POLYGRAPH/BACKGROUND EXAMINER

POLYGRAPH/BACKGROUND EXAMINER

Salary

$64,414.80 - $95,630.40 Annually

Location

Reno

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-03774

Department

DPS - PAROLE & PROBATION

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

D

Max Number of Applicants

50

Salary Grade

35

Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)

Reno, Nevada 89502

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
• THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*

Job Summary

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting to fill a Polygraph/Background Examiner position within the Parole and Probation Division in Reno. The incumbent conducts polygraph examinations of parolees, probationers, and lifetime supervision offenders as well as maintenance polygraphs for sex offenders and pre-employment background investigation polygraphs for Department of Public Safety employment candidates. They complete polygraphs as directed by NRS, Department policies and SOPs, and Division Directives; reviewing case information and/or meeting with officers or other investigative personnel to identify topics/issues to be covered during the polygraph examination. Based on issues and or topics identified, they will determine the appropriate polygraph technique and what questions to ask during the examination. The incumbent will act in a professional manner and represent the Department positively and impartially. At the conclusion of the polygraph examination, they will complete reports in a timely fashion based on established policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, business or public administration, or related field, and one year of professional experience in a law enforcement, social or behavioral services environment conducting background investigations and/or offender interviews to elicit responses pertaining to background history; writing and presenting comprehensive reports of findings; and managing a caseload; OR an Associates degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public or business administration or related field, and two years of professional experience as described above; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of professional experience as described above; OR current licensure as a Polygraph Examiner; OR two years of experience as a Polygraph/Background Examiner Trainee in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

Review case information and/or meet with investigative personnel to identify issues to be covered in the examination process; determine appropriate polygraph technique to be used and write preliminary questions using case information.

Explain examination procedures to examinee, including information concerning legal rights; obtain signature on consent forms according to established policies; ask general questions of examinee regarding physiological conditions, medications and other health factors to determine fitness for examinations and/or impact on examination results; conduct preliminary interview and record information, formalize and review questions with examinee and modify as necessary.

Conduct polygraph examinations designed to disclose information regarding current offenses or conditions of the examinee's parole, probation and/or lifetime supervision including any amendments or special conditions; ask questions to determine truth or deception using polygraph instruments; ask probing questions based on verbal and/or physical responses from examinee and/or testing instruments; score polygraph examination and determine results; advise examinee of results; when results indicate a deceptive response, interview examinee for further clarification; document and write a report of findings to finalize examination results and distribute to requesting entity.

Calibrate polygraph instruments to ensure accurate test results; operate and maintain sound and video recording equipment.

Provide expert testimony in court and at hearings concerning the validity of information provided by suspects, witnesses and others involved in criminal proceedings.

Receive, review and/or research preemployment background application packets; gather and assess information and facts; determine the validity of documents received; ensure required documentation is received and complete; contact employment candidates to request missing information; research criminal history and traffic violation information from various law enforcement and judicial agencies and databases; ensure fingerprint records requests are submitted for processing and results are obtained; ensure background application packets comply with federal and State statutes and regulations and department policies and procedures.

Conduct interviews with appropriate individuals detailed in the employment candidates' personal history statement and hard copy and electronic background application packets; discuss sensitive information; ask clarifying questions; follow up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements; maintain accurate and detailed interview notes.

Prepare comprehensive fact-based reports, memorandums and supplemental documents; identify distracting factors, chronological statements of facts, documentation obtained, findings and conclusions for consideration by the hiring manager and/or appointing authority; may be called upon to provide additional information regarding findings to unit supervisor, hiring manager and appointing authority.

Conduct preemployment polygraph examinations; review applicant information and/or meet with the hiring authority to identify issues to be covered in the examination process; determine appropriate polygraph technique to be used and write preliminary questions using applicant information.

Create, organize and maintain polygraph/background files; upload and file documentation in a designated database; maintain logs, spreadsheets and databases to track movement, ensure efficient recordkeeping and to ensure proper file closure; ensure confidentiality of information; release information upon receipt of properly executed consent agreements or court orders according to legal or regulatory requirements and/or agency policies and procedures; and provide statistical data to include in a report to the unit supervisor.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under limited supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. This is the journey level in the series.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Working knowledge of: appropriate use, operation, calibration, and care of polygraph equipment; caseload management techniques; methods and techniques of interviewing; legal rights of citizens; court procedures.

General knowledge of: criminal and case laws applicable to criminal investigations; professional courtroom demeanor and etiquette.

Ability to: maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, government officials, the judicial system, and the general public; read and interpret court orders, legal documents, complaints and judgments; conduct interviews; independently conduct polygraph examinations; transcribe from a tape; recognize emergency or dangerous situations and inform law enforcement personnel; gain the confidence of others; present findings both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner before management, State officials and the judicial system; discuss and explain agency policies and procedures to persons of various backgrounds, write concise, logical comprehensive reports; read and interpret statutes and agency policies and procedures; testify in court; maintain current knowledge of computerized polygraph equipment and techniques.

Recruiter Contact Information: Jose Villa jvilla@dps.state.nv.us

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).

• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.

• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.

• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.

• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.

• Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.

• No Nevada state income tax.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.

• Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

• State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The following are legal holidays:

January 1.............................................. New Years Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

01

Do you have the following?

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, business or public administration, or related field, and one year of professional experience in a law enforcement, social or behavioral services environment conducting background investigations and/or offender interviews to elicit responses pertaining to background history; writing and presenting comprehensive reports of findings; and managing a caseload.
• An Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public or business administration or related field, and two years of professional experience as described above.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of professional experience as described above.
• Current licensure as a Polygraph Examiner.
• Two years of experience as a Polygraph/Background Examiner Trainee in Nevada State service.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• None of the listed above.

02

A State of Nevada/FBI background check will be required of the selected applicant. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires up to 25% of travel. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

A valid drivers license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Nevada (NV)

Address See Above for Agency Information

See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701

Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov