Part-Time Background Investigator - Police

City of Burlington NC

Burlington, NC

Posted Date

9/03/2026

Description

This is an opportunity to help our department find the best, most qualified candidates for both sworn positions and professional staff positions. If you enjoy meeting new people and building an efficient, well-rounded team, this is the job for you!

About us:

The Burlington Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that is committed to quality, fair, and professional police services. The agency is made up of more than 150 sworn officers and 50 professional staff members serving the City of Burlington, North Carolina. Voted the #1 Police Agency in NC in 2024, we serve a growing city of approximately 60,000 residents.

What will you do:

This person will perform a variety of processing and logistical tasks with elements of investigative work in conducting pre-employment background investigations. Duties are performed in accordance with North Carolina Justice Academy Statutes and established City and Departmental policies. The position will investigate candidates that have applied for employment with the Burlington Police Department. The ideal candidate will have current or former law enforcement experience with the ability to understand and apply standards and make connections with candidate employers. The position involves interviewing references and associates, reviewing criminal records, and preparing detailed suitability reports. They verify legal eligibility and ensure candidates meet legal standards. This position is vital for maintaining the ethical standards of a law enforcement agency.

This is a part-time role. Work will mainly be completed during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. However, there may be various events, meetings, etc. that may require you to work outside of normal business hours. The position will work 10-20 hours per week.

Policing with a

Purpose:

Preserving the Sanctity of ALL Life

Nurture and Protect Democracy

Ensure Procedural Justice and Fundamental Fairness

Spirit of Service

Protect the Community from Harm

Treat all individuals with Dignity and Respect-the ethical foundation of policing

Background Investigations:

Conduct comprehensive background investigations for prospective hires, including applicants for sworn and civilian positions.

Interviewing:

Interview employers, neighbors, coworkers, references, and law enforcement officials.

Record Reviews:

Review FBI, criminal, Department of Justice, and state records.

Reporting:

Prepare detailed, high-stake reports on the suitability of candidates for law enforcement or sensitive positions.

Verification:

Ensure all education, military, and prior employment history is thoroughly verified.

Legal Compliance:

Ensure all hiring investigations adhere strictly to state and federal law.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Analytical Reasoning:

Ability to analyze information to assess risk and character. Reviews completed background forms, check for completeness, accuracy, inconsistencies, errors, omissions, and falsifications.

Integrity:

Maintaining the highest ethical standards in sensitive investigations.

Communication:

Effective interviewing and clear, concise report writing.

Detail-Oriented:

Thoroughness in investigating personal history, education, and financial records. Prepares a detailed summary of adverse information based on objective analysis and evaluation of candidate's background and statements from others contacted during the background investigation.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma and/or GED Equivalent

Minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of experience working in human resources, law enforcement, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may also be considered.

Valid NC driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous investigative experience (e.g., detectives, law enforcement officers, military)

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

Generally sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

Employee regularly operates a variety of office equipment, including telephones, computers, calculators, copiers/scanners, etc.

Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transportation, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading.

Working conditions include inside environmental conditions.

Inclement Weather Classification:

Non-Essential

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

•It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

•

This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors.

Salary

15.97 - 25.54 Hour

Field

Police

Highest Educational Degree Required

High school diploma