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Public Records Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UW-Madison is an agency subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law. The Office of Compliance ... investigations. The Office collaborates with campus partners to mitigate compliance risk and ...

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 ...

Private Investigator

Austin, TX ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Austin, TX ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Austin, TX ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Salem, OR ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Salem, OR ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Salem, OR ยท 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 ...

Private Investigator

Addison, TX ยท 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 ...

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 ...

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Public Records Investigator information

See salary details

$28.5K

$76.6K

$137.5K

How much do public records investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 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:

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, 80% Full Time, 15% 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.

Assistant Public Records Custodian

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Compliance Specialist IIIJob Summary:

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System, is a research-intensive university serving approximately 51,000 students and employing more than 24,000 faculty and staff members. UW-Madison is an agency subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law.

The Office of Compliance provides program oversight for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy), Title IX of the Education Amendments, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, data privacy, and for fair and impartial protected class discrimination complaint investigations. The Office collaborates with campus partners to mitigate compliance risk and promote ethical conduct throughout the university community.

Situated in the Office of Compliance, the Assistant Public Records Custodian (APRC) reports to the Public Records Custodian, who serves as the institutional lead for public records compliance to fulfill the university's obligations under the Wisconsin Public Records Law.

The APRC performs administrative duties associated with the receipt and processing of public records requests; works closely with requesters to ensure appropriate communication; reviews, redacts, and releases public records in accordance with the law, and assists the Public Records Custodian to ensure a consistent and fair process. Additionally the APRC provides guidance and consultation to campus partners and stakeholders regarding public records requests; monitors institutional risk; and communicates risk and remediation strategies to leadership to ensure compliance. The APRC works collaboratively with a number of campus partners including the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of the Chancellor, Business Services, research units, and other units across the institution.

The APRC will also assist with creating training materials, and engaging in outreach and office development in support of the Public Records unit.

This a is majority in-person work position, with one day per week of remote work. The successful candidate must be able to work in person at UW-Madison within 6 months of hire.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with other institutional compliance subject matter experts to review procedures and make change recommendations to leadership
  • Assists with institution wide training and outreach
  • Provides consultation to internal and external partners related to the Wisconsin public records law
  • Assists leadership with developing and publishing compliance reports in accordance with established laws and regulations
  • Audits and serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for potentially affected units and affiliated organizations, ensuring appropriate notices are issued relating to compliance
Department:

Office of Compliance

Compensation:

Minimum $75,000, depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years applying complex regulatory frameworks including public policy
  • Effective communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • Attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience interpreting the Wisconsin Public Records Law
  • Understanding of HIPAA, FERPA, or other laws impacting higher education records
  • Experience in a higher education setting
Education:

Bachelor's Degree required

How to Apply:

Please click the "Apply Now" button to create a jobs profile. You will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume, which should highlight your experience, knowledge, and skills as they relate to the listed qualifications.

Contact Information:

Karen Aune, karen.aune@wisc.edu

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.


To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.


Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.