Background Investigator

Position Information

Application Deadline:

• Until Filled (For first consideration, apply by Sunday, July 6, 2025.)

Salary:

• Starting: $59,781 - $68,055 DOQ

  Non-bargaining unit (NBU) position

  The City of Champaign offers excellent fringe benefits including:

  • Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave and 11 paid City holidays each year
  • Health, life, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement health savings and flexible spending plans
  • Retirement benefits through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) View the Salary Schedule and Non-Bargaining Unit Non-Exempt Full-Time Fringe Benefit Summary at:
  • ChampaignIL.gov/Salaries
  • View the full Non-Bargaining Unit Employee Handbook at:
  • ChampaignIL.gov/hr/jobs/bargaining-units/

Position Details

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Location:

Onsite

Do you have experience in law enforcement or private investigation? Are you looking for an opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful and impactful way?

If your answer is "yes," then consider applying today to be a Background Investigator with the Champaign Police Department. This position is currently authorized for two years from the date of hire.

Responsibilities of Position:

Our Background Investigator serves an integral role in hiring members of the Champaign Police Department and other City Departments. They conduct thorough investigations to evaluate potential candidates for sworn and civilian positions within the department and the City.

This includes:

• Reviewing applicant background packets.
• Collecting information about applicants through in-person, mail, email, virtual, and telephone interviews with applicants, employers, family members, references, etc.
• Critically reviewing details for omissions, inconsistencies, and areas in need of further clarification; participating in police officer recruitment.
• Creating and maintaining detailed records and reports.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Extensive law enforcement and/or investigative experience within the last ten years.
• Or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding background checks for civilian and sworn positions.
• Availability to travel out of the local area and work nights/weekends, overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary.
• Current valid state-issued driver’s license and good driving record.
• Possess or be able to obtain, within approved timeframe, and maintain, L.E.A.D.S. and NCIC certification.
• Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and protection of confidential information in compliance with privacy laws and requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An associate or bachelor’s degree with coursework in criminal justice or a related field.
• Prior background investigation experience.
• Public sector law enforcement experience.

Drug screening, driving record review, and criminal background check and investigation will be required.

The City's mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, and Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion.

Apply Here