, and experience with legal or investigative environments can be beneficial.

Is there a demand for forensic genealogists?

Forensic genealogists are in increasing demand due to their role in solving cold cases, identifying unknown remains, and assisting law enforcement with complex investigations. The field requires strong research skills, knowledge of genetic genealogy tools, and often certification, with job opportunities growing as forensic science and genealogy intersect more frequently.
More about Forensic Genealogist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Genealogist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Genealogist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Genealogist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Unclaimed Property Case Manager

Lauth Investigations International Inc

Boulder, CO โ€ข On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

About the Role

The Return Assets Division is seeking a meticulous Case Manager specialized in forensic genealogy, heir location, and asset recovery. This is not an administrative role; it is an investigative position focused on identifying, proving, and recovering dormant assets held by State Unclaimed Property Offices.

As a Case Manager, you will take the lead on complex "decedent accounts"-cases where the original asset owner has passed away, often leaving behind substantial unclaimed funds without a clear path of succession. You will use a combination of deep-dive public records research and advanced OSINT tactics to build exhaustive family lineages. Your primary mission is to construct bulletproof heirship tables and compile the exact documentary chains required by state controllers to prove ownership and successfully release funds.

What You Will Do (The Mission)

Architect the Lineage: Take ownership of unclaimed property files from initial data discovery through to final state payout, managing the end-to-end estate and kinship investigation.

Construct Heirship Tables: Research, design, and draft legally binding, court-ready family trees and heirship tables mapping line of descent under varied state intestacy laws.

Conduct Forensic Genealogy: Pore over historical and modern vital statistics-including birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates, federal census data, probate files, and immigration manifests-to verify kinship.

Execute Targeted OSINT & Skip-Tracing: Deploy advanced OSINT, social media intelligence (SOCMINT), and proprietary locational databases to track down missing, estranged, or unknown heirs globally and establish contact.

Build State Claim Packages: Review strict, state-specific evidence requirements to systematically compile identification, probate orders, small estate affidavits, and continuity-of-address proofs.

Navigate State Audits: Act as the primary liaison with State Unclaimed Property Offices,

Requirements

Proven Investigative Background: 3+ years of professional experience in forensic genealogy, probate research, heir-finding, title abstracting, or as a paralegal specializing in estate administration.

Lineage & Intestacy Expertise: Deep, practical familiarity with constructing line-of-descent charts and an understanding of how state intestacy laws govern property distribution.

Advanced OSINT & Public Records Mastery: Exceptional capability utilizing specialized search engines, public county court portals, historical repositories, and public record aggregators (e.g., LexisNexis, TLO, or Ancestry/FamilySearch institutional tiers).

Meticulous Document Gathering: A track record of tracking down physical and certified vital records from bureaucratic agencies across multiple state and local jurisdictions.

Case Rigor: Strong organizational skills to manage dozens of active state claims simultaneously without letting critical deadlines or missing documentation fall through the cracks.

Highly Desirable "Bonus" Skills

Experience utilizing link-analysis or mind-mapping software to visualize complex, multi-generational family trees.

Fluency in navigating foreign vital registries for first- and second-generation immigrant asset cases.

Benefits

What We Offer

Premium Tools & Data Access: Access to tier-one investigative databases, historical archives, public records scraping utilities, and genealogical platforms.

Operational Autonomy: The independence to build and manage your investigative strategies on a high-volume, high-yield portfolio of claims.

Competitive Compensation: A stable base salary with a performance-based bonus structure connected to successful claim yields and asset recovery milestones.