Background Investigator

Overview

The City of Salem Police Department (SPD) is hiring!

Make an impact: The City of Salem Police Department is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional to serve as a Background Investigator. In this temporary/seasonal role, you will conduct thorough pre-employment background investigations for both sworn and civilian applicants, ensuring the integrity of the department’s hiring process. Your work will directly support the mission of public safety by helping select qualified individuals to serve our community.

Learn and grow: Joining the Salem Police Department as a Background Investigator means becoming part of a team that values professionalism, integrity, and service. You’ll work independently while collaborating with department leadership to ensure accurate and timely investigations. This position offers an opportunity to apply your law enforcement experience in a critical support role that impacts the future of our agency.

• Conduct comprehensive background investigations for police officer candidates and civilian applicants.
• Interview references, employers, neighbors, and other relevant contacts.
• Review applicant history, including criminal, employment, financial, and educational records.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports and summaries for hiring decisions.
• Operate various data entry and report writing systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.
• Assist with other investigative or administrative assignments as needed.

• Competitive hourly rate: $49.92/hour
• Temporary/seasonal assignment with a maximum of 1,039 hours per calendar year
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful public safety work behind the scenes
• A supportive team environment focused on professionalism and service

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must pass a full police background investigation and drug test (including marijuana), including
• Must possess a valid Oregon driver license and meet the City of Salem’s driving standards.
• Must pass a criminal background check necessary to obtain Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance and Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification within 30 days of hire and maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Must be an honorably retired or retired in good standing Police Officer, Enforcement Deputy Sheriff, or State Trooper. If retired from the City of Salem, must have been retired more than 90 days by the date of hire.

Auxiliary Police Officer assignments also require the following minimum qualifications:

• Must meet and maintain firearms, defensive tactics, and Taser training requirements in accordance with Salem Police Department directives and training manuals throughout employment depending on area of assignment.
• Must pass full background and drug testing including a psychological evaluation required for Salem Police Reserve Officer status per DPSST standards depending on area of assignment.
• Able to obtain and maintain Salem Police Reserve Officer status within 30 days of hire depending on area of assignment.

• Knowledge of investigative techniques and background screening procedures.
• Ability to deal with individuals and groups with tact, understanding, and courtesy.
• Ability to work independently, schedule time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.

The assessment process for Background Investigator may include the following:

• Supplemental Question Review (weighted):
  Your responses will be evaluated using a structured scoring matrix. Be sure to provide complete, detailed answers with specific examples.
• Oral Interview (weighted):
  Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview to assess investigative experience, communication skills, and ability to handle sensitive information.

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for available job opportunities and is committed to equal employment opportunities, diversity, equity, and inclusion. To apply,…