Join VESPER

Help build the team.

VESPER is seeking thoughtful, dependable people who value evidence, teamwork, learning, and the shared experience of investigating the unknown.

Applications Open

Primary recruitment area: Northeast Ohio and practical driving distance of the region.

Start Application

Experience is not required

Previous paranormal investigation experience is welcome, but historical research, photography, audio/video, technology, writing, interviewing, organization, and other skills can be equally valuable.

Participation matters

Once trained, VESPER will realistically meet or investigate no more than about twice per month in most periods. Reliability matters more than being available constantly.

Proximity matters

Members within roughly 60–90 minutes of Northeast Ohio are generally the best practical fit. Occasional investigations may take place elsewhere in Ohio or out of state.

Selection Process

01Application

02Review

03Interview

04Conditional Invitation

05Background Screening

06Prospective Member

Background screening. Applicants who receive a conditional invitation will be asked to authorize a background screening before entering Prospective Membership. Screening may include review of official criminal court records, sex-offender registries, correctional or offender databases, and other relevant public records. A record does not automatically disqualify an applicant; VESPER will consider the nature and seriousness of relevant conduct, how long ago it occurred, any pattern, and its relationship to responsibilities such as entering private properties, handling confidential case information, working with valuable equipment, and representing VESPER.

What We Look For

Open-minded without predetermined conclusions
Dependable and willing to contribute
Team-oriented and willing to learn
Interested in research as well as fieldwork
Capable of maintaining confidentiality
Interested in genuine camaraderie, not only dramatic experiences

Prospective Membership

Approximately 90 days—plus real participation.

Applicants selected after the interview process may be invited to participate as Prospective Members. Full membership is considered after the person has demonstrated reliability, sound judgment, teamwork, willingness to follow VESPER procedures, and meaningful participation in approved activities.

Time alone does not automatically result in full membership.

Membership Application

Tell us who you are and what you would bring to VESPER.

The application is intentionally thoughtful. We are not trying to collect the largest number of applicants—we are trying to find the right people.

Private submission. Information submitted here is stored in the protected WordPress administration area and is not published publicly.

1. Basic Information

Full name

Phone

City

County

Are you at least 18 years old?

2. Location & Availability

How far are you realistically willing to travel one way for a typical VESPER investigation?

How frequently could you realistically participate?

Are you generally available for evening or nighttime investigations?

How willing and able would you be to travel elsewhere in Ohio or occasionally out of state?

Optional travel limitations

3. Why VESPER?

Why are you interested in joining VESPER?

What about VESPER’s philosophy or investigative approach appeals to you?

In addition to paranormal investigation and research, what would you hope to gain from being part of the VESPER team?

4. Beliefs & Investigative Philosophy

How would you describe your current views regarding ghosts, spirits, or other paranormal phenomena?

What should an investigator do before considering a paranormal explanation?

Can an investigation be successful if no evidence of paranormal activity is found? Why or why not?

How would you handle a disagreement about whether evidence is paranormal?

How important is skepticism in paranormal investigation, and what does skepticism mean to you?

5. Experience & Skills

Have you previously participated in paranormal investigations?

If yes, briefly describe your experience, roles, locations, equipment, or methods used.

Which skills or experience could you contribute?

Which contribution do you believe would be your strongest? Please explain.

Is there an area in which you would particularly like to develop expertise?

Do you own any equipment that might be useful? Equipment ownership is not required.

6. Judgment, Ethics & Teamwork

How would you handle a disagreement with another investigator?

How would you respond if a homeowner asked VESPER not to publicly share evidence or details?

Would you be comfortable following VESPER procedures even if they differ from methods you have used previously?

How would you handle a member becoming convinced of a dangerous supernatural entity without strong objective evidence?

Describe a situation in which you disagreed with someone you were working with. How did you handle it?

7. Reliability & Participation

Are you willing to participate in research, preparation, evidence review, meetings, training, and reports—not only field investigations?

If you commit to an investigation and later cannot attend, how would you handle it?

What level of involvement are you realistically looking for?

8. Final Questions

What makes someone a good paranormal investigator?

What is one of the biggest mistakes paranormal investigators can make?

Anything else about your background, interests, skills, or perspective?

How did you hear about VESPER?

I understand that a conditional invitation requires authorization for a background screening before Prospective Membership. I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee membership. I have read and agree to follow VESPER’s Code of Ethics & Standards if accepted. I understand that participation may involve travel throughout Northeast Ohio and occasionally beyond the region.

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