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Alachua County Sheriff's Office (FL)

Civilian Background Investigator

Career Insights for Surveillance Officer / Investigator

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What they do

A Surveillance Officer or Investigator uses surveillance tools and techniques to investigate a case for a private client. May follow an individual or watch a home or office site and use cameras, binoculars or GPS technology for surveillance

$46,355 / year median in Florida

-2% projected decline

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Job Description

Experienced and highly responsible position requiring technical expertise in investigation, areas of liability, and prevailing laws and guidelines as applied to applicant selection and hiring personnel. Requires good interpersonal skills, self-initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and excellent verbal and writing skills. Position requires administering and interpreting pre-employment polygraph examinations. Assignment to this position requires a minimum three (3) year commitment and a three (3) year training agreement if selected as a Polygraph Examiner. Work is performed under the supervision of the HR Director. Performance is evaluated through observation, results obtained, oral/written reports, and appropriate employee performance appraisals. Conduct pre-employment background investigations for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office Contact previous employers of applicants to assess work quality and habits Contact personal references provided by applicant to assess personal habits, past behaviors, and make recommendations for hire Contact secondary sources provided through the investigation for applicant information Travel to location of applicants' former and current employers to review applicants' personnel and disciplinary files to determine past job performance Present background findings in a concise, understandable format in a timely manner Maintain awareness of, and adhere to, federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and agency policies and procedures which pertain to the gathering, recording, storage, and dispersal of background information Abide by the "Law Enforcement and Alachua County Sheriff's Office Code of Ethics" Perform any other duties or special projects as required Conduct pre-employment polygraph examination interviews and administer polygraph examinations, if selected as a polygraph examiner Analyze and evaluation polygraph examination results and prepare written documentation of findings in a timely manner, if selected as a polygraph examiner •This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent to the position.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma / GED Required Associate's Degree or better
Preferred Preferred Majors:
Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Resources, or other related field
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Four (4) or more years of experience working for a Law Enforcement agency preferred Must have completed or be able to complete a CJSTC approved 40-hour course on Background Investigations If not trained as a polygrapher, may be required to successfully complete/graduate from a recognized polygraph school Current membership or eligibility for membership in the American Polygraph Association or the Florida Polygraph Association Experience in background investigations and interview/interrogation procedures and techniques preferred Any combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING
Current, valid Florida driver license
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit/stand for moderate to extended periods See/hear at a normal range Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently Ambulate independently Lift/carry 25 pounds Push/pull light to moderate loads Manual dexterity Drive a vehicle Pass ACSO's various driving tests as required Knowledge of the principles, methods, and requirements associated with the selection and certification of both law enforcement and correctional personnel Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations that impact public personnel selection and administration Considerable knowledge of information gathering, interviewing, and interrogation techniques Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, rules, and regulations Knowledge of modern investigative methods and techniques as they apply to background investigations Knowledge of laws and controlling court/statutory guidelines as they apply to background investigations and applicant selection Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, particularly as it applies to job applicants and law enforcement personnel Working knowledge of computers and computer applications such as Microsoft Word & Excel Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to establish and maintain accurate and orderly files Ability to handle confidential information discretely Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency members, the public, and a variety of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, both locally and nationally Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and reach closure on projects Skilled in dealing with a wide variety of people Ability to collect and organize applicant information to provide an accurate picture of past performance and behavior Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner