Senior Background Investigator - Part-Time (Retired LEO)

Description This is a part-time position that will require you to report in-person into the office from time to time. In order to be eligible for this position, you must be a retired sworn police officer. The hourly rate being offered for this position is $50.44 an hour. This position will require significant collaboration with the full-time background investigator in the investigations unit. This is a part-time position and medical benefits and retirement plans do not apply.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, conducts and compiles professional background investigations for candidates under consideration for hire within the Harbor Police Department. The Police Background Investigator is a civilian position assigned to the Investigations-Intelligence Section of the Harbor Police Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

General supervision is provided by the Investigations Sergeant. The incumbent is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices associated with professional background checks and pre-employment inquiries. The Police Background Investigator exercises considerable independent judgment while performing the duties assigned to the position. Duties may include indirect supervision of technical or clerical personnel. Essential Duties And Responsibilities The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Review completed background interview forms, check for completeness, accuracy, inconsistencies, errors, omissions, and falsifications. Obtain and review records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, and State and municipal law enforcement agencies to determine if the candidate was a witness, victim, suspect, or perpetrator of any crime. Obtain and review arrest reports, witness statements, and other documents to determine if the candidate has the appropriate background to become a Harbor Police Department employee. Obtain and review credit reports and evaluate financial responsibility. Interview employers, co-workers, neighbors, law enforcement officials, military personnel, members of the candidate's family, and personal references. Develop second and third level references and make additional inquiries to assist in determining credibility of statements. Observe each person being interviewed for the presence or absence to of physical indicators of truthfulness. Prepare detailed and complete interview statements for each person being interviewed in order to allow a reviewer to draw reasonable and logical conclusions about the prospective candidate. Prepare final background investigation package for presentation to Command Staff. Organize all investigative material in accordance with established procedures. Meet regularly with management and the candidate to keep them informed of the status of the investigation. Prepare a detailed summary of adverse information based upon objective analysis and evaluation of a candidate's background and statements from others contacted during the course of the background investigation. Measure the candidate's background against job dimensions set forth the by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Complete background packages for review and final recommendation. Coordinate scheduling to ensure efficient use of time while traveling. Other Duties Represent the Department at job fairs and other recruiting activities. Make presentations and educate groups concerning the hiring process including the background investigation process. Serve as an evaluator on interview panels, assessment centers and other testing procedures. Administer written exams and serve as a test proctor for a variety of testing processes. Provide orientation to new police officers. Coordinate equipment needs and locker assignment for new officers. Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: Selection standards as set forth by POST. Confidentiality laws and issues such as confidentiality of personnel records, requests for information on candidates from other departments, the public, or the media. Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity and personal privacy of candidate background investigation files and all other information contained therein. Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may compromise the integrity of investigation or investigation file documents. Identify various technical specialists available to assist in an investigation and when to request such assistance. Ability To Read, comprehend, and interpret detailed, complex written material. Prepare clear, concise written reports. Analyze complex ideas and information and present findings in a succinct understandable format, both verbally and in writing. Simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patterns and relationships, and develop theories about past occurrences based on numerous small bits of information or evidence. Access information through various computer systems. Compare and interpret information, recognize and examine discrepancies, and draw logical conclusions. Manage time sufficiently to prioritize and combine investigations to ensure timely completion. Balance workload and handle several cases at a time. Utilizes appropriate investigative techniques to capture an accurate image of the candidate's background. Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management and the public. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds. Work cooperatively as part of a team. Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught or uncooperative persons. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills required to discuss matters which are of a sensitive and sometimes of an inflammatory nature with candidates and others contacted during the course of the investigation. Observe body language when interviewing individuals looking for signs of truthfulness and credibility. Conduct interviews in a manner that places people at ease and encourages cooperation. Keep interviews focused on the material to be covered. Listen, in person and on the telephone, and pay close attention to what is being said. Perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood the question, rephrase and clarify questions, and follow-up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements. Minimum Requirements Education, Training and Experience: Two years of experience performing the work of a background investigator in a public safety environment, or two years experience performing the full range of duties of a Harbor Police Officer. Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Specialized training in a P.O.S.T. approved background investigation school is highly desirable. A current, valid California Class C driver's license at time of appointment and maintained at all times thereafter in order to operate a vehicle on District business. If assigned to perform work at any of the District's Harbor Police facilities you must be able to pass a background investigation that includes, but is not limited to a polygraph examination. Recruitment Information The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible. Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application. Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 24, 2026. To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website If applicable, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application. You must also attach a short one-page writing sample to your application in order to move forward in the process. Placement On Eligible List The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The incumbent in this classification will be required to communicate verbally both in person and over the telephone. The work requires the Police Background Investigator to travel to conduct interviews and review documents, this makes airline travel and travel by vehicle a requirement of the job. Business travel may require the Police Background Investigator to be away from the office and out of the immediate area for up to five days or longer. Often the use of a rental vehicle will be required when conducting business outside of the area. The Investigator drives up to 4 to 6 hours, in a vehicle, with the ability to stop and take short breaks. When conducting a background, the Police Background Investigator may be required to make contacts with witnesses during off-business hours, including swing and graveyard shifts. When participating in meetings or performing work in the office the incumbent in this classification sits for extended periods of time with the ability to change positions at will. When reviewing documents the incumbent observes and compares information checking for completeness and consistency. The incumbent uses a personal computer to compile reports and correspondence. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. Resolution #: 2016 – 19 Dated: February 9, 2016 #J-18808-Ljbffr Port of San Diego