Background Investigation Jobs in Washington DC

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Looking for Background Investigation jobs in Washington DC? Browse our curated listings with transparent salary information to find the perfect Background Investigation position in the Washington DC area.

Program Analyst- Charge Analyst

Company: Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Health Administration

Location: Walla Walla, Washington Walla Walla, Washington

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job posting is for a position at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. The role reports to the Chief of Health Administration Services. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and complete an online assessment. Physical requirements include sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with occasional movement around the facility. Qualifications include one year of specialized experience or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. GS-09 requires one full year of specialized experience or a master's degree or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Transcripts are required for education-based qualifications. The position requires participation in vaccination programs and may involve a probationary period and background investigation.

Auditor

Company: Department of Energy - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been ranked among the top 5 mid-size agencies in the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government Rankings. The Auditor position is located in the Office of Enforcement. U.S. Citizenship is required, and a background investigation is mandatory. The role involves conducting audits under Generally Accepted Auditing Standards or Government Auditing Standards. FERC is also recognized for its diversity, effective leadership, and work-life balance, offering telework and workplace flexibilities.

Chief, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit

Company: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Office of Special Counsel

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. government is seeking an experienced Attorney-Mediator to lead its Alternative Dispute (ADR) Unit. The role involves overseeing mediation of complaints, providing legal advice on the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, and serving as an expert in negotiation and dispute resolution. This is a challenging yet rewarding position, offering the opportunity to manage and develop OSC's ADR program while providing leadership and expertise.

Health Economist

Company: Legislative Branch - Congressional Budget Office

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is seeking two health economists for its Health Analysis Division. The division focuses on health care and federal budget topics. The economists will contribute to new studies and improve analytical models for legislative cost estimates. Requirements include US citizenship, Ph.D. in economics or related field, and postdoctoral experience in health care program analysis. Strong quantitative skills, programming knowledge, and ability to present work to non-technical audiences are essential. This is an alternative hiring process, not competitive civil service.

Supervisory Management Analyst

Company: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Field Policy and Management

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Field Policy and Management is seeking applicants for a position in Washington, D.C. The role requires U.S. Citizenship or Nationality, a background investigation, and completion of a Declaration for Federal Employment. Specialized experience is needed, including analyzing office operations, developing reports, and contributing to policy development. No education requirement is specified. The position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and offers alternative work schedules. HUD employees are subject to ethics laws and restrictions.

Clinical Psychologist

Company: Department of Defense - Military Treatment Facilities under DHA

Location: Tacoma, Washington Tacoma, Washington

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The text describes a job opening for a Clinical Psychologist at the Defense Health Agency, Army Medical Center Madigan, specifically for the Director of Behavior Health, Psychology Services, located in Tacoma, WA. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation with potential for Recruitment, Relocation, and Advance in Hire incentives. The role requires a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, one year of specialized experience in psychological evaluations, treatment planning, and counseling, and a current, active, unrestricted clinical license. The position involves potential for moderate to heavy lifting, and a one-year probationary period. U.S. Citizenship is mandatory, and a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration is required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Electrical Engineer

Company: Department of Energy - Bonneville Power Administration

Location: Vancouver, Washington Vancouver, Washington

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Electrical Engineer position at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) involves serving as a consultant and expert advisor on SPC systems and equipment. The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution, or a combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes applying professional knowledge of electrical engineering theories and methods to system integration, modification, redesign, troubleshooting, installation, operation, and maintenance of various transmission system protection and control equipment. The position is located in Vancouver, WA, known for its outdoor activities and nature parks. BPA offers a comprehensive benefits package and strives to maintain a safe, positive, inclusive work environment.

Education and Sentencing Practice Specialist

Company: Judicial Branch - U. S. Sentencing Commission

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The United States Sentencing Commission is seeking an Education and Sentencing Practice Specialist. The role involves developing and delivering training programs for legal professionals on federal sentencing guidelines. The position requires relocation to Washington D.C. metro area and frequent travel across the U.S. and its territories. Mandatory qualifications include an undergraduate degree in criminal justice or related field, at least four years of relevant experience, and specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 level. Excellent communication skills and teamwork abilities are essential. Preferred qualifications include federal probation, prosecution, or defense attorney experience, training expertise, and program development skills. Benefits include comprehensive federal benefits package, flexible work schedules, telework options, and training opportunities.

Auditor

Company: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities - National Endowment for the Arts

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This text outlines the requirements and qualifications for a U.S. government position. The role necessitates U.S. citizenship, suitable federal employment, and completion of a background investigation. A probationary period and Selective Service registration are also required. Applicants must pass an online assessment and USAHire Assessment. They need to participate in Direct Deposit and have qualifications meeting the GS-11 or GS-12 level. GS-11 requires one year of specialized experience or equivalent education, while GS-12 requires a year of experience at the GS-11 level. Applicants must submit transcripts for education verification. Foreign education is acceptable if comparable to U.S. education. Veterans may claim preference, and all documents must be submitted by the closing date. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Program Analyst

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The job posting is for a Program Analyst position at the IC-12 level, requiring a U.S. citizen with a background investigation for Public Trust/Moderate Risk. The ideal candidate should have strong customer service, analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They will conduct analysis of internal and external performance audit work products. Qualifications include one year of specialized experience in assessing and improving complex management processes, applying program management principles in audits, and coordinating corrective actions across multiple programs or levels of government.

Senior Attorney - Training

Company: Judicial Branch - U. S. Sentencing Commission

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is recruiting for a Senior Attorney - Training position. The role involves providing training and assistance to legal professionals on federal sentencing guidelines. Mandatory qualifications include a law degree, bar membership, five years of legal experience, excellent communication skills, and specialized experience in federal sentencing law. Preferred qualifications include experience as a federal criminal defense attorney or prosecutor, and training experience. Benefits include federal health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work schedules. The Commission is located near Union Station in Washington D.C., offering amenities like a fitness center and free on-site daycare.

Program Manager - DIRECT HIRE

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Transit Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This position is a Senior Liaison role in the Office of Civil Rights (TCR) within the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The incumbent will report to the Deputy Associate Administrator and lead strategic projects, focusing on communication and coordination efforts across FTA and the Department. The role aims to enhance TCR's ability to shape, align, and communicate civil rights policy and priorities, and promote recipient compliance with federal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical salary ranges for Background Investigation roles at different seniority levels?
Entry‑level investigators earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, while mid‑level professionals range from $60,000 to $85,000. Senior investigators typically earn $85,000 to $110,000, and managerial positions can command $110,000 to $140,000, with regional variations reflecting cost of living and demand.
What skills and certifications are essential for a career in background investigation?
Core skills include investigative research, data analysis, OSINT, legal and regulatory compliance, and report writing. Key certifications are Certified Background Screening Professional (CBSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer. Proficiency with LexisNexis, Accuity, Palantir, Checkr, and Maltego enhances employability.
Can Background Investigation jobs be performed remotely?
Many analyst, compliance, and digital forensic roles are fully remote, accessed via secure VPNs and cloud‑based reporting tools. Field investigators and on‑site compliance officers typically require physical presence, but hybrid models are increasingly common.
What are common career progression paths in background investigation?
Typical advancement follows Investigator → Senior Investigator → Lead Investigator → Manager → Director. Digital forensic specialists may progress to Senior Forensic Lead or Chief Security Officer, while compliance roles can evolve into Regulatory Affairs Lead or Head of Risk Management.
What trends are shaping the background investigation industry?
The industry is moving toward AI‑driven screening, machine‑learning risk scoring, and automated credential verification. Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and emerging data‑privacy laws drives new protocols. Cloud‑based platforms, blockchain credential verification, and expanded demand from fintech, healthcare, and defense sectors are also accelerating growth.

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