Conduct stationary and mobile surveillance using a nondescript vehicle, capture court-quality video evidence, verify addresses and vehicle details, submit timely detailed reports via an online case management system, maintain real-time communication with management, and travel across California including weekends and overnight as needed.
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
- 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
Here's what a typical day actually looks like — no two are the same, but this gives you a feel for the work.
What You'll Need to Apply
- 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
- Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field and/or experience in Loss Prevention
- Bonus: Bilingual (Spanish) or military veteran experience
Required
Preferred
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.
Similar Jobs
Information Technology
Conduct stationary and mobile surveillance using a nondescript vehicle, capture court-quality video, verify case details, submit detailed reports via an online case management system, and maintain real-time communication with management.
Top Skills:
Online Case Management SystemWindows
Information Technology
Conduct stationary and mobile surveillance to capture court‑quality video, verify case details, and submit timely, detailed reports. Maintain situational awareness and cover while following subjects, coordinate with management, and travel as needed. Work averages 40–50 hours/week with flexible scheduling including weekends and overnight assignments.
Top Skills:
Windows
Insurance • Professional Services • Security • Consulting
Perform covert and overt surveillance to document subject activity, collect video evidence, write timestamped reports, testify in hearings, and adapt to flexible schedules and variable conditions.
Top Skills:
Computer Or LaptopCovert CameraHd CamcorderInternet ConnectivityMac Os X 13SmartphoneWindows 11
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
