ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remote Background Investigator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Office of the Inspector General

Investigator

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Top Secret - Background Investigation will be required. * Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.

A.C. Coy

Microservices Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$54.50 - $70.75/hr

This will be a 100% remote contract-to-hire position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED ... BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO RECEIVE IT. Responsibilities * Design, build, and maintain Spring Boot ...

A.C. Coy

Microservices Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$54.50 - $70.75/hr

This will be a 100% remote contract-to-hire position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED ... BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO RECEIVE IT. * Design, build, and maintain Spring Boot microservices ...

A.C. Coy

Microservices Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$54.50 - $70.75/hr

This will be a 100% remote contract-to-hire position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED ... BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO RECEIVE IT. Responsibilities * Design, build, and maintain Spring Boot ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBackground Investigator JobsRemote Background Investigator JobsRemote Background Investigator Jobs in Virginia

Remote Background Investigator information

See Virginia salary details

$30.2K

$69.5K

$113K

How much do remote background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote background investigator in Virginia is $69,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Remote Background Investigator vs Remote Security Specialist?

AspectRemote Background InvestigatorRemote Security Specialist
Required CredentialsBackground check certifications, sometimes security clearancesSecurity certifications, such as CISSP or CISM
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, conducting interviews and researchRemote or on-site, focusing on security protocols and monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, contractors, and private firms for background checksEmployed by security firms, corporations, or government for security management

The main difference is that Remote Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and investigations remotely, while Remote Security Specialists handle security protocols and monitoring. Both roles may require security-related certifications and are often remote, but they serve different functions within the security and background screening industry.

What does a remote background investigator do?

A remote background investigator collects information on people, businesses, or organizations. In a corporate or business setting, your responsibilities include performing a background check on employees and verifying their qualifications and references. If you work for a government agency, you investigate employees and contractors who are applying for security clearance. In addition to checking for a police record, you interview an applicant's previous employers, references, and colleagues. If your employer needs, you contact law enforcement or intelligence services to perform your duties. Other background investigators collect information about job applicants from social media or previous employers.

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

Remote Background Investigators often contend with challenges such as building rapport and gathering thorough information without face-to-face interactions, managing large caseloads, and ensuring data security when working from various locations. To manage these, strong communication skills, meticulous organization, and adherence to secure digital protocols are essential. Collaborating closely with supervisors and team members via virtual meetings and utilizing case management software can also help investigators stay on track and maintain the quality of their work.

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

To thrive as a Remote Background Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with investigative databases, case management software, and secure communication systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, integrity, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for conducting thorough, accurate investigations while maintaining confidentiality and meeting remote work demands.

What is a remote background investigator?

A Remote Background Investigator is a professional who conducts background checks and investigations from a remote location, rather than working on-site. Their responsibilities typically include verifying employment history, education, criminal records, and other personal or professional details about individuals for employers or government agencies. They utilize online databases, conduct interviews via phone or video calls, and prepare detailed reports on their findings. This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to work independently with confidential information.
More about Remote Background Investigator jobs

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

The most popular types of Background Investigator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Background Investigator jobs in Virginia?

For Remote Background Investigator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Background Investigator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Background Investigator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Background Investigator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Background Investigator job openings:

Remote Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Background Investigator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,522 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Investigator

Office of the Inspector General

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are seeking highly motivated professionals to join our team. If you want challenging work and a chance to make a big impact, come join us at the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Commerce! We improve the effectiveness of the Department's programs and operations. We also investigate waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department and those who do business with it.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
This position is located at the Department of Commerce OIG, Office of Investigations. As an Investigator, you will perform the following duties:
  • Conducts inquiries and investigations involving alleged fraud, waste, abuse, and improprieties by DOC officials, breaches of program integrity, and/or allegations of whistleblower retaliation.
  • Evaluates and triage complaints received through the OIG Hotline and other intake channels by assessing jurisdiction, scope, and investigative merit. Clearly communicate findings and recommendations to leadership both verbally and in writing.
  • Initiates investigations at the request/direction of OIG, the Department, Congress, GAO, and/or the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Investigations may be complex in nature.
  • Prepares high quality investigative reports for use in administrative and civil proceedings.
  • Ensures reports contain a thorough analysis of data obtained during reviews of field components related to the operational procedures and effectiveness.
  • Establishes and maintains liaison at the highest executive level with program and administrative officials as well as representatives of external federal agencies, local law enforcement agencies, and officials of state, municipal, and private enterprises.
  • Produces clear, well-organized written products to document investigative activities, including interview summaries, evidence analysis, and other key investigative actions, to maintain accurate and complete case files.
  • Prepares high-quality investigative reports for use in administrative and civil proceedings.
  • Demonstrates strong oral communication skills by delivering clear, concise briefings to colleagues and leadership on complex investigative developments and findings; providing sworn testimony in administrative and civil proceedings; and effectively engaging with DOJ and other external stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely information exchange.
  • Collects, handles, transfers, and safely stores evidence in compliance with policy and procedures. Safeguards sensitive and classified information and provides access to that information only within strict guidelines.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation.
  • Top Secret - Background Investigation will be required.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
  • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.

Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. We will only review your resume to determine whether minimum experience requirements (s) have been met.
Merit Promotion candidates (Federal employees) must meet time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
Minimum Qualification for the GS-13
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service performing ALL of the following:
  1. Conducting investigations which could result in potential disciplinary or other administrative action (i.e. fraud, waste, abuse, whistleblower retaliation);
  2. Experience using generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to civil/administrative investigations; AND
  3. Demonstrated experience in oral and written communications, to include accepted standards of writing, use of proper grammar and the preparation of investigative reports in a clear, concise and professional manner, in order to communicate clearly and accurately the results of investigations

Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
DOCOIG offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/.
  • Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.
  • Twelve paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year.
  • Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire.
  • A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods. We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums.
  • A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.
  • Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Additional benefits available include flexible work schedule, transportation subsidy, access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities, carpools/van pools and more.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply