POST certified Background Investigator
Part Time • Hybrid - US
Responsive recruiter
KENTECH Consulting Inc. is an award-winning background technology screening company. We are the creators of innovative projects such as eKnowID.com - 1st consumer background checking system of its kind, and ClarityIQ a high-tech/high-touch investigative case management system.
MISSION
We're on a mission to help the world make clear and informed hiring decisions.
VALUE
In order to achieve our team, exhibit the behaviors and core values aligned with this mission KENTECH Core Values:
- Customer Focused: We are customer-focused and results-driven.
- Growth Minded: We believe in collaborative learning and industry best practices to deliver excellence.
- Fact Finders: We are passionate investigators for discovery and truth.
- Community and Employee Partnerships: We believe there is no greater power for transformation than delivering on what communities and employees care about.
IMPACT
As a small, agile company, we seek high performers who relish in the idea that their effort will directly impact our customers and help shape the next evolution of background investigations.
As a POST certified Background Investigator, you will conduct in depth pre employment background investigations for firefighter and ambulance operator candidates for the Santa Monica Fire Department. This work includes both field investigations and detailed file review, and requires a high level of judgment, impeccable ethics, and strong written communication skills.
As a POST certified Background Investigator, you will conduct in depth pre employment background investigations for firefighter and ambulance operator candidates for the Santa Monica Fire Department. This work includes both field investigations and detailed file review, and requires a high level of judgment, impeccable ethics, and strong written communication skills.
This is a project based, part time 1099 contractor role. Work volume will vary based on SMFD hiring needs. For proposal purposes, the anticipated annual volume is approximately:
- Ambulance Operator backgrounds, about 30 per year
- Firefighter backgrounds, about 15 per year
Key Responsibilities
Ambulance Operator Backgrounds
- Make initial phone contact with candidates and explain the background investigation process.
- Issue and track completion of the Personal Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) and Personal History Statement (PHS) using SMFD approved forms.
- Review PIQ, PHS, and Livescan results, and identify areas requiring clarification or follow up.
- Conduct secondary contacts with candidates to discuss and document any negative or complex findings.
- Prepare clear, factual written summaries of findings for SMFD review.
Firefighter Backgrounds
- Conduct initial in person meetings with candidates to explain expectations, review PHS / PIQ documents, and obtain required notarized releases, using SMFD provided documents and notary services.
- Complete comprehensive background investigations, which include:
- Military records
- Marital status and history
- Birth history and identity verification
- Credit history, where applicable and allowed
- Employment history and performance
- Personal and professional references
- Community involvement
- Criminal history checks at all relevant levels (states, cities, counties, colleges)
- Education, residency, driving history, certificates, licenses, and accreditations
- Citizenship verification and current alcohol / drug abuse assessment consistent with law and policy
- Military records
- Conduct field investigations that include in person, telephone, and written correspondence contacts.
- Contact primary and secondary references, past and present employers, co workers, neighbors, and landlords, as appropriate.
- Conduct appropriate checks with law enforcement and fire agencies, including agencies where the candidate has previously applied, when applicable.
- Review Livescan results and integrate findings into the investigation.
- Prepare an Executive Summary (final report) with a concise cover sheet that explains the accuracy and basis of the findings and verifies that all information is factual.
Operational and Quality Requirements
- Follow the POST “Background Investigators Manual” or equivalent standards throughout all investigative work.
- Manage multiple investigations at the same time, with typical groupings of up to 16 candidates.
- Meet mutually agreed upon timelines established in consultation with KENTECH and SMFD.
- Present investigation methods, templates, and report formats for SMFD approval prior to starting work and follow approved methods consistently.
- Maintain organized, legible, and complete working files for all assigned cases, consistent with KENTECH and SMFD expectations.
Required Qualifications
- Current POST certification as a background investigator or equivalent recognized by the State of California.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience conducting municipal firefighter or public safety background investigations, preferably for fire departments and police departments.
- Ability to operate under a valid California owner / manager investigator license (either your own license or through a licensed entity that meets State requirements).
- Demonstrated experience conducting complex public safety background investigations involving field work, public records checks, and in depth interviews.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant federal and California laws and regulations, including:
- Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA)
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA, Gov. Code §12900 et seq.)
- California Labor Code Sections 1735 and 1777.6
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Other applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to background screening, discrimination, and disability accommodations
- Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, factual, and objective Executive Summaries.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Reliable transportation and ability to perform field work in Santa Monica and surrounding areas.
Additional Expectations
- Work as an independent contractor (1099), responsible for your own taxes, insurance, equipment, and scheduling, consistent with KENTECH’s engagement terms.
- Use only factual, verifiable information in investigative reports, and assume full responsibility for the accuracy of information included in Executive Summaries.
- Cooperate with KENTECH and SMFD on any questions related to investigative methods, findings, or documentation.
- Understand that SMFD retains possession of background investigation files according to their retention schedule, and maintain copies only as allowed by policy and law.
How To Be Considered
For proposal submission, KENTECH is required to include information on the specific investigators who will support this project.
If you meet the qualifications above and are interested in this 1099 opportunity, please submit:
- Your current resume highlighting public safety / fire service background investigation experience.
- A copy of your current POST certificate.
- Confirmation of your California investigator license status (owner / manager or associated entity).
You may also include a brief summary of recent fire or police agency clients you have supported in the last 5–10 years.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $300.00 - $900.00 per day
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
🌐 WHO WE ARE
KENTECH Consulting, Inc. is a premier U.S.-based background investigation solutions firm and licensed Private Detective Agency. Our team of investigative experts blends cutting-edge technology with industry insight to deliver fast, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
With deep cross-industry experience, we provide fully compliant investigative services that meet the high demands of today’s business environment.
With deep cross-industry experience, we provide fully compliant investigative services that meet the high demands of today’s business environment.
🔎 WHAT WE DO
We offer customized background screening solutions tailored to meet the needs of diverse industries.
Our advanced tools and digital platforms allow us to conduct background and security checks up to 75% faster than traditional methods.
With real-time access to over 500 million records, KENTECH is a trusted authority in background checking technology across the U.S.
Our advanced tools and digital platforms allow us to conduct background and security checks up to 75% faster than traditional methods.
With real-time access to over 500 million records, KENTECH is a trusted authority in background checking technology across the U.S.
🌟 OUR VISION
To help the world make clear and informed decisions.
🎯 OUR MISSION
To deliver fast, accurate, and secure background investigations on a global scale—supporting safer hiring decisions and stronger communities.
🚀 CAREERS AT KENTECH
We’re building a team of remarkable individuals who are:
✅ Critical thinkers and problem solvers who see challenges as opportunities
✅ Driven professionals who create meaningful impact through their ideas and results
✅ Mission-driven collaborators who believe in the power of digital identity to create safer environments
✅ Naturally curious and eager to innovate in an ever-changing landscape
✅ Team players who believe in the value of camaraderie, laughter, and high standards
✅ Driven professionals who create meaningful impact through their ideas and results
✅ Mission-driven collaborators who believe in the power of digital identity to create safer environments
✅ Naturally curious and eager to innovate in an ever-changing landscape
✅ Team players who believe in the value of camaraderie, laughter, and high standards
💼 WHO THRIVES HERE?
- People who never back down from a tough challenge
- Professionals who bring their best every day—and uplift others around them
- Individuals who value purpose, performance, and a good laugh
- Teammates who want to shape the future of digital security and identification
- You, if you're reading this and thinking: “This sounds like my kind of place.”
🎉 YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Ready to do work that matters with people who care?
Explore our current openings—your future team is waiting.
Explore our current openings—your future team is waiting.
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)