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Public Records Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Oversight

Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$62K - $78K/yr

The Investigator will use public records and open-source intelligence to pursue rigorous, high-impact investigations into government corruption, abuses of power, and the erosion of democratic norms ...

HireRight

Public Records - Source Analyst

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Investigate source maintenance issues by working directly with providers, courts, and HireRight personnel providing data acquisition instruction as necessary. Education: * High school diploma or GED ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Salem, OR · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information for a criminal defense case * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise ...

LJK INVESTIGATIONS LLC

Private Investigator

Addison, TX · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Research public records to gather information * Ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards * Provide clear and concise reports summarizing ...

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Public Records Investigator information

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$76.6K

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How much do public records investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for public records investigator in the United States is $76,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public records investigator?

A Public Records Investigator is a professional who locates, examines, and verifies public records to gather information for legal, governmental, or business purposes. They often search databases, court records, property documents, and other public sources to find evidence or confirm facts. Their work may support background checks, legal investigations, or compliance with regulations. Public Records Investigators must be detail-oriented, understand privacy laws, and know how to access various public information sources.

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

To thrive as a Public Records Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with laws governing public records, often supported by a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Proficiency in using databases, public records management systems, and information retrieval tools is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for gathering and verifying sensitive information. These abilities are essential to ensure accurate, lawful, and efficient handling of public records inquiries and investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by public records investigators and how can they be addressed?

Public Records Investigators often encounter challenges such as navigating complex bureaucratic processes, dealing with incomplete or outdated information, and ensuring compliance with privacy laws. To address these issues, it's important to develop strong research skills, maintain attention to detail, and build relationships with relevant agencies. Familiarity with state and federal records systems, as well as ongoing education on legal guidelines, can greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in this role.

What is the difference between Public Records Investigator vs Background Investigator?

AspectPublic Records InvestigatorBackground Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer additional certifications in investigations or law enforcementOften requires similar credentials, with some roles favoring security or criminal justice certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with fieldwork involving public records researchOffice and fieldwork, including interviews and document review
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcement, private investigation firmsEmployers include private firms, government agencies, and corporations
Search & Comparison IntentResearching public records for investigations or complianceConducting background checks for employment or security clearance

While both roles involve investigation skills and work with records, Public Records Investigators focus on accessing and analyzing public records, whereas Background Investigators conduct comprehensive background checks, often including interviews and personal history assessments.

More about Public Records Investigator jobs

What states have the most Public Records Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Records Investigator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Records Investigator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Records Investigator jobs are:

Public Records Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Records Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,607 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Public Records Specialist

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

PUBLIC RECORDS SPECIALIST
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor oversees notaries public for the State of Utah. The office is also responsible for processing public records requests as provided in the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and for correctly archiving publicly recorded documents as required by state code.
The Office is looking for a dedicated individual to serve as its Public Records Specialist. This position is responsible for all processes concerning public records and documents in our office. This individual will oversee all notary applications and work with the office manager regarding notary administration. The position will work with individuals who submit GRAMA requests to ensure that the requests they make are responded to in a timely and lawful manner, as well as oversee the process for the archiving of public documents. This individual will also work daily with constituents requiring assistance in matters related to document authentication and general office assistance, as needed.
POSITION DETAILS& COMMITMENT
  • Salary - $24.00 - $28.00/hr
  • FT/PT Status - Full-Time
  • Work Format - In Person (Utah State Capitol - 350 N State St, Salt Lake City)
  • Schedule Code - AC - Employees in Offices of Elected Officials
  • Background Check Required - You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
  • Application Deadline - 11:59 PM (MDT) on August 18, 2026
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Subject to change depending on the needs of the office)
  • Process applications received for new and renewing notaries, including answering calls and responding to emails regarding notary applications
  • Process remote online notary and vendor applications
  • Maintain the public notary website
  • Investigate notary complaints and issue warnings, as needed
  • Maintain knowledge of the notary application process and implement improvements, as needed
  • Oversee all GRAMA requests submitted by constituents and organizations, and collaborate with others in the office, including attorneys, to locate records and draft responses
  • Oversee the process for retaining, transferring, and archiving all public documents or records in the office, as needed
  • Maintain a working knowledge of GRAMA code to answer relevant questions
  • Assist with the document authentication process and the front desk
  • Assist other staff in the office, as needed
  • Answer general office phone calls, including those related to elections, incorporations, annexations, document authentication, etc.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • Proven experience working in a professional office environment
  • Experience in reading, interpreting and implementing state code
  • Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal-with the ability to simplify and explain complex and technical concepts
  • Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and Adobe Acrobat
  • Ability to deal with people in a manner that shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
  • Ability to organize, multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAMThe Lieutenant Governor's Office supports the pursuit of professional growth and development through a culture that encourages great employees, great attitudes, and teamwork. We offer a competitive benefits package-click here to view a summary of the benefits offered. We are a small office staffed with an excellent team that supports the Governor and all state agencies.
EEO STATEMENTThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.
Recruiter - Sarah Humphries; shumphries@utah.gov

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