Special Agent Job in Location Negotiable After Selection

Vacancy No. SAB-SA-26-Q1-INT-MP Department U.S. Secret Service
Salary $53,945.00 to $117,034.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 10/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Location Negotiable After Selection


Summary

Becoming a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $53,945.00 (GL-09, step 1), with promotion potential to $117,034.00 (GS-13, step 10).

This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay.

For more information on the Secret Service click here.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division employees currently serving on a Career or Career - Conditional, Competitive Service Appointment and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) DHS employees.

Duties

The United States Secret Service Special Agent position 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.
  • Be available for assignment to any of the U.S. Secret Service Field Offices. Preferences are not guaranteed.
  • 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.
  • Complete 1 - week of training at the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, AL.
  • 3 - Day selection course training at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD (RTC).
  • 15 weeks of specialized training at RTC. Failure to pass the training program may result in separation from the Secret Service. Click here to review standard.
  • Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
  • Sign a mobility agreement stating your willingness to accept assignments anywhere within the United States and overseas.

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

You are qualified for the GL-09 Level (starting base salary $54,945) if you possess one of the following:

  • A master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as LL.B. or J.D.) or two full years of progressively higher graduate education, in a related field, leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university; OR
  • Have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-7 level such as experience applying law enforcement, protective, or investigative techniques in the performance of job duties; identifying problem areas and proposing and implementing solutions; taking responsibility for own actions and those of team members to ensure the goals and deadlines for the team are met; and leading meeting or seminars on behalf of a professional or academic group; setting work priorities and allocating resources; partnering with other individuals from within and outside the organization; OR
  • A combination of specialized experience, as described above, and related graduate level education, beyond the first full year of graduate level study.

You are minimally qualified for the GS-11 Level (Starting base salary $63,163) if you possess one of the following:

  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M.; OR
  • Have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-9 level such as experience in, or related to planning and conducting complex criminal investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations; collecting and assembling facts to identify logical conclusion; gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence or data; conducting interviews and interrogations; making arrests; conducting searches and seizures; taking responsibility for own actions and those of team members to ensure the goals and deadlines for the team are met; partnering with or leveraging networks or relationships from outside the organization, experience managing complex projects including setting priorities and determining resource requirements; OR
  • A combination of specialized experience, as described above, and related graduate level education, beyond the first full year of doctoral level study.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current competitive service employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50, "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants must successfully pass the Phase 1 assessments (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer.

Phase I:

  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  • Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)
  • Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
  • Special Agent and Uniformed Division Pre-Employment Review (Super) Interview
As part of the application process the applicant will be required to complete the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). It is a physical fitness assessment which consists of four components (push-ups, sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run and a 1.5 Mile Run). The APAT is designed to measure the current level of general physical fitness of an applicant, which serves as an indicator of an applicant's ability to safely complete a vigorous physical training program. It evaluates the applicant's ability to perform the physical tasks required on the job by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity and other factors related to physical aptitude. For more information about the APAT, please click here

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.

Additional information

If you are deemed minimally qualified for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.

Please see link below, which may assist you in navigating HR Connect and downloading your SF-50. If you have any questions on HR Connect, please contact the HR Connect Help Desk at 202-406-9100. http://www.hres.treas.gov/pages/training/JA2/HRC/Emp_PrintingSF50s.html

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to EqualOpportunity@usss.dhs.gov.

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

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 subsides; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opporunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veterans leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 05, 2016, who is veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Review our benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the qualification requirements.

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

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

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 methods and techniques, protective methods and techniques, investigative methods and techniques, initiative, attention to detail, learning, problem solving, partnering, planning and organizing, and leadership. 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.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

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.

Required Documents

In addition to addressing the job opportunity announcement specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:

  • Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in detail and in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least satisfactory rating) and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
  • Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code as career (codes 1 or 2, in block 24), and position occupied in the competitive service (code 1, in block 34) In addition, the SF50s must show the highest grade or promotion potential level attained competitively. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50s which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade and that supports one year of experience (i.e., With-in Grade Increase (WRI) SF-50). You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to comply. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards.
  • Completed a Federal Law Enforcement Training Program? Please submit a copy of your Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) certification and transcript.
  • Did you previously take the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)? Submit a copy of your SAEE results.
  • Most recent Physical Training (PT) scores.
  • Most recent Firearms scores.

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 10/15/2025 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS.
  2. 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 10/15/2025

To preview the questionnaire, please click the link https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12730176.

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.

Agency contact information

SA Support Branch

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.


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


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