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Full Time Federal Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

POSITION SUMMARY Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance ... individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.

City of Atlanta

APD Background Investigator I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$51K/yr

Advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to the ... Four years experience as a full-time paid peace officer conducting investigations (Completion of a ...

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

POSITION SUMMARY Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance ... individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.

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How much do full time federal background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time federal background investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Federal Background Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, along with eligibility for federal security clearance. Familiarity with case management systems, government databases, and secure communication tools is essential. Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, and written communication abilities help investigators build rapport and accurately document sensitive findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting thorough, unbiased investigations that support national security and organizational integrity.

What is a full time federal background investigator?

Full Time Federal Background Investigators are professionals who conduct thorough investigations into individuals’ backgrounds on behalf of federal agencies. Their primary role is to verify information provided by applicants seeking federal employment, security clearances, or access to sensitive information. They gather data through interviews, record checks, and fieldwork to ensure candidates meet the required standards of trustworthiness and reliability. These investigators play a critical role in national security by helping determine whether individuals pose a risk to government operations.

What is the difference between Full Time Federal Background Investigator vs Contract Federal Background Investigator?

AspectFull Time Federal Background InvestigatorContract Federal Background Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires security clearance, background check, and relevant experienceSimilar credentials, often with less emphasis on security clearance
Work EnvironmentEmployed by federal agency, consistent hours, office and field workContract basis, variable hours, often field-based
Employer & IndustryFederal government, intelligence, or security agenciesPrivate contracting firms working for government agencies

Full Time Federal Background Investigators are employed directly by federal agencies, offering stable employment, benefits, and consistent work environments. Contract Federal Background Investigators work on a contractual basis, often with flexible hours and varied assignments. Both roles require similar credentials, but employment type influences job stability and benefits.

What are some common challenges faced by full time federal background investigators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Full-time federal background investigators often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling sensitive or confidential information, and conducting interviews with individuals who may be uncooperative or difficult to locate. New hires can prepare by developing strong organizational skills, learning effective interview techniques, and staying up-to-date on federal policies and investigative procedures. Building resilience and adaptability is also important, as the role frequently involves working independently in the field and balancing multiple cases at once.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Federal Background Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Federal Background Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Background Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Federal Background Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Federal Background Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Federal Background Investigator jobs include:
Full Time Federal Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Federal Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Experienced Background Investigator

Constellis

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 116 rated security

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance with Federal Investigative Standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations. Work cases throughout the geographic area of responsibility and travel to various places of employment, residence and education institutions.
HOURLY RATE
Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, education, and contract requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conduct in-person, one-on-one subject interviews to obtain factual information about the individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.
  • Obtain factual information from a variety of personal and record sources to produce a report of investigation that contains all pertinent facts of an individual's background and character in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.
  • Travel throughout the geographic area of responsibility to conduct investigations at various places of employment, residence, and education institutions as cases are assigned.
  • Must be willing to travel in and around assigned location within 30-50 miles (or more) as needed
  • Engage in dialogue on a regular basis with managers and representatives at contractor facilities, various U. S. Government organizations, and law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships.
  • Adapt to changing situations and environments as they occur and be able to interact with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic levels.
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills and exhibit professional demeanor in all situations.
  • Work load based on availability of cases in geographic area.
  • Some voluntary, temporary duty assignments in other areas of the country (typically 2-4 weeks at a time) are possible.
  • Other duties as required.
  • Work is typically based in the investigator's home office as well as in the investigator's personal vehicle traveling to various field locations to conduct interviews. Coverage area varies and could include some extended drives. Work hours vary depending on availability of leads and do not always fall within normal business hours, to include potential weekend hours or third-shift appointments.
  • Work is typically based in the investigator's home office as well as in the investigator's personal vehicle traveling to various field locations to conduct interviews. Coverage area varies and could include some extended drives. Work hours vary depending on availability of leads and do not always fall within normal business hours, to include potential weekend hours or third-shift appointments.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • U.S. Citizenship;
  • H.S. Diploma or equivalent;
  • Minimum of 1 year within the last five (5) years of investigations experience at the federal, state, or local level of government;
  • Must have some Federal Investigator Standards (FIS) Experience;
  • Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver's license, and satisfactory driving record;
  • Willing to travel on temporary duty assignments as needed (by car or plane);
  • Successfully pass all required training;
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagram, or schedule form;
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;
  • Ability to write reports and business correspondence;
  • Ability to work in a MS Window based operating environment, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet and E-mail;
  • Current (within the last 2 years) Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) or active Secret level security clearance based on an SSBI and able to obtain the required security clearance.
  • Requires intermittent standing, writing/typing, walking, sitting, and driving throughout the workday, and may include for multiple hours.
  • Requires intermittent standing, writing/typing, walking, sitting, and driving throughout the workday, and may include for multiple hours.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
  • Office of Personnel Management investigator training.
  • Prior background investigations experience supporting government contracts.
  • Associate or Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
  • Current Top Secret clearance.

BENEFITS
Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet

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