Background Investigator-Civilian (Finance)

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) is a full service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community, while remaining committed to assisting with personal and professional development of department members, and to the principle of being community minded and service driven.

USFPD is organized into various bureaus, divisions, sections, squads, and units. The department is led by a command staff comprised of sworn and non-sworn members of the rank of lieutenant and higher, a communications and records manager, all of whom report to the assistant chief of police through an established chain-of-command. The Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Patrol Section which is commanded by a lieutenant. The Patrol Division is further broken down into four patrol squads and one Community Service Officer (CSO) squad which is supervised by two non-sworn supervisors.

The Special Operations Division is commanded by a captain who oversees Special Operations/Events and Criminal Investigations Sections; both of which are led by a sergeant. The Administration Bureau is also commanded by a captain who oversees the Support Services and Communications & Records Divisions. Support Services is led by a sergeant and includes the Professional Standards and Information Technology Sections. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall within the Professional Standards Section which is managed by a sergeant. The Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Background Investigator is responsible for conducting comprehensive background investigations to assess the qualifications, integrity, and suitability of prospective employees, including sworn officers and designated civilian personnel, for the University Police Department. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that all applicants meet department standards, university policies, and legal requirements for employment in law enforcement and other designated roles.

Key duties include recruiting qualified candidates for LEO and LEO trainee positions, attending recruitment events to attract potential applicants, reviewing applications, verifying personal and professional history, conducting interviews, gathering records, and preparing detailed investigative reports. Additionally, the investigator will coordinate the enrollment process for selected LEO Trainee candidates into the Police Academy and/or EOT if needed. Strong analytical, communication, and investigative skills are essential.MINIMUIM QUALIFICATIONS:
• HS Diploma
• Related experience 2-5 years in law enforcement, military and/or other investigative roles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with Guardian Alliance Technologies or similar software; MS Office a plus.
Prior experience in law enforcement investigations or a related field.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

This position requires a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check and a Drug Screen.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Contact the USF ADA Lead ( hr-ADA-Request@usf.edu ) to coordinate your accommodation request.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct in-depth background investigations on sworn and non-sworn applicants, including reviewing applications, verifying credentials, and evaluating character and fitness for duty (PAT).

Interview LEO and LEO Trainee applicants, previous employers, colleagues, neighbors, and personal references to gather relevant information.

Obtain and analyze records such as employment history, criminal background checks, credit reports, military service records, and educational transcripts. Conduct fingerprint checks and review results for disqualifying factors.

Prepare comprehensive and well-documented investigative reports summarizing findings for hiring decisions. Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and department policies.

Collaborate with hiring officials, HR personnel, and command staff to provide recommendations based on investigative findings.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple investigations simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of investigative techniques, interviewing methods, and relevant laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for conducting interviews and drafting detailed reports.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Proficiency with law enforcement databases, record management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.