• Background Investigator

    Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (New Carrollton, MD)


    Background Investigator

    Job ID:

    251014

    Location:

    MD-Metro Bldg New Carrollton

    Full/Part Time:

    Full-Time

     

    Posting Open-Close

     

    11/06/2025

     

    -

     

    11/20/2025

     

    Union

    NRP

    Regular/Temporary:

    Regular

    Job Description

    Minimum Qualifications

    Education

    + Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, or related field

    + In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, an equivalent combination of post-high school education and minimum four (4) years of experience in law enforcement or human resources conducting extensive background checks to satisfy the minimum education requirement

    Experience

    + A minimum of three (3) years of experience in law enforcement or human resources conducting extensive background checks

    Certification/Licensure

    + Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license from the jurisdiction of residence

    Preferred

    + N/A

    Medical Group:

    Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

    Job Summary:

    The Background Investigator performs in depth, confidential and technical work completing applicant background investigations. The incumbent performs complicated investigative and administrative tasks of moderate difficulty related to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)’s requirements and departmental specifications. The Background Investigator’s primary responsibilities includes conducting interviews, compiling reports and gathering detailed confidential information. Also, the incumbent coordinates and conducts background investigations and assists in coordinating the hire of civilian employees and police officers.

    Essential Functions:

    + Schedules and conducts comprehensive background investigations on civilian applicants and contractors to assist in determining applicant suitability.

    + Researches, reviews and analyzes candidate’s prior personal and employment history information.

    + Performs a variety of investigative and administrative functions. Advises department officials and potential hire on the status of background investigations.

    + Coordinates medical examinations, obtains credit reports and complies background information into a written report and develops recommendation for senior management.

    + Serves as department liaison with candidates to provide regular updates as to investigation progress, answers inquiries and concerns and advises applicants on the outcome of background process. Works closely with Human Resources (HR) to provide accurate information and assists HR with scheduling necessary medical and psychological testing.

    + Conducts driving record checks, background investigations, coordinates Certified Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) examinations by assisting in coordinating testing of applicants. Organize interviews in person and by telephone, and reviews personnel files.

    + Maintains confidentiality of Information consistent with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Washington Area Law Enforcement Center (WALES), Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (MILES), Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) Crime History and WMATA MTPD Department guidelines.

     

    The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

     

    Evaluation Criteria

     

    Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

    Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

    + Skills and/or behavioral assessment

    + Personal interview

    + Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)

    + Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)

    + Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)

    + Review of a current motor vehicle report

     

    Closing

     

    WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

     

    This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.