The career of an ATF Special Agent (SA) is unique. One of the most challenging in Federal law enforcement. ATF has field offices throughout the United States. Highly trained SA are responsible for investigating violations of Federal law relating to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining and executing search warrants, and searching for physical evidence.
Summary
The career of an ATF Special Agent (SA) is unique. One of the most challenging in Federal law enforcement. ATF has field offices throughout the United States. Highly trained SA are responsible for investigating violations of Federal law relating to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining and executing search warrants, and searching for physical evidence.
The profession of a special agent is exciting and rewarding. Special agents must be tough - both physically and mentally. They must also be able to handle rigorous training, personal risks, irregular hours, and extensive travel. Special Agents are subject to reassignment to any ATF office in the United States, to include any U.S. territory or ATF overseas assignment.
Major duties of this position include:
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.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service https://www.sss.gov/
Law Enforcement Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. Candidates must be appointed before reaching their 37th birthday unless they are a preference eligible veteran OR presently serving or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position (after subtracting the years/months of prior Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, applicants must be less than 37 years of age). Veterans must submit a Member 4 copy of their DD-214 or statement of service and VA Letter if applicable with your application as qualifying proof of Veterans Preference for employment (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/)
Pass a drug test and submit to random drug testing. Be in compliance with ATF's drug policy for special agent applicants. https://www.atf.gov/careers/drug-policy
Pass and meet medical exam requirements.
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.
Must successfully pass a polygraph examination.
Successfully complete a background investigation for a Top Secret security clearance. A periodic reinvestigation every 5 years will also be conducted.
Must successfully complete Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
Pass a firearms proficiency test and carry a firearm and ammunition
Residency Requirement: DOJ has a residency requirement that for 3 out of the last 5 years you have resided in the United States, worked for the United States in a foreign country in a Federal or U.S. military capacity for 3 out of the last 5 years, and/or been a dependent of a Federal or U.S. military employee in a foreign country for 3 out of the last 5 years.
Qualifications
Experience:
GL-05: 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 level in the Federal service, that included performing duties in law enforcement.
OR
GL-07: 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
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
Testifying for the government regarding investigations in court or before grand juries
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.
Education:
GL-5: 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.
OR
GL-7: 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; Public Affairs' Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; Foreign Language; Accounting/Finance/Economics. 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; Public Affairs' Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; Foreign Language; Accounting/Finance/Economics with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). To qualify for SAA, you must meet one of the following:
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.
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.
Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
GL-09: 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; Public Affairs; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; Foreign Language; Accounting/Finance/Economics, 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.
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% 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). 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 meet all eligibility and qualification requirements at the time of application.
Education
A college or university degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
****Foreign Education****: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. This information must be provided at the time of application. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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
Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, martial status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the Special Agent Entrance Exam, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the Special Agent Entrance Exam and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the Special Agent Entrance Exam. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to schedule the Special Agent Entrance Exam. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: RA_for_SAEE
This is an excepted service Schedule B (213.3210) appointment not to exceed 3 years. After completing 3 years of satisfactory service, you may be converted without further competition to a permanent appointment in the competitive service.
Polygraph: The position of Special Agent requires a pre-employment polygraph. If you have previously taken and failed the polygraph exam there is a 3 year waiting period for you to reapply to the position of Special Agent.
Physical Task Test: If you have taken and failed the pre-employment physical task test, there is a 6 month waiting period to reapply.
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.
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.
Applications and resumes will be evaluated and eligible applicants referred for testing every 30-45 days beginning March 13 and every 30-45 days thereafter until the close of the JOA.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position.
If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Problem Solving
Self-Management
Writing
Oral Communication
Criminal Investigation
Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
Seizure
You will complete the following phases during the hiring process, those who successfully complete phase I will be referred to the selection panel for consideration.
Phase I (assessments):
Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE);
Special Agent Written Exam;
Special Agent Physical Task Test (PTT), and
Structured Interview (SI).
Phase II (selection):
Selection Panel, and
Tentative Job Offer
Phase III (Vetting and Onboarding):
Background Investigation;
Polygraph Examination;
Drug Screening;
Medical Examination, and
Final Job Offer.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
2. A complete Online Assessment Questionnaire (This is the online application process, it is not a physical document you need to submit.)
3. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
4. Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
Five Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
Ten Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document 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 from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online application and occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. Hard Copy or Email application packages are not accepted.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click "Update Application", you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and 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.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov.
This is an open continuous announcement qualified applicants will be considered every 30-45 days as noted above.
All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
(1) upon receipt of your application;
(2) after your qualifications have been assessed;
(3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official, and
(4) whether or not you've been selected for the position.
NOTE: We will not be able to provide status updates other than the receipt of your application via an acknowledgement email from USAStaffingOffice@opm.gov. You may check your status on USAJOBS.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
2. A complete Online Assessment Questionnaire (This is the online application process, it is not a physical document you need to submit.)
3. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
4. Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
Five Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
Ten Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document 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 from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online application and occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. Hard Copy or Email application packages are not accepted.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click "Update Application", you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and 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.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov.
This is an open continuous announcement qualified applicants will be considered every 30-45 days as noted above.
All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
(1) upon receipt of your application;
(2) after your qualifications have been assessed;
(3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official, and
(4) whether or not you've been selected for the position.
NOTE: We will not be able to provide status updates other than the receipt of your application via an acknowledgement email from USAStaffingOffice@opm.gov. You may check your status on USAJOBS.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
