Volunteer OSINT Investigative Researcher - Missing Persons Analysis

Volunteer Investigative Researcher

Night Owl Reconnaissance (NOR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to investigating missing persons cases, preventing disappearances, and providing support to those who have been recovered. Founded in 2019, NOR uses OSINT-driven investigative methods to assist in locating missing individuals while working to expand efforts in prevention and victim support.

We recognize that people go missing for a variety of reasons, including child abduction, human trafficking, domestic violence, and unforeseen circumstances such as accidents or death. Our mission is to work alongside law enforcement and advocacy organizations to ensure the safety of those reported missing while respecting the autonomy of individuals who have chosen to leave unsafe environments. In cases of voluntary separation, we facilitate communication with law enforcement and offer support services where possible.

Commitment Minimum 2 hours per week | 60-day investigative cycles

Night Owl Reconnaissance (NOR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in structured OSINT-driven missing persons investigations. We support active cases, conduct independent open-source research, and provide organized findings to appropriate stakeholders when warranted.

We are expanding our investigative pods and seeking disciplined, detail-oriented volunteers ready to commit to structured casework.

This is not passive volunteering. This is operational work.

As a Volunteer Investigative Researcher, you will join a small investigative pod (4–6 members) led by a Squad Leader. Each pod operates within defined 60-day investigative cycles and structured case phases.

You will contribute to:

• Digital footprint reconstruction
• Social media and relational mapping
• Timeline development
• Public record research
• Geospatial and contextual analysis
• Structured reporting for internal case files

All work is conducted under ethical and legal guidelines.

• MINIMUM 2 hours per week (flexible based on productivity)
• Participation in case briefings and team collaboration
• Ability to follow structured investigative phases
• Clear, organized documentation of findings
• Professional communication and accountability

This role requires discipline, follow‑through, and respect for the seriousness of missing persons cases.

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Have interest or experience in OSINT, journalism, criminology, intelligence analysis, or research
• Are self‑directed but comfortable working within a team structure
• Can handle emotionally complex subject matter professionally
• Understand that many investigations require persistence without immediate closure
• Value structure and accountability

• Real‑world investigative experience
• Structured OSINT training exposure
• Experience working in a mission‑driven nonprofit environment
• Professional development within investigative teamwork
• Opportunity for advancement into senior investigator or squad leadership roles

• Application review
• Structured interview
• Background screening (U.S.
  
  -based)
• Onboarding & training
• Pod assignment

• U.S.
  
  -based applicants only
• Must be able to work within U.S. time zones
• Compliance with data‑handling and confidentiality standards required
• This is volunteer work with real expectations and impact

For questions about this role or our recruitment process, reach out to info

NOTE We will be reviewing and contacting applicants over a period of time. Applicants should expect to hear back by approximately April 15, 2026.

NOTE Night Owl Reconnaissance is looking for volunteers who are based in the United States, able to work during U.S. time zones, and able to comply with U.S. background screening and data‑handling requirements.