Background Investigator (FT Employee) - State College, PA

Peraton•State College, PA

About The Position

Peraton is hiring a full-time Background Investigator near State College, Pennsylvania. Applicants must live within 50 miles of the city center. The investigator conducts federal background investigations to determine the employment suitability of people who require access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information. The position requires daily local travel and may involve travel outside the primary work area, including temporary duty assignments lasting 14–30 days away from home. A home office is required. New investigators must complete six to seven weeks of full-time training, delivered virtually and in person, to become certified in the Federal Investigative Standards for government background investigations. Investigators work independently while also collaborating with a team and a Field Manager. They document findings in clear, concise reports using a government-issued computer system. The position requires U.S. citizenship, the ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Top Secret clearance, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and sufficient motor vehicle insurance. The stated hourly rate is $26.07. Eligible employees may receive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a health savings account, short- and long-term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off, and company-paid holidays. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

At least four years of general work experience or a bachelor’s degree; candidates with federal background investigation experience are preferred.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret-eligible clearance.
Must reside within 50 miles of the State College city center.
Valid driver’s license, full-time use of reliable transportation, and sufficient motor vehicle insurance; driving is an essential job function and motor vehicle records may be checked.
Accurate and efficient typing ability; 40+ words per minute is recommended.
Ability to use multiple computer programs concurrently.
Ability to speak for extended periods and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and by phone; ability to record, read, and transcribe words and numbers accurately.
Proficient grammar and writing skills to produce high-quality reports with minimal or no errors.
Ability to interact professionally, write for long periods, meet attendance and punctuality expectations, and pay attention to detail in fieldwork.
Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, stand for long periods, and drive in adverse or nighttime conditions.
Professional attire is required.
A home office is required.
Daily travel is required, and temporary duty assignments or remote travel of 14–30 days away from home may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting federal background investigations.
An active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication.
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with a variety of individuals and personalities.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment under remote supervision.
Excellent organizational, scheduling, and prioritization skills.
Proficient writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Complete six to seven weeks of full-time virtual and in-person training to become certified in the Federal Investigative Standards for government background investigations.
Travel daily to conduct in-person background investigations and determine employment suitability for people seeking access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information.
Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with investigation subjects and their neighbors, employers, friends, and family.
Search records at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical or mental health facilities.
Type and report obtained information clearly and concisely using a government-issued computer system.
Work independently as well as with a team of investigators and a Field Manager.
Travel locally and, as needed, outside the primary work area; temporary duty assignments of 14–30 days away from home may be required.
Maintain confidentiality, ethics, integrity, professional conduct, attendance, and punctuality while conducting fieldwork.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Health savings account
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Parental leave
401(k)
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation
Company-paid holidays
Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus depending on the position