An investigative specialist monitors activities recorded by hidden cameras.
Operations at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) partly concentrate on physical surveillance. The person in charge of this surveillance is an investigative specialist. According to information provided by the federal job portal USAJobs, an investigative specialist in the United States earns between $33,477 and $53,234 a year as of 2009.
Job Duties
According to the FBI, an investigative specialist researches the best physical surveillance systems for the job and arranges for their strategic placement at the appropriate locations. She monitors the activities recorded by the systems and prepares detailed reports of her findings. As the surveillance operations proceed, she confers with her superiors on the effectiveness of the projects and decides if additional or improved observation approaches are appropriate.
Skill Requirements
An investigative specialist must have acute vision to observe every detail caught on tape. Mechanical skills are necessary to effectively operate the playback equipment. Good oral and written communication skills to communicate with superiors and compile detailed reports on observations are also essential.
Preferred Background
Investigative specialists are subject to extensive background checks before hire. Previous experience in law enforcement or security operations is preferred, and entry-level FBI experience may be a prerequisite. A valid driver's license is also a job requirement.
