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Part Time Investigator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Investigator

San Diego, CA · Remote

$20 - $28/hr

Investigator Job Location ... Orange, California Job Type: Part-Time, Billable Hours, Non-exempt Reports To : Regional Manager ...

Investigator

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$22 - $28/hr

Investigator Job Location ... Los Angeles, California Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time/Flexible Schedule, Billable Hours, Non ...

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Showing results 1-20

Part Time Investigator information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$74.3K

$129.3K

How much do part time investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time investigator in California is $74,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a part time investigator do?

A part time investigator is a professional hired to conduct investigations on a flexible or limited schedule, rather than full-time. Their duties often include gathering evidence, conducting interviews, performing surveillance, and preparing reports for clients or employers. Part time investigators may work on cases such as background checks, fraud detection, insurance claims, or legal matters, depending on their area of specialization. They typically work for private investigation firms, legal teams, insurance companies, or independently. Flexibility and strong analytical skills are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and prior investigative or law enforcement experience, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, surveillance equipment, and legal research tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and problem-solving skills help you build trust and gather accurate information. These skills are crucial for conducting thorough investigations, ensuring legal compliance, and delivering reliable results to clients or employers.

What are some common challenges faced by part time investigators, and how can they be managed?

Part-time investigators often face challenges related to time management and case prioritization, as they may need to juggle multiple assignments within limited working hours. It's important to communicate clearly with supervisors about availability and deadlines, and to develop strong organizational skills to ensure that investigations remain thorough and timely. Additionally, part-time investigators may need to collaborate closely with full-time colleagues to stay updated on case developments and maintain continuity. Building strong professional relationships within the team and utilizing case management tools can help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Part Time Investigator vs Part Time Private Investigator?

AspectPart Time InvestigatorPart Time Private Investigator
CredentialsMay require basic investigative training or licensing depending on jurisdictionOften requires licensing, background checks, and specific certifications
Work EnvironmentVaries; may work for agencies, law enforcement, or private firmsPrimarily in private settings, conducting surveillance, background checks
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, corporate securityPrivate clients, attorneys, insurance companies

Both roles involve investigative work but differ mainly in licensing requirements and work settings. Part Time Private Investigators typically operate independently or for private firms, focusing on personal or corporate cases, while Part Time Investigators may work within law enforcement or security agencies. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Can I be a part time investigator as a side hustle?

Part time investigators can often work as a side hustle if they have the necessary licensing, background check clearance, and relevant skills such as surveillance or interviewing. Scheduling flexibility and adherence to legal requirements are important factors to consider when taking on additional investigative work.

Can you be a part-time investigator?

Yes, part-time investigator positions are available in various fields such as private investigation, insurance claims, and security. These roles often require relevant skills, background checks, and sometimes licensing or certifications, depending on the industry and jurisdiction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Investigator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Investigator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Investigator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Investigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,338 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Fire Investigator - Part Time

Corpartners

Los Angeles, CA

$85/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Inspiring People - Impactful Experiences

If there was one common theme to describe what our team members get from a career with Envista Forensics, it's: An Experience. Envista prides itself on being One Company/One Team.

Forensic Consulting relies on scientific principles to investigate all types of failures impacting service, people, and business production- from minor to catastrophic. It's our job to analyze and determine why it happened.

We're always looking for great professionals, in all disciplines and locations - contact us for more information about other opportunities.

We're looking for someone who:

  • Is Passionate. You have a genuine passion to problem solve.
  • Is motivated and cultivates innovation. You're driven to be the very best. You challenge yourself to grow and learn every day and are encouraged by other team members.
  • Is collaborative. You're excited to work with others throughout a global organization to help foster a superior workplace and culture. You are constantly thinking of new ways to make Envista successful.
  • Wants to make an impact to drive results. You're looking to do amazing work. You're all about helping our clients both internally and externally.
  • Operates with integrity and instills trust. You always conduct yourself with honesty and operate ethically in everything you do.


Job Description

We have an exciting and highly rewarding part-time Fire & Explosion Investigator opportunity in the Los Angeles area. If you have your CFI, 5 years of practical experience in Fire & Explosion Investigation, enjoy a challenge and have a curious mind this is the opportunity for you.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Investigates & analyzes the origin and cause of fire and explosion events within residential, commercial, and industrial sites per NFPA 921 and 1033.

  • Collects Evidence and Document scenes per NFPA 921 & 1033.

  • Photographs incident site (and records when specifically required/requested) and preserves equipment/components, and stores evidence retrieved from the scene for further evaluation/review pending client's written disposition instructions.

  • Interviews witnesses, to include owner, occupants, tenants, etc. and canvasses neighborhood to identify other potential witnesses to record statements; interviews responding and investigating fire service personnel and other local officials, as to their actions associated with the incident.

  • Identifies, documents, and analyzes compliance with the applicable codes of any installed fire suppression and detection system within a given building or property.

  • Researches failure modes and code requirements as needed and prepares recommendations to present to stakeholders.

  • Prepares accurate, clear, thorough, and concise reports and letters outlining the cause and origin of the damages to clients. Follows established policies, procedures, and processes in preparing information, exercising sound judgment in applying these to potentially unusual or complicated situations, and submits reports and documents in a timely manner and in accordance with client's standards and expectations.

  • Proactively works with multi-disciplinary teams on large and complex assignments while contributing, as an effective member of the team, assisting co-workers as needed, and learning from colleagues and supervisors.

  • Maintains established relationships with current clients and consultants.

Required Skills/Abilities/Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience as a fire investigator - a combination of Public and Private sector experience is ideal (a combination of education and experience will be considered).

  • IAAI CFI required or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

  • NAFI-CFEI certification

  • Must be bondable and eligible for licensing as a private investigator where so required, some jurisdictions require written testing for licensing.

  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

  • Ability to work in catastrophic environments, such as the aftermath of natural disasters, weather events, etc., for an extended period.

  • Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in a work capacity.

Preferred Skills/Abilities/Experience:

  • Experience with commercial and industrial facilities is desired.

  • Experience working with law firms and insurance companies is a plus.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field is preferred

Salary Range: $75-$85/hr


One Company/One Team is not just one of our 5 Guiding Principles, it's we how separate ourselves from our competitors. We learn together, we win together and through our team members voices, we bring certainty to an uncertain world.

At Envista Forensics, we recognize that our potential team members come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a role. We strive to reflect the communities and clients we serve to drive innovation, excellence, and meaningful work-We want you to bring your authentic self to Envista.If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Envista Forensics embraces diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives

EnvistaForensics believes that Veterans arrive with not only translatable skills and technicalexpertisebutin addition comewith the intangibles; leadership and values that we believealign with our 5 Guiding Principles. Simply put, these qualitiesenable oursuccess,soweencourageallGuardsmen, Reservists, and Veteransto considerEnvistaas their next career destination.