What does a field investigator do?
A field investigator is responsible for collecting information and evidence to support ongoing investigations of law enforcement agencies. Field investigators analyze the occurrence and connections of criminal activities by gathering related cases and coordinating with scene witnesses. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.
Field investigator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real field investigator resumes:
- Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
- Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
- Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
- Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
- Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
- Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).
- Log FWA complaints and create files.
- Assist with examinations under oath, declaratory judgment actions, examinations before trial, and interrogatories.
Field investigator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 29% of Field Investigators are proficient in Excellent Time Management, Background Checks, and Mental Health. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Field Investigators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Excellent Time Management, 29%
Practiced excellent time management skills, ability to maintain multiple high-priority tasks and re-prioritize quickly.
- Background Checks, 9%
Initiated activity and background checks and performed limited surveillance work.
- Mental Health, 8%
Completed record searches at law enforcement agencies, courthouses, and mental health, financial, and educational institutions.
- Criminal Justice, 5%
Utilize National Crime Information Center, Nevada Criminal Justice Information System and local criminal data basis to obtain criminal history.
- Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
Established relationships with other local retailers and multiple city law enforcement agencies to network information.
- Comprehensive Reports, 4%
Prepare timely, investigative reports and detailed comprehensive reports when necessary.
Common skills that a field investigator uses to do their job include "excellent time management," "background checks," and "mental health." You can find details on the most important field investigator responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a field investigator to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "adjusters and examiners must each evaluate whether the insurance company is obligated to pay a claim and determine the amount to pay." Field investigators often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "completed advanced siu training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling field investigator duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators must carefully review documents and damaged property, because small details can have large financial consequences." According to a field investigator resume, here's how field investigators can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "obtain details of insurance claims that appear suspicious or made up and investigate those cases. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of field investigators is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday field investigator duties, as "adjusters, examiners, and investigators often meet with claimants and others who may be upset by the situation that requires a claim or by the settlement the company is offering." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "conducted background investigations among various contracts through in-person interviews and record checks utilizing strong interpersonal skills. "
Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in field investigator job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what field investigators do. Field investigator responsibilities rely on this skill because "claims adjusters and investigators must get information from a range of people, including claimants, witnesses, and medical experts." You can also see how field investigator duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "use of surveillance equipment including digital canon cameras, bogen tripods, covert cameras, communications equipment and surveillance vehicles. "
The three companies that hire the most field investigators are:
- paragon Co.39 field investigators jobs
- United Auto Recovery7 field investigators jobs
- Sedgwick LLP4 field investigators jobs
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Compare different field investigators
Field investigator vs. Disability examiner
A disability examiner is primarily in charge of conducting assessments and examinations to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits and programs. Their duties usually include reviewing medical and health records, conducting interviews, and evaluating applications. There are also times when a disability examiner must directly coordinate with healthcare providers to obtain and assess records. Moreover, as a disability examiner, it is essential to assist clients by answering inquiries, providing instructions and advice, and helping them understand the extent of procedures.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a field investigator are more likely to require skills like "excellent time management," "background checks," "mental health," and "criminal justice." On the other hand, a job as a disability examiner requires skills like "social security disability," "supplemental security income," "social security administration," and "disability determinations." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Disability examiners really shine in the government industry with an average salary of $47,657. Comparatively, field investigators tend to make the most money in the insurance industry with an average salary of $41,014.The education levels that disability examiners earn slightly differ from field investigators. In particular, disability examiners are 8.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a field investigator. Additionally, they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Field investigator vs. Subrogation specialist
As a Total Loss Specialist, your job will involve appraising the damage and determining the salvage value on the total-loss vehicle. You will be tasked with examining the damaged vehicle to ascertain the extent of damage done to its body and structure and other mechanical, electrical, and internal damage. You'd also have to arrange with another appraiser to resolve any disagreement with the shop on the cost of repair after determining the extent of the damage to the vehicle.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real field investigator resumes. While field investigator responsibilities can utilize skills like "excellent time management," "background checks," "mental health," and "criminal justice," subrogation specialists use skills like "insurance carriers," "arbitration," "subrogation claims," and "litigation."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Subrogation specialists tend to reach lower levels of education than field investigators. In fact, they're 5.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Field investigator vs. Total loss specialist
A worker's compensation claims adjuster is responsible for analyzing and validating compensation claims, ensuring eligibility and accuracy to authorize payments. Their responsibilities also include coordinating with different departments to gather data, liaising with internal and external parties, determining the amount of compensation, and negotiating claims. Furthermore, a worker's compensation claims adjuster may also perform administrative support tasks such as preparing progress reports and other documentation, answering calls and inquiries, maintaining records of all transactions, and training new members of the workforce.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a field investigator is likely to be skilled in "excellent time management," "background checks," "mental health," and "criminal justice," while a typical total loss specialist is skilled in "customer service," "hr," "outbound calls," and "inbound calls."
When it comes to education, total loss specialists tend to earn lower degree levels compared to field investigators. In fact, they're 6.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Field investigator vs. Workers' compensation claims adjuster
Types of field investigator
Updated January 8, 2025
