Private Investigator
Conduct investigations for clients using strong observation skills.
Job opportunities
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Jobs on SEEK right now
Job growth
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Projected job growth in 5 years
Salary
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Typical salary
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What's it like to be a Private Investigator?
Tenacious, curious and with an eye for detail, Private Investigators conduct investigations for clients and are often involved in matters relating to character enquiries, relationship breakdowns, unfair dismissal cases, missing persons and insurance claims. They can also perform the duties of a Bailiff or Document Server.
Tasks and duties
- Taking a briefing from a client.
- Surveilling a person, place or thing and recording observations.
- Taking photos or videos to supply to the client.
- Taking statements from witnesses or people who have knowledge of the situation being investigated
- Conducting research, and checking laws and policies.
- Presenting progress reports to the client
- Attending court to give evidence.
- Writing reports.
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Private Investigators often hold licences depending on the state they work in, and need to be able to pass police checks when necessary.People suited to this profession are usually confident, observant, good communicators and are able to think laterally. They are also diligent and able to pursue an investigation even when the going is slow.Sometimes Private Investigators work as part of a team, especially when the case they’re working on is related to industry practices and problems in the workplace.
How to become a Private Investigator
- Consider completing a Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416) or Diploma of Government Investigations (PSP50416) through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation.
- Enter a traineeship with a private investigation firm, where you can learn the skills you’ll need on-the-job while gaining practical, real-world experience.
- Depending on the state you intend to work in, gain a licence from the state regulatory body and submit a National Police Check, if required.
Latest Private Investigator jobs on SEEK
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Location
AustraliaTop skills and experience requested in recent job ads
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Is Private Investigator the right role for me?
Job market trends for Private Investigators
Location
AustraliaProjected job growth
National increase over next 5 years
2021
2026
Source: National Skills Commission. Security Officers and Guards
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK role reviews
Latest Private Investigator reviews
Latest reviews from 6 Private Investigators surveyed on SEEK.
All
Positive
Negative
Oct 2018
It sounds easy to be Private Investigator, however no day is the same.
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate III in Investigative Services
Experience
5 – 9 years
Organisation size
I'm self-employed
Specialisation
Surveillance
The good things
Able to work around family time. Be your own boss.
The challenges
No overtime or sick leave.
No work No pay.
Boiling hot in the surveillance vehicle, during summer time.
Read more
Oct 2018
Private investigations, a long term career
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Education
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Surveillance
The good things
A great job for those who like investigations. Insurance work and private work exist in the surveillance field and no two days are really the same
The challenges
Early morning starts and remaining alert during long periods of inactivity
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