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Missing Persons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JS Consulting

Mid-Level Test Engineer

Stafford, VA · On-site

NET that supports a database repository of DNA profiles from individuals, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare ...

JS Consulting

Mid-Level Test Engineer

Stafford, VA · On-site

NET that supports a database repository of DNA profiles from individuals, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare ...

Ariel Partners

Software Developer (Junior)

Stafford, VA · On-site +1

$66K - $86K/yr

NET that supports a database repository of DNA profiles from individuals, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons. CODIS software allows local, state, and national laboratories to compare ...

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Missing Persons information

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How much do missing persons jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons in the United States is $25.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job finds missing people?

Jobs that find missing people include missing persons investigators, law enforcement officers, and search and rescue personnel. These roles often require skills in investigation, communication, and sometimes specialized training or certifications, and they work in coordination with agencies and organizations dedicated to locating missing individuals.

What Are Jobs in Missing Persons Investigations?

Jobs in a missing persons unit in a law enforcement agency or police department involve collecting evidence and performing investigations to locate missing people. As a detective in this specialized area, you investigate reports of missing people, including suspected runaways and cases that involve a kidnapped person. Your duties and responsibilities include investigating the missing person’s last known movements, interviewing family and friends, and reviewing surveillance footage. Missing person investigators often coordinate with detectives and authorities in other jurisdictions and agencies. You may also coordinate with homicide detectives if you suspect that the missing person may be dead.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Missing Persons Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Missing Persons Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and relevant police or detective certification. Proficiency with case management databases, forensic technology, and communication systems is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, empathy, and resilience distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for efficiently locating missing individuals, supporting affected families, and collaborating effectively with multiple agencies.

How do I become a missing person investigator?

To become a missing person investigator, typically one needs a background in law enforcement or criminal justice, along with experience in investigations. Relevant skills include interviewing, evidence collection, and familiarity with databases and search techniques; some roles may require specialized training or certifications. Entry often involves working for law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, or specialized organizations.

What is the highest paid investigator?

In the field of missing persons investigation, salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer. Senior investigators or those working for government agencies or private firms with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Top earners may also have advanced training in forensic analysis or law enforcement procedures.

What if I can't find a job?

Missing Persons jobs typically involve investigative and administrative tasks related to locating individuals, often requiring skills in research, communication, and sometimes law enforcement procedures. If you struggle to find employment in this field, consider gaining relevant certifications or experience in criminal justice, social work, or law enforcement to improve your prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in missing persons investigations, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals working in missing persons investigations often encounter emotionally charged situations, high-pressure decision-making, and the need for meticulous attention to detail. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, families, and sometimes the media, which requires strong communication and empathy skills. Applicants should be prepared to manage sensitive information, work irregular hours, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Gaining experience in investigative work, crisis response, or social services can be valuable preparation for these challenges.

What is the difference between Missing Persons vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing PersonsMissing Persons Investigator
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredLaw enforcement or private investigator certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, search teams, or private firmsPolice departments, private investigation firms, or specialized agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, non-profitsLaw enforcement, private investigation, security firms
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral searches for missing persons casesFocused on investigating and locating specific missing persons

Missing Persons refers broadly to cases involving individuals who are unaccounted for, often handled by various organizations. Missing Persons Investigators are specialized professionals who actively investigate and locate specific missing individuals, often working within law enforcement or private sectors. The key difference lies in the investigative role and expertise involved in Missing Persons Investigators.

What are Missing Persons specialists and what do they do?

Missing Persons specialists are professionals who work to locate individuals who have been reported missing. They may work with law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, or government departments, and their responsibilities often include investigating cases, gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating searches. These specialists use a variety of methods such as public alerts, media outreach, and collaboration with other agencies to help find missing people and reunite them with their families. Their work is crucial in both emergency situations and long-term missing person cases.
More about Missing Persons jobs
What cities are hiring for Missing Persons jobs? Cities with the most Missing Persons job openings:
What states have the most Missing Persons jobs? States with the most job openings for Missing Persons jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Missing Persons jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Missing Persons jobs are:
Missing Persons jobs near you

POLICE DEPARTMENT - Communications Operator (911 Dispatcher)

City of Lufkin

Lufkin, TX • On-site

$22.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR (DISPATCH)
HOURLY RATE: $22.23
JOB DESCRIPTION
  • Dispatches police, fire/rescue, and after-hours city services.
  • Monitors and coordinates telephone, radio, and teletype communications between unit personnel and among the general public, as well as non-emergency situations.
  • Position is responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating information in an accurate and timely manner to provide an expeditious response to emergency situations.
  • Performs considerable record maintenance functions requiring specialized knowledge of departmental rules and regulations and apply acute attention to detail.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
  • Answer a multi-line phone system for both emergency and nonemergency calls.
  • Acquire information and assess the circumstances, reassures the victim or caller, gathers required information and dispatches information to appropriate units.
  • Operate a multi-channel radio system and simultaneously input, retrieve, listen to and comprehend 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and radio traffic while reading from both computer screens and print-outs.
  • Receives and transmits pertinent information on all calls for services including those in progress Monitors activities of Police, Fire and other emergency medical services.
  • Maintains the location and call status of all emergency units. Maintain communications with unit personnel in the field in order to conduct computerized searches through local, state and national databases.
  • Confirms stolen property and wanted/missing persons as well as enter data and operate computer terminals with specialized access through various automated data banks.
  • Maintain records and data for items such as warrants, missing persons, stolen property and emergency protection orders by confirming information is correct, entering and modifying information in the database and clearing information as applicable.
  • Comprehend and apply City Ordinances, city, and departmental policies and procedures as well as adhere strictly to the Department General Orders.
  • Communicate courteously and clearly, verbally and in writing Required to report for work punctually, work all scheduled hours, including shift work, weekends, holidays and any required overtime as deemed necessary.
  • Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Possess a normal volume speaking voice.
  • Be fluent in English.
  • Have 20/40 vision (corrected).
  • Be available to work various shifts.
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, hectic environment.
  • Reside within 30 minutes of the Lufkin Police Department.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • Type 40 words per minute corrected.
  • Pass an employment physical examination, which includes an audiological (hearing) test. Hearing range of 30 or more decibels, and frequency range of 250-3000 hertz in both ears.
  • Pass two state licensing courses and the state licensing test for Telecommunications within the first year of employment.
  • Candidates are required to successfully pass a polygraph test and complete a background investigation check.

BENEFITS
We also have EXCELLENT benefits (health, dental, life, etc.) with health plans starting at:
  • $140 employee / monthly
  • $270 employee + children / monthly
  • $490 employee + spouse / monthly
  • $610 employee + family / monthly
  • 20-year retirement at any age through TMRS
  • Vacation, sick days, longevity pay, 11 paid holidays
  • $40 per month cleaning allowance
  • Certificate pay

Visit our website or contact the Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall,
300 E. Shepherd Ave., Suite 226, Lufkin, TX 75901. Phone 936-633-0228

Apply