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Investigative Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

The selectee of this position serves as an Investigative Analyst. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing a variety of intelligence data, and processing, tracking and inputting warrants ...

Private Investigator

Salem, OR · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

LJK Investigations, a leading investigation firm based in Salem, OR is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Private Investigator to join their northern Oregon team out of Beaverton. The Criminal ...

... research, investigative and problem-solving skills Strong communication skills, including written, verbal and listening skills Effective computer skills, including MS Office Suite Strong ...

OR · On-site

Advanced knowledge of investigative techniques, including interviews, data analytics, evidence gathering, case documentation * Solid understanding of information and reporting systems Skills and ...

Investigator

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports summarizing activity and key findings.Documentation: Finalize case file by submitting case reports and uploading video footage via personal laptop ...

Investigator

Bend, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports summarizing activity and key findings.Documentation: Finalize case file by submitting case reports and uploading video footage via personal laptop ...

Investigator

Portland, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports summarizing activity and key findings. * Documentation: Finalize case file by submitting case reports and uploading video footage via personal ...

Draft detailed and court-ready investigative reports summarizing activity and key findings. * Documentation: Finalize case file by submitting case reports and uploading video footage via personal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Investigative information

See Oregon salary details

$33.8K

$79.6K

$138.5K

How much do investigative jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative in Oregon is $79,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid investigator?

The highest paid investigators are often private investigators or specialized forensic investigators, with top earners making over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing salary include experience, certifications, industry, and geographic location, with some forensic or corporate investigators earning higher wages due to specialized skills and security clearances.

What types of challenges might I encounter when working as an investigative professional, and how can I effectively manage them?

As an investigative professional, you may face challenges such as gathering reliable information from reluctant sources, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring personal safety during fieldwork. Navigating ethical considerations and maintaining objectivity are also critical aspects of the role. Building strong interviewing skills, maintaining meticulous records, and collaborating with legal or law enforcement teams can help you overcome these challenges and ensure thorough, credible investigations.

How do you get into investigative work?

To pursue investigative work, individuals typically need a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields, along with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships, entry-level positions, or specialized training such as certifications in private investigation can also be helpful. Familiarity with tools like surveillance equipment and databases is often beneficial for success in this field.

What is an investigative job?

Investigative jobs involve researching, analyzing, and uncovering information to solve problems or answer questions. Professionals in this field, such as investigative journalists or private investigators, gather evidence, conduct interviews, and verify facts to reveal the truth about various issues or incidents. These roles often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ethical standards. Investigative jobs can be found in journalism, law enforcement, corporate security, and legal sectors.

What types of jobs are investigative?

Investigative jobs involve researching, analyzing, and uncovering information across various fields such as law enforcement, intelligence, journalism, private investigation, and scientific research. These roles often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes specialized certifications or security clearances. They typically involve working in environments that demand critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an investigative journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Journalist, you need strong research skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital content management systems is often required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for uncovering the truth, producing impactful stories, and maintaining public trust in journalism.
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 Investigative jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Investigative job openings:
Infographic showing various Investigative job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,640 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

These positions are available throughout various USMS Districts in the Continental US (CONUS).
The selectee of this position serves as an Investigative Analyst. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing a variety of intelligence data, and processing, tracking and inputting warrants into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Duty location will be determined at the time of selection.
Pay will be determined based on duty location.Qualifications:GS-09 TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 grade level. (Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted).
You may qualify at the GS-1805-09 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level of the Federal Service that included: 1) gathering and analyzing various types of data from Federal, state, local and public agencies; 2) monitoring, evaluating and coordinating a variety of warrants (i.e., for escaped prisoners, parole and probation, bond defaults, etc.); 3) assisting criminal investigators by coordinating investigative efforts; and 4) utilizing a variety of law enforcement related databases to obtain, monitor and update appropriate information for investigations, warrants, prisoner data, etc. (Note: Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience.)
OR
B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree in an accredited or pre-accredited college or university; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.B. or J.D degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position, examples of qualifying fields include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Homeland Security, etc. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS).
OR
C. Combination of education and experience as listed above. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS).
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE CANNOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experienceEducation:ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY?
Education must be from an accredited school or institution.
Please refer to the following website to locate your school and/ or institution https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirements for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the
qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private
organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htmlEmployment Type: OTHER