Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal)

Department of Justice
U.S. Marshals Service

Summary

A Deputy U.S. Marshal is responsible for assisting in and performing criminal investigations to apprehend wanted Federal fugitives, participating in joint task forces which are composed of a variety of law enforcement personnel, and developing facts and evidence by utilizing a wide range of investigative techniques. The incumbent also provides for the protection of judicial officials, government officials and witnesses.
Note: Please read the entire announcement carefully before applying

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/03/2026 to 04/08/2026
This job will close when we have received 400 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$54,485 - $70,307 per year

Salary listed reflects the General Schedule (Base) table and, if applicable, will be adjusted to include the locality pay of the worksite location.

Pay scale & grade
GL 9
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Chicago, IL
East Saint Louis, IL
Springfield, IL
Hammond, IN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
DE-12925553-26-DG
Control number
863892700

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

You may apply if you are CTAP or ICTAP eligible. Locations will be determined based on the needs of the agency. Selections for the position will be made using Executive Order 13842.

Duties

Help

As a Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal) at the GL-1811-9 level, some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Independently enforcing a variety of civil and criminal process cases.
  • Assisting in planning and executing warrants of arrest.
  • Testifying in court proceedings on routine cases and issues.
  • Performing court security assignments for arraignments, hearings, and criminal and civil trials.
  • Provides personal protection inside the courtroom or Federal building for court officials and guards sequestered juries.
  • Participating in protective assignments for high-ranking United States Government officials, judicial officers, members of the United Nations General Assembly, foreign dignitaries, and others as assigned.
This announcement is for Region 7. Applicants will be able to select five main district location preferences within this region; however, due to the needs of the U.S. Marshal Service, applicants may be placed anywhere within Region 7 district offices. This may also include placement at a district sub-office location.

The next steps after completion of the application are as follows:
  • Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the on-line assessment are scheduled for a pre-employment fitness screening at one of our locations across the country. Applicants will get one chance to pass the fitness screening, based on the minimum standards for the applicant's age and gender.
  • Applicants who pass the fitness screening are scheduled for a structured interview at one of our locations across the country.
  • Receive a tentative offer of employment. Applicants who pass the structured interview may receive a tentative offer of employment.
  • Complete the pre-employment pre-requisites which include a background investigation, medical screening, and drug test.
  • Receive a final employment offer. Applicants who pass all pre-employment requirements may receive a final employment offer.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Must undergo pre-employment medical screening and meet the medical requirements.
  • Must undergo pre-employment physical fitness testing and receive a passing score immediately prior to attending training.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
  • Must pass an initial Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • Must be willing to provide sworn statements and testimony in court.
  • Must be willing to carry a handgun.
  • Must complete an initial online application questionnaire and additional assessment(s).
  • Must agree to be mobile throughout the locations in the USMS.
  • Must remain if your first duty station for a minimum of three years.
  • Must sign a memorandum of understanding which outlines employment conditions for the position, including a mobility agreement and a first duty assignment requirement.
  • Must successfully complete a basic training program.
  • Must undergo periodic or as needed medical examination and continue to meet the medical requirements for the position.
  • Must complete a bi-annual fitness test.
  • This position is a Testing Designation Position (TDP) and subject to random drug testing.
  • Must successfully pass periodic background reinvestigations.
  • Must qualify twice a year in the use of multiple firearms and carry a handgun.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
  • Successful completion of a trial period is required.
  • Must meet all qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

  • Special Retirement Provisions for Law Enforcement/Maximum Entry Age: The Deputy U.S. Marshal is a Primary/Rigorous position covered by the retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336{c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412{d). Persons making their first entry into a law enforcement position under these authorities must be between the ages of 21 and 36 years of age. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a law enforcement officer or firefighter position as defined in title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20)(21) or in 5 U.S.C. 8401(14)(17). This age restriction does not apply to those who have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement or firefighter position, or to qualified Veterans' preference eligibles regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307, unless the hiring agency has determined age is essential to the duties of the job. All applications will be screened for date of birth at the time of initial application.
  • This position requires you to carry a firearm and is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess any firearm or ammunition. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term 'convicted' as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition.
GL-09: To qualify at this grade level, you must meet ONE of the following: Specialized Experience: You must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of responsible law enforcement experience equivalent to at least the GS/GL-07 grade level that required the exercise of tact, courtesy, and the ability to deal effectively with associates, subordinates, the public, and prisoners. Your resume must reflect that you are performing three out of the six duties listed below. This specialized experience must be gained in a full time certified law enforcement officer position(s) which includes:
  • Independently execute and enforce the civil and/or criminal process;
  • Plan the execution of warrants of arrest;
  • Plan and carry out investigations;
  • Execute warrants of arrest;
  • Lead security assignments for court proceedings in criminal and/or civil trials; or
  • Coordinate the transporting of detainees, arrestees, and/or prisoners.

Education: You must have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all requirements for a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. Education must be related to law enforcement. Related fields include Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Intelligence Studies, or Law. This list is not all inclusive.

-OR-

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

When citing your education and/or experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your education and/or experience. If your transcripts and/or resume do not support your application questionnaire answers, you may not receive credit for your response(s).

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY?

If you are a current student and using education to qualify, you must be within 9 months of completing the education described under Qualifications and your transcript must show that you are currently enrolled. Include your anticipated completion date (month/year) in your resume. Education must be complete and verified before you can be appointed.

You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated unofficial transcripts are acceptable. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Transcripts: You may submit unofficial transcripts as part of the application process. If you are selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts to receive a final offer of employment. A transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record and includes:- Your full name.- The name of the college, university, or other educational institution.- Your major and degree.- The date your degree was awarded/conferred.- Your cumulative grade point average (GPA).- Any honors you received.- The dates you attended the school.- A list of the courses you took, to include the total number of credits completed.

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 conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.


Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.When citing your education and/or experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your education and/or experience. If your transcripts and/or resume do not support your application questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Additional information

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit:
http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

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.

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 based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessment battery required for this position. You must demonstrate in a pre-employment interview that you possess the personal characteristics necessary for successful performance in a Deputy U.S. Marshal position.

The application process involves 5 separate evaluations:

  • Application Questionnaire
  • USA Hire Assessment
  • Minimum Qualifications Review
  • Fitness Assessment
  • Structured Interview
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


You will be evaluated and selected under category rating procedures. Category Rating Scores:
  • Best Qualified: 95
  • Highly Qualified: 85
  • Qualified: 70

Applicants who successfully meet the qualifications, may be eligible for a tentative offer of employment, contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings which include background investigation, medical exam, drug screening, and physical fitness testing. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.

U.S. Marshals Service

The mission of the USMS includes protection of the judiciary, court security, witness security, asset forfeiture, apprehending fugitives and violent offenders, apprehending and prosecuting unregistered sex offenders, prisoner transportation, management, and custody, and providing assistance in matters of Federal emergencies and other critical incidents.

Agency contact information

Operational Hiring
Email
OperationalHiring@usdoj.gov
Address
US MARSHALS SERVICE
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
ARLINGTON, VA 22202
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Marshals Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.usmarshals.gov/

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.