Actively interviewing now — immediate openings available. Apply today and hear back within 48 hours.
Signing bonus — paid after successful completion of the 90-day introductory period. Full details shared during the offer stage.
About Us
APEX Investigation® is a trusted leader in Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Liability, and Human Resource Investigations. For over 40 years, APEX has stood firm in its dedication to reducing insurance risks and combating fraudulent claims. Our commitment to delivering fast, high-quality, and reliable investigations has made us the partner of choice for our clients. APEX Investigation’s mission is to build lasting relationships through trust, integrity and quality investigations. The APEX team lives out that mission by providing constant communication, results you can use, delivered fast at a fair price.
The Role
We are seeking a Surveillance Investigator to join our dynamic team. In this role, you’ll conduct stationary and mobile surveillance, gather critical intelligence, and produce detailed reports that help clients make informed decisions. Every day offers new challenges and opportunities to showcase your investigative expertise and problem-solving skills.
Compensation and Earnings
Hourly Rate: $22 - $28
Target Annual Earnings: $60,000 – $74,000
Monthly Performance Bonuses: Up to $300/month ($3,600/year)
Mileage Reimbursement: $0.705/mile (IRS rate)
Paid Travel Time
Earnings vary based on individual performance and market conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Perform discreet stationary and mobile surveillance using your own nondescript vehicle
Capture high-quality video footage in line with court evidence standards
Submit accurate, detailed, and timely case reports using our online case management system
Analyze case details to define objectives and verify crucial information such as addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle descriptions
Maintain constant communication with management for real-time updates on investigations
Day in The Life of a PI
Here's what a typical day actually looks like — no two are the same, but this gives you a feel for the work.
Conducting discreet surveillance by monitoring, following, and capturing video footage of subjects as they go about their daily activities
Engaging in both vehicle and foot surveillance while maintaining cover and situational awareness
Observing and documenting a variety of activities, from routine errands like grocery shopping to dynamic environments such as the gym, sporting events, or the movies
Developing effective pre-surveillance strategies tailored to the location and specific case details
Preparing detailed, accurate reports on all observed activities and submitting high-quality video evidence to support findings
Maintaining consistent communication with your team leader to update on activity and adjust strategies as needed
Check out this video to learn more: Day in The Life of a PI
What You'll Need to Apply
Required
Ownership or access to a discreet, reliable vehicle (see vehicle guidelines below)
Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and overnight travel as needed
Ability to work an average of 40-50 hours per week, starting as early as 5:00-7:00 AM
A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Strong and confident driving skills
A valid credit card for reimbursable travel and gas expenses
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check
Proficiency in using a Windows laptop with the latest operating system
Preferred
Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and/or experience in Loss Prevention
Bonus: Bilingual (Spanish) or military veteran experience
Surveillance Vehicle Guidelines
To ensure your vehicle blends into its surroundings, it must meet the following criteria:
Nondescript, neutral colors (e.g., earth tones); prohibited colors include red, yellow, orange, and maroon
No convertibles, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, or vehicles with loud exhaust, aftermarket wheels, or personalized license plates
Approved window tinting must comply with state law
Vehicle must be in safe, reliable condition and regularly maintained by the investigator.
Why APEX
Work independently — no office, no micromanaging. You run your own day in the field.
Get paid to travel — mileage and travel time are both compensated. California is your office.
Earn your PI license — every hour in the field counts toward your California Private Investigator License.
Real mentorship — you'll have an experienced manager in your corner, not just a supervisor checking boxes.
A team that has your back — field investigators who know the work and support each other.
Competitive pay that grows — performance bonuses reward results, not just showing up.
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
PTO
FSA
Simple IRA Plan
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, creed, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, Vietnam era Veteran’s status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.
After making a conditional offer of employment, the company will conduct a job-related background check. A comprehensive background check may consist of prior employment verification, motor vehicle records, professional reference checks, education confirmation and/ or criminal record and credit checks. Third-party services will be hired to perform these checks. Employer will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the ordinance.
After an offer is made and accepted, the employer will comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act I-9 requirements to establish your identity and employment eligibility.
