Duties
Joining the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent offers a unique and rewarding career dedicated to serving the nation through our dual mission of criminal investigations and protection. Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States and protecting its highest leaders, including the President, Vice President, and other designated individuals. Throughout their careers, Special Agents have the opportunity to work on diverse assignments across the country and around the globe, gaining unparalleled experience in both investigative and protective operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting complex criminal investigations into financial crimes, including counterfeiting, cyber fraud, and other threats to the financial infrastructure of the United States.
- Providing physical protection for the President, Vice President, their families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other protectees, ensuring their safety in every environment.
- Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations, international summits, and other high-profile events.
As a Special Agent, you will be part of an elite team committed to excellence, integrity, and service, with opportunities to serve at multiple duty stations both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and impactful career challenges you to rise to your fullest potential while making a difference for the nation.
For more information about the Special Agent position, click here.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Possess a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant.
- Use your official name on your application as it appears on your valid government identification (i.e., REAL ID Driver's License, State ID, Passport).
- Applicants must be 21 at the time of application and under 37 at the time of a conditional offer, unless they have prior federal law enforcement service under special retirement provisions. Veterans' preference applicants must receive a conditional offer before age 40.
- Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and disclose any prior drug use or experimentation.
- This position requires an automatic credit check after initial qualifications are met.
- Carry and maintain firearm proficiency. Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence disqualifies you unless pardoned or the conviction is expunged or set aside.
- May be required to complete 11 weeks of expedited specialized training. Failure to pass the training program may result in separation from the Secret Service. Click here to review standard.
- Sign a mobility agreement.
- Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959.
- Obtain a Top-Secret Clearance and retain it during your career.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- Your performance and conduct;
- The needs and interests of the agency;
- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
To qualify for the GS-12 Level (starting base salary $75,706) you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is outlined as:
- Participates as a team member in planning, coordinating, and conducting investigative activities. Investigations involve surveillance assignments, developing and controlling informants, and activities concerning organized crime and/or subversive groups; AND
- Develops and uses information from a wide variety of sources such as electronic devices, informants, private citizens, victims, or officials from Federal law enforcement agencies, to investigate and, when appropriate, apprehend individuals suspected of being involved in crimes; AND
- Works closely with Federal agencies in preparing and presenting cases for prosecution in Federal courts.
To qualify for the GS-13 Level (starting base salary $90,025) you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is outlined as:
- Investigates violations of the laws of the United States relating to fraudulent manufacture and/or use of credit/debit cards, access devices, computers/telecommunications equipment, and Federal government identification; AND
- Coordinates investigations with Federal jurisdictions and/or assists foreign officials in cases of international scope; AND
- Analyzes and evaluates short- and long-term Federal programs, projects, and operations, providing advice and recommendations concerning the evaluation of actual or potential effectiveness in achieving program goals.
The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must successfully pass the Phase 1 recruitment process (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer. In addition, applicants must successfully pass the Phase II recruitment process to receive final consideration for employment, unless otherwise indicated below.
Phase I:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Structured Interview
Phase II:
- Security Interview
- Polygraph examination
- Drug screening
- Medical examination
- Background investigation for a Top-Secret security clearance (Reciprocity will be granted)
- Physical Fitness and Firearms Assessment (does not impact employment opportunity)
The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines, please click here to view our Drug Policy.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Brance, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
General Medical Requirements: As determined by OPM the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies (government vehicle); uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C. 3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit: Direct Hire Authority.
Applicants deemed qualified for the position will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply.
The competencies needed to perform this job are:
- Investigative methods
- Protective methods
- Law enforcement techniques
- Exercising initiative
- Attention to detail
- Judgment and Problem Solving
- Ability to analyze and evaluate data or evidence
- Ability to partner with or lead others
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be deemed qualified as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents).
Your on-line application will be rated on the extent, quality, and relevance of the following: your experience, education and training, and competencies. All applicants are evaluated on competencies related to law enforcement as shown above. All answers in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Upon review your resume and transcripts need to support your answer choices. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or on the application questionnaire may result in your removal for consideration.
The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides 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. 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.
Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE: Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 10/16/2025 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
- To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS.
- Complete the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 10/16/2025
To preview the questionnaire, please click the link https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12721234.
To update your application, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov/Account/Login). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted, and any correspondence sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Announcement Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or have questions about the hiring process, you may contact the Law Enforcement Acquisition Division, Special Agent Support Branch at sasupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6760 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm ET (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.
For general recruitment information please call 888-813-USSS (8777) or email HQ.Recruitment@usss.dhs.gov.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Next steps
You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. You will also receive an e-mail notification regarding your application status.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.