Job Description

Background Investigator

Under general direction, coordinates, directs and conducts background investigations for candidates under consideration for employment. Incumbents in this class are considered journey level investigators who may function independently or as a member of a team.

Example of Important and Essential Duties:

The duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Reviews applications for completeness and directs candidates to provide additional information if needed; obtains proper information release documents.
• Conducts background interviews with candidates to review and collect required documentation; confirms candidates meet the minimum qualifications of the job classification.
• Conducts background investigation using tact and discretion; confirms information provided by candidates; makes inquiries to assist in determining credibility of statements; interviews references, including family, personal to include law enforcement and gathers evidence in order to provide a body of information for analysis; reviews local, state, and federal criminal databases; may conduct home visits and/or neighborhood checks which can include travel to locations outside of the county and/or outside of the state as necessary.
• Conducts follow-up investigations regarding any negative information or discrepancies; conducts discrepancy interviews.
• Summarizes and explains progress and results of investigations with applicants and/or supervisor.
• Regularly prepares lists and records accounting for status of assigned investigative caseload.
• Maintains records, files, data and supporting documentation for each case handled; preserves evidence in a secure manner for evaluation and analysis; adherence to established customs and procedures regarding control and custody of records, including evidence.
• Analyzes information and evidence resulting from investigative activities drawing logical and objective conclusions; prepares written background investigation reports; confers with hiring managers; makes recommendations regarding suitability for employment.

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;

2. Two (2) years full-time equivalent experience performing employment investigative work in a government or contract investigative agency; AND

3. Possession of a valid California driver license.

Substitution: Two (2) years full- time equivalent experience performing criminal investigatory case work which involves suspects or actual violations of criminal laws, rules, regulations within an Investigations Division/Bureau with a Law Enforcement agency may substitute for the required employment work experience outlined above.

Additional experience as described above may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis. One (1) year is equivalent to thirty (30) semester units / forty-five (45) quarter units.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Law enforcement agency experience
• Knowledge of MS applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Verification of Education and Experience: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at

Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility or disqualification.

Background Investigation: Prior to employment with the San Francisco Police Department, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine the candidate's suitability for employment. The investigation may include, but not be limited to: criminal history records, driving records, drug/alcohol screening, and other related employment and personal history records. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances and alcohol, felony conviction, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to work with co-workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening, and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed; candidates who do not report their complete criminal records on their applications will be disqualified. Applicants will be fingerprinted.

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