Howard County:Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government:Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NA - Co) – the highest number of annual NA - Co awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NA - Co is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work. POSITION SUMMARY:This position will be responsible for completing background investigations and clearances, including but not limited to new hires, volunteers, and contractors. Complete investigations with consistency and fairness and ensure backgrounds are completed according to state regulations and departmental General Orders. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:$27.23 - $28.90$56,645 - $60,116 CLASS DESCRIPTION:Performs advanced technical level police support services work, which may include supervision, under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work involves providing civilian advanced technical support within a police related activity. Work includes responding to and examining crime and accident scenes; and identifying, collecting, recording and preserving evidence. Work may also include being responsible for the forensic field of identification, technical work in a police laboratory; operating and maintaining laboratory equipment; and preparing and analyzing evidence. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Complete pre-employment background investigation screening of potential employees for public safety employment, volunteer, and contractual positions. Employee is responsible for obtaining pertinent information through criminal background checks on statewide and national level; past employment and background history information; Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) history; credit reports; drug screening history; social media checks; domestic violence; etc. The investigators will be proficient in computer usage and must be proficient in the use of the METERS/ NCIC/ JC/ LINX Computer systems. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Personal History Questionnaire Review. Interviewing applicants. Verification of information provided by the applicant, to include employment, reference, and personal data. Conducting pre-employment background investigation activities (Criminal activities, to include residential checks, and other related verification of the applicant’s background to determine the suitability of the applicant to the relevant position). Ensures that candidates are fingerprinted through live scan, photographed, and queries appropriate criminal information. Develop comprehensive and confidential background investigative reports that include the candidate’s work history and other related factors necessary to construct an employment file. Must have an above average level of competency regarding federal and local guidelines relating to conducting background investigations, and projects themselves in a manner that positively reflects the Department. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word to complete detailed reports. Conduct site visits to neighborhoods, homes, employers, etc. Collect and analyze information and data and preparing complex reports to determine suitability and eligibility of applicants for employment in public safety positions. Handle confidential information with care and discretion; observe the Privacy Act; work independently; establish work priorities and coordinate to meet deadlines. Assist with police applicant testing when needed (some evenings and weekends). SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This position has no supervisory responsibility. MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE High school Diploma or GED and three (3) years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Experience conducting pre-employment investigations for a police department or other criminal justice agencies, including applicant processing and preparing extensive written investigative reports on applicants for public safety positions. Experience using and knowledge of interviewing techniques. Preference will be given to applicants with current pre-employment background work experience Proficiency in MS Word and Excel software and the ability to work within and develop standard database programs. Excellent writing, grammar, and punctuation skills. Knowledge of guidelines and federal, state, and local laws regarding the conducting of background investigations including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Ability to keep information confidential. Organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines. A person in this position represents the Police Department with each contact. For this reason the person in this position must possess a high level of professionalism. Must possess excellent communication skills and work interchangeably with government officials and the general public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:The ability to communicate and interact effectively with a wide variety of personnel is essential. Involves a high level of contact with the general public and internal clients. The ability to communicate and interact effectively with a wide variety of personnel is essential. Involves a high level of contact with the general public and internal clients. Must be able to vary writing style in accordance to the intended recipient. A high volume of written communication is required. Must be able to prepare letters, memos, reports and other written correspondence which is disseminated within and outside the agency. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Must effectively communicate with administrative staff and technical professionals. Must possess good public speaking skills and be comfortable with oral presentations. Skilled at performing varied mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy. Demonstrated ability in performing statistical computations. Must be able to present qualitative data in a quantitative format for the purpose of making comparison analyzes. Ability to use assimilated information from various sources and make sound decisions based on good judgment. Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects and direct resources appropriately to ensure efficient and timely completion. Knows when to make decisions independent of supervision and determine when it is appropriate to consult with a higher authority. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS Possession of a valid driver's license. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation ( Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1 B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1 B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at Hiring. Preference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.