Background Investigator

Job Description:

Background Investigator

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision performs duties related to the intake, screening, investigation, and compliance of applicants during the hiring process.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Investigates personal background of candidates for employment with the Austin Police Department.
  
• Review submitted electronic background history statement and supporting documents from applicant for completeness and accuracy; and to check for omissions, errors, inconsistencies, and falsifications.
  
• Communicate with applicants to discuss the background investigative process.
  
• Obtain and review offense reports, witness statements, credit reports, and other documents to determine if the candidate has the appropriate background to become a police officer.
  
• Identify, locate, and interview independent witnesses to the character and personal history of the candidate.
  
• Develop secondary references and make additional inquires to assist in determining credibility of information obtained.
  
• Compile an electronic background investigative packet to include a detailed summary of information found during the investigative process.
  
• Obtain and review applicant records from the FBI, Texas DPS, and county and municipal law enforcement agencies in accordance with TCOLE and Department policy.
  
• Update and document any changes in applicant status and/or changes to applicant Background History Statement.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement rules and regulations.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication
  
• Skill in interviewing techniques
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in running, reading, and interpreting criminal histories
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to manage conflicts and concerns.
  
• Ability to understand and communicate technical information.
  
• Ability to exercise discretion in confidential matters.
  
• Ability to write clear and concise memorandums, analytical reports, and detailed reports and summaries.
  
• Ability to reorganize and recommend process improvement.
  
• Ability to lead and train others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) years’ experience in civil service or corporate background investigations. OR Six (6) years as a law enforcement officer conducting criminal and/or administrative investigations.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Must be able to obtain National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification within six (6) months of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous law enforcement experience.
  
• Familiarity with Austin Police Department (APD) processes and procedures.
  
• Prior experience conducting background investigations for law enforcement positions.
  

Notes to Candidate:

1. This position investigates the personal background of candidates for employment with the Austin Police Department.
2. Review submitted electronic background history statement and supporting documents from applicant for completeness and accuracy, check for omissions, errors, inconsistencies, and falsifications.
3. Communicate with applicants to discuss the background investigative process.
4. Obtain and review offense reports, witness statements, and other documents to determine if the candidate has the appropriate background to become a police officer.
5. Identify, locate, and interview independent witnesses to the character and personal history of the candidate.
6. Develop secondary references and make additional inquires to assist in determining credibility of information obtained.
7. Compile an electronic background investigative packet to include a detailed summary of information found during the investigative process.
8. Obtain and review applicant records from the FBI, TX DPS, and county and municipal law enforcement agencies in accordance with TCOLE and Department policy.
9. Update and document any changes in applicant status and/or changes to applicant Background History Statement.

Work Location

1520 Rutherford Ln, Austin, Texas 78754

Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm

Payrate:

$50,930.00 - $59,210.00

City of Austin Application:

A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.

CBI:

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.
  

Benefits:

Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply , but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

This posting can close at any time after 7 days.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system

EEO/AA statement:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-29