FIELD BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR
KENTECH Consulting Inc. is an award-winning background technology screening company. We are the creators of innovative projects such as eKnowID.com - 1st consumer background checking system of its kind, and ClarityIQ a high-tech/high-touch investigative case management system.
MISSION
We're on a mission to help the world make clear and informed hiring decisions
VALUE
- People Focused: We are client focused and results-driven.
- Growth Minded: We believe in collaborative learning and industry best practices to deliver excellence.
- Fact Finders: We are passionate investigators for discovery and truth.
- Community Partnerships: We believe there is no greater power for transformation than delivering on what a communities and employees care about.
IMPACT
As a small agile company, we seek high performers who relish in the idea that their effort will directly impact our customers and help shape the next evolution of background investigations.
Job Description
The Field Background Investigator conducts pre-employment background investigations supporting public safety, security, dispatcher, and sworn personnel hiring within California.
This is a project-based, case-driven independent contractor role. Assignments are offered based on investigator availability, qualifications, geographic coverage, project requirements, and case needs.
The Field Background Investigator is responsible for conducting assigned investigative activities, documenting findings accurately, meeting established case deadlines, and coordinating with KENTECH's project management and quality-review teams to support complete, client-ready investigative reports.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive pre-employment background investigation activities according to assigned case requirements.
- Conduct sworn personnel background investigations requiring POST-compliant investigative work when qualified and assigned.
- Conduct public safety dispatcher, security management, supervisory, and security officer background investigations as assigned.
- Conduct approved follow-up or discovery work related to conflicting, disqualifying, or unforeseen findings.
- Conduct candidate interviews in person or remotely as required by the assignment.
- Conduct professional, personal, employment, and other appropriate reference interviews.
- Complete residence verification and neighborhood canvassing when required.
- Review relevant records and document investigative findings accurately and objectively.
- Conduct approved social media and open-source research in accordance with applicable requirements.
- Identify discrepancies, inconsistencies, omissions, and information requiring additional investigation.
- Conduct appropriate investigative follow-up to clarify or substantiate relevant findings.
- Prepare accurate, timely, and complete field notes and investigative documentation.
- Maintain documentation consistent with applicable POST standards and assigned project requirements.
- Submit investigative work products within established case timelines.
- Maintain clear records of investigative attempts, contacts, interviews, records reviewed, and findings.
- Coordinate with KENTECH's Project Manager, report writers, and quality-review resources to resolve gaps or outstanding investigative items.
- Respond to appropriate follow-up requests related to assigned investigative work.
- Manage multiple accepted investigations independently while maintaining required deadlines and documentation standards.
- Communicate promptly regarding delays, candidate non-responsiveness, unavailable records, or other circumstances that may affect case completion.
- Maintain secure handling of personally identifiable information, investigative records, and confidential client information.
- Follow applicable client requirements, KENTECH procedures, project-specific instructions, and confidentiality expectations.
- Perform additional field investigation responsibilities associated with assigned cases as authorized.
Qualifications
- Active California Private Investigator license.
- POST Background Investigator certification for sworn background investigation assignments.
- Minimum 5 years of experience conducting pre-employment background investigations for law enforcement or public safety agencies.
- Strong working knowledge of applicable POST background investigation standards.
- Knowledge of California Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031 as applicable to sworn hiring.
- Ability to conduct required fieldwork within Los Angeles County.
- Experience conducting candidate and reference interviews.
- Strong investigative documentation and report-writing skills.
- Ability to identify inconsistencies, discrepancies, and areas requiring additional investigative follow-up.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to independently manage multiple active cases and established deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively in a remote, case-based environment while completing required in-person fieldwork.
- Ability to handle sensitive personally identifiable information and confidential investigative records appropriately.
- Ability to maintain objective, fact-based investigative documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Significant experience conducting California public safety or sworn personnel background investigations.
- Experience conducting investigations within Los Angeles County.
- Experience working with multiple public safety agencies or government clients.
- Experience using case-management or investigative workflow systems.
- Experience coordinating investigative work with report writers, project managers, or quality-review teams.
Soft Skills
- Investigative Judgment: Evaluates information objectively and recognizes when additional inquiry or clarification is required.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate and complete investigative documentation and identifies inconsistencies in information.
- Communication: Conducts professional interviews and communicates investigative issues clearly and appropriately.
- Organization: Effectively manages multiple cases, records, interviews, deadlines, and follow-up activities.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of accepted assignments and completes required investigative work within established timelines.
- Independence: Manages assigned investigations with limited supervision while maintaining appropriate communication with the project team.
- Follow-Through: Pursues outstanding investigative information and appropriately documents unsuccessful attempts or unresolved matters.
- Professionalism: Interacts appropriately with candidates, references, agency representatives, and KENTECH personnel.
- Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing case circumstances, investigative findings, and field requirements.
- Confidentiality: Protects sensitive candidate, client, investigative, and company information.
Additional Information
- Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
- Work Arrangement: Remote with required fieldwork
- Location: California-based
- Field Coverage: Los Angeles County as required by assignment
- Schedule: Contractor-controlled within applicable case deadlines and client requirements
- Assignment Acceptance: Contractors may accept or decline assignments based on availability
- Compensation: Paid per completed investigation or approved task-based work
- POST-Compliant Sworn Investigations: Up to $645 per completed case
- Shared Cases: Compensation may be divided between the Field Background Investigator and Report Writer based on the assigned scope of work
- Independent contractors may provide services to other clients consistent with applicable agreements and confidentiality obligations
Equal Employment Opportunity
KENTECH Consulting Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Flexible work from home options available.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
WHO WE ARE
KENTECH Consulting, Inc. is a premier U.S.-based background investigation solutions firm and licensed Private Detective Agency. Our team of investigative experts blends cutting-edge technology with industry insight to deliver fast, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
With deep cross-industry experience, we provide fully compliant investigative services that meet the high demands of today’s business environment.
WHAT WE DO
We offer customized background screening solutions tailored to meet the needs of diverse industries.
Our advanced tools and digital platforms allow us to conduct background and security checks up to 75% faster than traditional methods.
With real-time access to over 500 million records, KENTECH is a trusted authority in background checking technology across the U.S.
OUR VISION
To help the world make clear and informed decisions.
OUR MISSION
To deliver fast, accurate, and secure background investigations on a global scale—supporting safer hiring decisions and stronger communities.
CAREERS AT KENTECH
We’re building a team of remarkable individuals who are:
Critical thinkers and problem solvers who see challenges as opportunities
Driven professionals who create meaningful impact through their ideas and results
Mission-driven collaborators who believe in the power of digital identity to create safer environments
Naturally curious and eager to innovate in an ever-changing landscape
Team players who believe in the value of camaraderie, laughter, and high standards
WHO THRIVES HERE?
- People who never back down from a tough challenge
- Professionals who bring their best every day—and uplift others around them
- Individuals who value purpose, performance, and a good laugh
- Teammates who want to shape the future of digital security and identification
- You, if you're reading this and thinking: “This sounds like my kind of place.”
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Ready to do work that matters with people who care?
Explore our current openings—your future team is waiting.