Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) Job in Location Negotiable After Selection

Vacancy No. 25-DE-12806728-RT Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Salary $49,739.00 to $81,480.00 Grade 5 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/30/2025 Close Date 10/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Location Negotiable After Selection


Summary

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is looking for energetic, innovative, solution-oriented professionals to help the ATF team succeed in our responsibilities to reduce violent crime and protect the public.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. Citizens. Preference for eligible veterans will be applied.

Duties

This is an excepted service Schedule B (213.3210) appointment. After completing 3 years of satisfactory service, you may be converted without further competition to a permanent appointment in the competitive service.

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Field Operations.

Location is negotiable upon final selection. You will be asked for your location preferences once all pre-employment process have been completed. ATF will have the final determination based on the needs of the agency.

This position starts at a salary of $49,739 (GL-5, Step 1) to $81,480 (GL-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to the GS-13 grade level. The salary listed reflects the "Rest of U.S." scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

In this position, you will serve as a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) trainee performing the below duties:

  • Investigating criminal violations of Federal laws within the enforcement jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Conducting investigations of violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion.
  • Preparing concise criminal investigative case reports.
  • Testifying for the Federal Government in court or before grand juries.
  • Gathering and analyzing evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day for selection consideration. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are a preference-eligible veteran or if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). (After subtracting the years/months of prior and current Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, applicants must be less than 37 years of age).
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must have a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain a Top-Secret clearance for this position.
  • You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency.
  • Pass the below assessment hurdles:
  • Pass the below pre-employment requirements:
    • Drug Test
    • Medical Examination
    • Polygraph Examination
    • Background Investigation
  • Attend and successfully pass the below training:
    • Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP)
    • ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
  • Mobility Agreement: You must sign a mobility statement and agree to be relocated at any time to any office in the United States, to include U.S. territories. All candidates will be required to perform a minimum of 3-5 years at their initial duty station.
  • Residency: DOJ requires that during three of the last five years you have either: resided in the United States, worked for the United States in a foreign country in a Federal, military, or federally sponsored capacity, and/or been a dependent of a Federal or U.S. military employee in a foreign country. You may be asked to provide sufficient documentation to meet this residency requirement.

Qualifications

GL-5: You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you havethree years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS/GL-04 performing duties such as

  • Gathering pertinent data
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing.

OR

A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in ANY FIELD leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Conferred date must be listed on your unofficial or official transcripts.

OR

Will receive within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement a bachelor's degree in ANY FIELD of study from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.

GL-7: You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Assisting in criminal investigations by gathering evidence, conducting record and database searches
  • Participating in searches, seizures, and arrests
  • Preparing reports for routine investigations

OR

Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university in a major such as: Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours.

OR

A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). To qualify for SAA, you must meet one of the following:

  1. A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
  2. A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in the applicant's major field of study, or those courses in the applicant's major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
  3. Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
  4. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR

Will receive within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or one full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in the field of studies of Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.

GL-09: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Serving subpoenas, arrest, and search warrants
  • Conducting interviews, interrogations of suspects and witnesses
  • Providing status reports of ongoing criminal investigations to higher level management

OR

A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science a J.D. or an LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.

OR

Will receive within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement a master's degree or equivalent or 2 full years of progressively higher graduate level education (equivalent to 36 semester or 45 quarter hours) or a J.D. or an LL.B. degree in the field of studies of Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.

NOTE: Your resume must indicate how you meet the qualifications above, otherwise, you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Combining Experience and Education: To combine your education and experience, you must convert each to a percentage and then add the percentages. The combined total of your percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100% in order to qualify. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, you must divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by the required number of months of experience. Add your percentages of education and experience. The two percentages must total at least 100%. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Drug Testing: You must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. More information on the ATF Drug Policy can be found here.

Medical Examination: Individuals must meet the established medical standards and/or physical requirement for the position, proving they are medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely.

Polygraph Examination: You will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination. Applicants who have significant responses or who manipulate the polygraph process will be removed from the hiring process. Researching polygraph is unnecessary and highly discouraged, as many websites recommend methods that, if employed, may be deemed as a manipulation of the polygraph process.

Polygraph Reciprocity: ATF may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of an ATF polygraph exam.

Background Investigation: You will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to employment. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions, the use of illegal drugs and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.







Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Criminal Investigator Training Program: Criminal Investigators must complete and pass an initial course of basic training, specifically the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Both basic and advanced training programs are designed to prepare law enforcement personnel with the skills, aptitudes, and competencies required to serve as a Criminal Investigator. More information on these programs can be found here.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. The Lautenberg Amendment makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence such as an assault or attempted assault on a family member, to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): As a law enforcement officer you will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. These positions require substantial overtime to include holidays, weekends and nights. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is calculated at a flat rate of 25 percent of base salary.

Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Federal Law Enforcement Retirement Coverage 12(d): Criminal Investigators are covered under the provisions of both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) 6 (c) or the Federal Employees Retirement System and 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer are eligible for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the Federal government) are eligible for law enforcement retirement at any age with at least 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least 20 years of service as law enforcement officers are subject to mandatory retirement under both retirement systems. If you are a preference eligible veteran, additional opportunities may be available to you; you may find additional information at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/ Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.

"Federal Regulations state no ATF employee, his/her spouse, or his/her minor child shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest, including compensated employment, stock, or proprietary interest in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries. You should be aware that you may be asked to relinquish any ownership of or interests in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries before a determination can be made whether access to ATF information, information technology systems, and/or facilities can be authorized."

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants.

  • Hurdle 1 - Minimum Qualifications
  • Hurdle 2 - Special Agent Applicant Assessment (SAAA).
  • Hurdle 3 - Physical Task Test (PTT).
  • Hurdle 4 - Structured Interview rated by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule.
The structured interview will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.

You will be evaluated on the below competencies for the ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment:
  • Writing
  • Reasoning
  • Integrity
  • Conscientiousness
  • Dependability/Reliability
  • Use of Force
  • Judgment
  • Cooperativeness
You will receive an email invitation to complete the ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment. This invitation will come in two emails from cloud@performancefit.com. One email will be the link to the exam, and the second will be the password. Please be patient as this could take several weeks.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who meet the requirements for veterans' preference will be placed above non-veterans for selection consideration.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Required Documents

It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.

Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:

  • Official position title,
  • Employer name and contact information,
  • Start and end dates (including month and year),
  • Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
  • A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:
(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR

(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.

College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

Resumes must be limited to two pages in length. Applicants with resumes longer than two pages will not be considered.

The application process is as follows:

  • Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
Essay Questions: The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question (see the application questionnaire). You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.
    1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
    1. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
    1. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
    1. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

SAIOI Applicant Info
Address
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US

Next steps

We will assess your experience and training based off your resume and/or education to determine those who meet the minimum qualification. Those who are found to meet the minimum qualifications will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:

Phase I (Assessment)

Phase II (selection). Must pass all assessment requirements to be considered for Phase II.
  • Selection Panel
  • Tentative Job Offer
Phase III (Onboarding). Must pass all onboarding requirements before receiving final job offer.
  • Drug Test
  • Medical Examination
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Background Investigation
Phase IV (Enter on Duty)
  • Receive Final Job Offer
You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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