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Position overview

Ridgeback Investigations is seeking a professional, reliable, and highly observant Surveillance Investigator to conduct covert field surveillance assignments throughout Michigan, with future opportunities for Ohio assignments upon licensing completion.

This position is ideal for someone who is patient, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently for extended periods of time. Surveillance work is not glamorous. Some days involve documenting major activity. Other days involve sitting in a vehicle for twelve hours wondering why the subject apparently hasn’t left the house since 2009. Both are part of the job.

Our investigators work directly with insurance carriers, self-insured companies, attorneys, and corporate clients to gather factual, defensible evidence through lawful and professional investigative practices.

Primary responsibilities

Surveillance duties:

• Conduct covert mobile and stationary surveillance assignments
• Monitor and document subject activity through video and written observation
• Operate surveillance equipment including handheld camcorders and related technology
• Conduct surveillance in rural, suburban, and urban environments
• Perform spot checks, neighborhood canvasses, and related field activities
• Maintain situational awareness and adapt quickly to changing circumstances
• Safely follow subjects during mobile surveillance while maintaining covert positioning
• Coordinate with management regarding investigative strategy and case developments

Typical surveillance shifts range from 10 to 14 hours per day in a surveillance vehicle.

Travel expectations

• Frequent travel throughout the State of Michigan is required
• Overnight travel is common; hotel accommodations are provided for overnight assignments
• Assignments may be scheduled with as little as 24 hours notice
• Future travel into Ohio may be required once appropriate licensing and approvals are completed

Applicants should be comfortable spending significant time on the road and working independently in unfamiliar areas.

Driving requirements

• Valid driver’s license required
• Clean driving record required at time of hire, and must remain in good standing throughout employment
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle for extended periods of time
• Comfortable driving in varying traffic, weather, and nighttime conditions

Because surveillance often involves extended stationary positioning and mobile following, good judgment behind the wheel is essential.

Report writing expectations

• Prepare accurate, objective, and professional investigative reports
• Maintain detailed time logs and activity documentation
• Clearly articulate observations without exaggeration or assumption
• Upload and organize video, photographs, and supporting evidence
• Meet internal reporting deadlines and quality standards

Strong grammar, attention to detail, and professionalism in written communication are critical.

Video handling & evidence management

• Properly operate and maintain surveillance cameras and related equipment
• Capture clear, steady, and usable video evidence
• Organize and preserve digital evidence according to company procedures
• Upload footage and documentation securely through internal systems
• Maintain chain-of-custody and evidence integrity standards
• Edit videotape using Apple software

Investigators are expected to treat every video as though it may eventually be reviewed in litigation.

Confidentiality expectations

Investigators will have access to confidential client information, sensitive case materials, and personally identifiable information (PII). Employees must:

• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
• Follow all company data protection and privacy policies
• Comply with all applicable laws and investigative regulations
• Use investigative databases and systems only for authorized business purposes

Loose lips sink investigations.

Physical requirements

• Ability to remain seated in a vehicle for extended periods of time
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles frequently throughout the day
• Ability to operate cameras and surveillance equipment for prolonged periods
• Ability to carry standard investigative equipment
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to maintain alertness during long surveillance shifts

Surveillance work often requires patience, focus, and endurance.

Technical requirements

Preferred candidates should be comfortable with:

• Smartphones and mobile applications
• GPS navigation systems
• Cloud-based case management systems
• Video uploading and file management
• Basic troubleshooting of electronics and camera equipment
• Microsoft Word and basic report formatting

Experience with surveillance cameras, particularly Sony Handycam-style camcorders, is preferred but not required.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior surveillance or investigative experience
• Military, law enforcement, insurance, or security background
• Strong observational skills
• Excellent judgment under pressure
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience with OSINT or social media investigations is a plus

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for investigators who are professional, adaptable, reliable, patient, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure.

The best surveillance investigators are not the loudest people in the room. Usually, nobody notices them at all.

About Ridgeback Investigations

Ridgeback Investigations is a Michigan-based private investigations firm serving clients throughout Michigan and Ohio. We specialize in surveillance, social media investigations, canvassing, field investigations, and intelligence-driven claims support for insurance carriers, attorneys, self-insured entities, and corporate clients. We believe good investigations come from preparation, professionalism, and sound judgment.

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