DHS Background Investigator (El Centro, CA)

Are you ready to launch an exciting career in federal background investigations with one of the nation’s leading contractors? Peraton is looking to fill multiple roles for driven and detail-oriented Background Investigators, specifically for our Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Background Investigations contracts in El Centro, CA.  If you’re curious, resourceful, and ready to make a difference in national security, this could be your perfect opportunity.  Applicants must reside within 20 miles of the city center of El Centro.

What it takes to succeed:

• Intensive Training for Success: Kickstart your journey with a comprehensive 5-week training program that prepares you for certification in Federal Investigative Standards. Unique instructor-led Training, self-directed learning modules and fun On-the-Job training are right around the corner.
• On the Move: Daily travel within your area and potential temporary assignments (14-30 days away from home) mean no two days are the same. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are a must.
• Every Day is Different: Conduct face-to-face interviews, visit diverse locations like police agencies and courthouses, and gather crucial information for federal background checks.
• Independent Yet Connected: Enjoy the autonomy of working independently while being part of a supportive team with experienced investigators and a dedicated Field Manager. You can create your own private and secure home office as long as you are within the stated mileage requirement posted in the job description.
• Skill-Building and Career Growth: Sharpen your investigative, interviewing, and report-writing skills—all highly transferable in the security and intelligence fields.
• Crave Variety and Challenge: Love being out in the field, meeting new people, and piecing together information like a detective.
• Are a Natural Communicator: Comfortable conducting interviews, listening carefully, and writing detailed, “high impact” reports.
• Have an Eye for Detail: Able to maintain accuracy and organization in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Want to Make an Impact: Your work directly supports national security by helping determine who is trustworthy to access sensitive information.
• Investigator job responsibilities:
• Investigate federal employees, contractors, and applicants seeking security clearance or sensitive positions
• Verify employment history, education, military services, financial records and criminal history
• Analyze credit reports and other relevant data utilizing investigative databases and public records to verify details.
• Collect and review court records, police reports, financial documents and any other pertinent records
• Interview applicants, former employers, coworkers, neighbors and personal references
• Write comprehensive reports to summarize findings for security clearance adjudicators
• Ensure reports are factual, objective, and meet federal investigative standards
• Manage multiple investigations simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
• Track progress and ensure timely submission of reports
• Keep up to date with company policies, investigative techniques, and policy changes

Investigator job responsibilities:

• Investigate federal employees, contractors, and applicants seeking security clearance or sensitive positions
• Verify employment history, education, military services, financial records and criminal history
• Analyze credit reports and other relevant data utilizing investigative databases and public records to verify details.
• Collect and review court records, police reports, financial documents and any other pertinent records
• Interview applicants, former employers, coworkers, neighbors and personal references
• Write comprehensive reports to summarize findings for security clearance adjudicators
• Ensure reports are factual, objective, and meet federal investigative standards
• Manage multiple investigations simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
• Track progress and ensure timely submission of reports
• Keep up to date with company policies, investigative techniques, and policy changes

Required qualifications:

• Candidates with 4 years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree may be considered; candidates with experience conducting DCSA/NBIB or other federal background investigations preferred
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance; Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication is preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area as needed
• Home office required
• Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY)/remote travel ranging from 14 – 30 days away from home per TDY may be required
• Must reside within the stated mileage requirement posted in job description
• A valid driver's license and full-time usage of reliable transportation is required. Driving is an essential function of the job and Motor Vehicle Records may be checked as part of the hiring process or at any time during employment
• Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance
• Accurate and efficient typing capabilities (40+ WPM recommended) and ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
• Must be able to speak for extended periods of time and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and over the phone; record, read and transcribe words and numbers with a high degree of accuracy
• Proficient grammar and writing skills in order to submit high quality reports with minimal or no errors
• Must be able to interact professionally with others, to write for long periods of time, meet expectations for attendance and punctuality, and able to pay attention to details while conducting fieldwork
• Maintain high level of confidentiality ethics and integrity
• Professional attire required
• Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, endure long periods of standing and drive in adverse and/or night conditions

Desired qualifications: 

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals and personalities professionally and effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment under remote supervision
• Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
• Proficient writing and communication skills

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

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Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.