Job Description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region

We are proud to be recognized as

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Background Investigator (6254).

Opening Date: 04/02/2026

Closing Date: 04/13/2026

Job Grade: SAM 38

Salary Range: $73,164.00-$91,442.00

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Background Investigator coordinates and conducts thorough pre-employment screening of applicants for Authority Transit Police positions. The incumbent evaluates information gathered during the background investigation to recommendations applicants for hire.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts comprehensive pre-employment investigations for applicants applying for officer positions within SEPTA Transit Police. Serve as SEPTA Police background investigator for new officer applicants and report findings to direct supervisor.
2. Verifies and reviews applicants' criminal, credit, and employment history, and financial records to assess applicants’ character and reliability; makes a recommendation of applicants’ suitability for police work for supervisor review.
3. Conducts face-to-face interviews of applicants’ employers, co-workers, neighbors, friends, members of the applicants’ family, law enforcement officials, and personal references.
4. Completes record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, mental health, financial and educational institutions
5. Review applicants’ Personal Data Questionnaire and conducts interviews with applicants to evaluate sufficiency and accuracy of responses.
6. Ensures that hiring process is conducted in accordance with Authority policies and procedures and in compliance with state and federal laws.
7. Communicates directly with applicants to provide instructions, collect required documents, and ensure timely completion of all testing steps.
8. Prepares detailed summary of information based upon objective analysis and evaluation of candidate’s background, and interviewee statements, as measured against requirement standards as set forth by SEPTA Transit Police.
9. Ensures all investigative documentation is accurate, organized, complete, and maintained in compliance with confidentiality and document retention requirements and in a manner appropriate for audit and review.
10. Performs assigned administrative duties of the Transit Police Department, including but not limited to record management, database search, statistical reporting, and routine office support.
11. Comply with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, human resources, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of work experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post-high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Three (3) years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer
• Three (3) years of investigative experience, including experience applying effective interview techniques, building rapport with witnesses, managing sensitive information, and determining the veracity of witness responses.
• Strong analytical skills
• Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information required.
• Proven experience handling large workload with ability to handle multiple assignments with limited timeframes required; must have the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills required. Ability to establish rapport and work with others at every level of the organization required.
• Proficiency in MS Office required.
• Must be able to work any shift, including, days, nights, and weekends, and/or holidays as needed.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

✅ Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

✅ Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

✅ Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

✅ Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

✅ Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

✅ Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

✅ Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today

�� Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA!

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�� SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.