Background Investigator

Background Investigator

As a Background Investigator with the Durango Police Department, you'll conduct thorough background investigations for police officer, police cadet, lateral officer, and select civilian applicants. You'll review records, conduct interviews, verify information, research authorized databases, and prepare investigative reports for Police Department leadership. You'll also coordinate applicant testing, recruitment and hiring activities, and pre-employment and onboarding requirements in partnership with Human Resources and department leadership. This civilian position combines investigative work with detailed administrative coordination. You'll handle confidential information, manage multiple cases and deadlines, and help guide applicants through the hiring process from initial recruitment through their start date. The starting pay for this position is between $21.81 and $23.99 an hour, with opportunities for growth up to $30.54 per hour based on long-term growth and performance within the role.

Our mission is to improve community safety and quality of life by reducing crime and its perception. We are committed to serving our diverse community with respect, dignity, integrity, and the utmost moral and ethical character. Driven by the ambition to become the premier law enforcement agency in the southwest region of Colorado, we leverage innovation and cutting-edge technologies. We focus on developing, retaining, and investing in the success of our team members. Through community engagement, we collaborate with citizens and local partners to address issues and improve quality of life, making Durango the best place to live, work, and play.

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city's mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city's strategic plan. As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You'll Do in This Role:

• Conduct comprehensive background investigations for police officer, lateral officer, police cadet, and select civilian applicants.
• Review applicant materials, conduct interviews, verify information, and investigate discrepancies or inconsistencies.
• Research applicant information using authorized databases and investigative resources.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports and communicate significant findings to Police Department leadership.
• Coordinate applicant testing and selection activities throughout the hiring process.
• Coordinate recruitment and hiring activities from job requisition through the employee's start date in partnership with Human Resources and Police Department leadership.
• Support recruitment through career fairs, hiring events, community and academy outreach, and other targeted recruitment activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential applicant and personnel records in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and records retention requirements.
• Manage the Police Department's ride-along program, including applicant screening and scheduling.
• Fingerprint applicants and submit fingerprints for required criminal history checks.
• Track recruitment and hiring information and identify opportunities to improve hiring processes.
• Complete required background investigator training and follow applicable Police Department policies, procedures, and Colorado Peace Officer Standards of Training requirements.

You Have:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of administrative experience and one year of investigative experience in the public or private sector. Relevant education may be substituted for experience.
• A valid driver's license when operating a City vehicle, personal vehicle, or rental vehicle for City business.
• The ability to successfully complete the City's pre-employment screening process, including a fingerprint-based records check and comprehensive background investigation.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Approach investigative work with accuracy, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Can organize and manage multiple investigations, applicants, deadlines, and administrative processes while working independently.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with applicants, references, City employees, and others, both verbally and in writing, while building effective working relationships.
• Can handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately, learn and apply applicable policies and procedures, and use digital tools to support your work.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Paid FMLA
• Commitment to employee wellness:
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Resiliency Program: Offers guidance, coaching, and confidential support for mental well-being. Earn 8 hours of PTO for each bi-annual counseling session attended.
• Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Ice Rink and Ski Area
• Participation in holistic Employee Wellness Program
• Free transit pass and family member discounts
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Positions remain open until their listed deadline or until filled. Early closures are rare, but we encourage applying promptly.