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Temporary Cold Case Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Aid

Case Planner (Temporary)

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$29.12 - $30.22/hr

Manage a case load of approximately 10 children with varied levels of mental health needs ... Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of ...

Travis County

Investigator

Austin, TX · On-site

$84K/yr

Reviews case files with attorneys; prepares reports of work progress on assigned cases; monitors ... Exposure to excessive heat and cold (outdoor conditions); job may involve danger due to contact ...

City of Mesa

Police Investigator II

Mesa, AZ

$55K - $76K/yr

... case load for the incumbent. Occasionally, a Police Investigator II takes the initial report ... Specific duties in the Special Victims Unit include: researching and investigating "cold cases ...

New

Monitise

Fraud Investigator

Berkeley Heights, NJ · On-site

Experience using analytics, case management, or link analysis tools, such as Splunk, Palantir, or ... Individuals with temporary visas including, but not limited to, F-1 (OPT, CPT, STEM), H-1B, H-2, or ...

Fiserv, Inc.

Fraud Investigator

Berkeley Heights, NJ · On-site

Experience using analytics, case management, or link analysis tools, such as Splunk, Palantir, or ... Individuals with temporary visas including, but not limited to, F-1 (OPT, CPT, STEM), H-1B, H-2, or ...

City of Mesa, AZ

Police Investigator II

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$55K - $76K/yr

... case load for the incumbent. Occasionally, a Police Investigator II takes the initial report ... Specific duties in the Special Victims Unit include: researching and investigating "cold cases ...

New

Department of Justice

Special Investigator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$5K - $9K/mo

... case files; providing technical assistance and training; preparing clear, concise and accurate ... The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and ...

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Temporary Cold Case Investigator information

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$41

How much do temporary cold case investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cold case investigator in the United States is $31.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by Temporary Cold Case Investigators, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Temporary Cold Case Investigators often confront challenges such as limited or outdated evidence, uncooperative witnesses, and the need to quickly familiarize themselves with complex case histories. Since the role is temporary, there is added pressure to make meaningful progress within a set timeframe. Candidates can prepare by honing their research and analytical skills, developing persistence, and learning to collaborate effectively with permanent team members and external agencies. Familiarity with modern investigative technologies and cold case protocols is also beneficial.

What are Temporary Cold Case Investigators?

Temporary Cold Case Investigators are professionals who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to review and investigate unsolved criminal cases, often referred to as 'cold cases.' Their main responsibilities include re-examining old evidence, conducting interviews, and using new forensic technology to find leads that may have been missed in the initial investigation. They typically work with law enforcement agencies to help bring closure to cases that have remained unresolved for years. The temporary nature of their employment means they may be brought in for specific projects or periods when extra expertise is needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Cold Case Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Cold Case Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, and experience in evidence analysis and case management. Familiarity with forensic databases, evidence tracking systems, and crime scene analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, persistence, and strong communication skills help investigators re-examine evidence and coordinate with various agencies. These skills are crucial for uncovering new leads and resolving previously unsolved cases to provide closure for victims and communities.
More about Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Cold Case Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cold Case Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Cold Case Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs are:
Temporary Cold Case Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cold Case Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,950 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

HCSO Internship

Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Part-Time
Job Number: 2024-00938-E
Department: Direct Report
Opening Date: 05/12/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications for Spring 2026 Internships must be submitted by January 2nd, 2026.
Applications for Summer 2026 Internships must be submitted by May 15th, 2026.
As an HCSO Intern, you will gain valuable hands-on experience by supporting various functions within the agency. Depending on your unit assignment, your responsibilities may include assisting law enforcement officers with administrative tasks, conducting research, observing investigations, and contributing to community outreach initiatives. Throughout your internship, you will have the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of law enforcement procedures, protocols, and regulations while gaining insight into the daily operations of the third-largest sheriff's office in the country. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills, build professional relationships, and explore potential career paths within the law enforcement field.
Please see the units below that are currently looking for students who are participating in an internship program with their school:
  • Criminal Investigations
    1. Auto Theft
    2. Burglary & Theft/Sex Offender-Registry/Financial Crimes
    3. Cold Case
    4. Crimes Against Children
    5. Family Violence/Victim Advocacy
  • Background & Recruiting
  • Court Division
  • Detentions
  • District Patrol
  • Emergency Dispatch Center
  • Financial Crimes
  • High Tech Crimes
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Legal Services
  • Neighborhood Policing/Community Engagement
  • Training Academy
  • Web Development

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be enrolled in a course-for-credit internship program
  • Must pass an internal agency background for CJIS clearance
  • Must be physically located on-site (No remote work opportunities)
  • Must be currently enrolled in a specialization that aligns with the unit you are pursuing
  • Must have an internship coordinator who is available for contact

PREFERENCES
  • Preferred if the candidate was interested in future career with HCSO

GENERAL INFORMATION
***This is not a paid internship program***
To be eligible for an internship, your college or university must have an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. If one does not currently exist, we must work with your internship coordinator to have one drafted and submitted for approval before we can move forward with your application.
Not Applicable
01
Employees of the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are exposed to confidential and law enforcement sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. For this reason it is essential that you provide accurate information in all aspects of the process. The process will end for applicants who fail to provide truthful information. The following questions address information required to start the pre-qualifying requirements of the recruitment process. All information obtained herein will be used for purposes of initiating a background investigation only. Additional questionnaires will be required at later stages of the application process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.
  • I have read the above statement and understand that by submitting this application I agree to be subject to a background investigation including but not limited to education, employment, driving record, criminal history, financial responsibility, or any such areas of investigation deemed reasonable and justifiable for purpose of employment with the HCSO.

02
Please check your top three options for an internship with HCSO.
  • Auto Theft
  • Backgrounds & Recruiting
  • Burglary & Theft/Sex Offender-Resgistry/Financial Crimes
  • Cold Case
  • Crimes Against Children
  • Crime Scene Unit
  • Detentions
  • Emergency Dispatch Center
  • Family Violence
  • High Tech Crimes
  • Human Resources
  • IT/Web Design
  • Legal Services
  • Media Relations
  • Neighborhood Policing
  • Patrol District
  • Special Investigations Unit (Corrections)
  • Training Academy

03
Please provide your full name.(Last Name, First Name, Middle Name (no initials)
04
Please provide your date of birth.
05
Please Provide your Social Security Number (SSN)
06
Please provide your current driver's license number, state and expiration date. If you do not have a driver's license please enter N/A.
07
Are you currently enrolled at a college or university?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If so, please provide the name of the institution you are attending.
09
What Major and/or Minor are you pursuing?
10
Are you enrolled in a course-for-credit internship at your college or university?
  • Yes
  • No

11
If so, please provide the name and contact information for your internship coordinator.
12
Does your college or university have an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Harris County Sheriff's Office?
  • Yes
  • No

13
Have you ever been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense with the grade of Class B misdemeanor or higher in the last ten years from the date of the court order?
  • Yes
  • No

14
Are you currently charged with any criminal offense?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Have you ever been convicted of an offense with a grade of Class B misdemeanor or higher within the last 10 years?
  • Yes
  • No

16
Have you ever been convicted of family violence?
  • Yes
  • No

17
Are you prohibited by law from operating a motor vehicle?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Are you prohibited by law from possessing a firearm?
  • Yes
  • No

19
Do you currently have any associates and/or relatives in the custody of Harris County Sheriff's Office or any other city, County, State or Federal Correctional Facility?"
  • Yes
  • No

20
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the following information.* Last Name, First Name, Middle Name * Their relationship to you* Jail Facility/SPN If this does not apply to you, answer N/A
Required Question

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