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Background Investigator (Non-Commissioned On-Call)

Requisition Number:

68714

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

University Staff

Schedule:

On-Call

Posting Close Date:

23-Nov-2025

Date Posted:

18-Nov-2025

Job Summary

The Division of Public Safety encourages applications for an on-call Background Investigator! This role will focus on investigative, clerical, and research work in support of pre-employment background investigations supporting the Division of Public Safety (DPS) at the University of Colorado - Boulder. This role supports hiring processes across multiple DPS departments, including the Police, Operations, and Security Services.. The nature and scope of work is largely remote. This position will complete pre-employment portfolios delivered to DPS in a timely manner. This position works with a high-degree of flexibility and must successfully manage their time to complete assigned tasks in an effective fashion.

It is expected that the number of hours needed each week will average 20, with occasional need to work more or less, depending on recruitment cycles.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus’ commitment to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in the conduct of its operations. We do this though services to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster safe, secure, and ethical practices.

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a comprehensive public doctoral Research University, CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000 degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds, identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and grow.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Background Investigations

  • Conducts pre-employment background investigations, which include, but are not limited to, inquiries regarding employment applicants’ character, conduct, driving history, use of illegal drugs, employment history, criminal history, credit history and references.
  • Conducts required background interviews with applicants (face-to-face or virtual, depending on position).
  • Provides excellent customer service to candidates in the background investigations process.
  • Contacts and interviews supervisors and co-workers of applicants, unlisted employment and personal references, neighbors and landlords.
  • Uses a computer to complete standard, formatted Background Investigation Reports in strict and complete accordance with provided instructions and laws.
  • Provides verification, clarification and elaboration of applicant files and data.
  • Makes serious attempts to verify all negative or derogatory information gained in investigations.
  • Maintains the confidentiality of all investigations, including all applicant file contents, investigation working documents and reports and forwards these materials to the appropriate commander for review at the conclusion of investigations.
  • Maintains and updates computer systems and files used by the department including archiving complete background portfolios into the appropriate servers for records retention. Works closely with other human resources and professional standards employees to develop new and efficient systems.
  • Reports any issues of concern at any point in investigations to their chain-of-command or HR Manager.
  • Provides regular updates as to the status of candidates in the process.
  • Regularly participates in biweekly meetings with other partners, including members of the Background Investigation team and Talent Acquisition. 

What You Should Know

  • This is a 1%, on-call opportunity.
  • This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority.
  • This position will work during standard business hours, typically part-time variable hours per week (contingent upon business needs).
  • The work modality for this opportunity is hybrid.

What We Can Offer

The starting hourly pay for this position is $37.13/hr. 

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be informed. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree in a relevant field or year-for-year investigative experience may be substituted for the educational experience.
  • Must have at least 3 years of experience conducting complex investigations. Equivalent prior Certified Police Officer certification with an emphasis on prior investigative experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

  • Must be able to pass an expanded pre-hire background investigation.
  • Ability to use police computer systems, i.e, computer aided dispatch, records management, NCIC/CCIC.
  • Ability to become certified to use National and State Computer Crime Computer System within 90 days of appointment to this position.
  • Ability to use MS Office Suite, including word processing and spreadsheet development.
  • Must be proficient in the use of remote video software and applications, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
  • Ability to use a variety of software platforms, both application and cloud-based.
  • Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite, including word processing and spreadsheet development.
  • Must be able to quickly learn the eSoph background investigation software as a workflow system that drives background investigative processes and repository of data.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information and exercise discretion with whom and how information is shared.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks and be flexible in day-to-day job assignment.
  • Ability to complete work with limited supervision and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in written reports.
  • Ability to be flexible in day-to-day job assignments.
  • Ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers and to successfully meet those needs.

What We Would Like You to Have

Experience conducting pre-employment background investigations for police departments.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. A current resume.
  2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 23, 2025, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.


In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures. 

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu