Conducts investigations for clients and prepares evidence for court proceedings.

Investigates shoplifting, theft, dishonesty or other undesirable conduct; makes inquiries concerning property and seeks, obtains or supplies information pertaining to the personal character, financial position, occupation or whereabouts of any person.

• Employees frequently work indoors from their own office. However, employees will frequently work outdoors when undertaking surveillance, following up information or contacting persons of interest in the community.
• Employees frequently travel in their own vehicle.
• Base work spaces and vehicles are generally adequately heated and ventilated
• Employees may be required to work outside in all weather conditions when following through on enquiries or evidence-gathering.
• May occasionally encounter difficult or aggressive people who do not wish to be investigated, meaning there is an element of personal safety risk involved.

• Generally light physical demand levels.
• Employees frequently sit in vehicles while travelling or sit in offices compiling evidence relating to investigations or undertaking research.
• Employees frequently walk, stand, run and undertake any other physical activities necessary to obtain evidence and undertake surveillance.
• Stretching and reaching may be occasionally required as part of surveillance and evidence gathering activities.
• Squatting or crouching is not a significant component of the job, but may occur in some surveillance situations.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant feature of this job.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is not a significant feature of this job.
• Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying is not a significant feature of this job.
• Repetitive movements are required occasionally when writing reports and entering data into a computer.
• Employees will frequently spend time driving when participating in an investigation.
• Employees will use electronic and photographic surveillance equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of communication, problem-solving, interviewing, record-keeping and analysis.

To work as a private investigator you need a private investigator's licence from the Ministry of Justice (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). The licence can be issued either in the name of the individual, or in the name of the company. If the licence is issued in the name of a company then all employees must get a Certificate of Approval as a Responsible Employee of a Licensed Private Investigator (COA) from the Ministry of Justice.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.