Federal

Special Agent-Dignitary Protection Division (DPD)

U.S. Capitol Police · Legislative Branch
📍 Washington, District of Columbia LP-2/3 $86,530 - $147,928/yr
Posted: Apr 13, 2026 Deadline: May 4, 2026 (Closes in 17 days days left)

About This Position

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

Qualifications

  1. Must be a USCP sworn employee below the rank of Sergeant, have attained the rank of Private with Training and completed your USCP probationary period by the closing date of this announcement.
  2. Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license. License status and driving record will be checked as a part of the application process.
  3. Must have successfully completed the six-week FTO training as of the date of selection.
  4. Must not be in a restricted leave status as of the closing date of this announcement.
  5. Must be in a full and unrestricted duty status in order to participate in Selection Process Phase III - Physical Abilities Test (PAT) unless otherwise authorized by laws or regulations.
  6. Must be in a full and unrestricted duty status to attend, participate, and successfully complete all required training courses related to this position as of the date of selection.
  7. Must be available to work flexible hours, rotating shifts, and midnight assignments.
  8. Must be able to travel on commercial, military, and private airplanes, boats, helicopters, trains, buses, and automobiles.
  9. In order to obtain the rank of PSO Special Agent, candidate must have attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC) or PSO Training and must have satisfactorily completed the probationary period outlined in this vacancy announcement under the “Additional Information” section.

Major Duties

This position is located within the Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) of the Protective Services Bureau. DPD is responsible for carrying out protective functions and operations. DPD Protective Services Operations (PSO) Special Agent: Provide protection of congressional leadership, including the coordination of security arrangements for domestic and international travel through advance security surveys and on-the-ground protection.

Provide personal security of Members of Congress and their families; visiting officials of foreign countries, Federal, state, and/or local governments; and other congressional visitors. Provide protective coverage for congressional events such as congressional hearings and sessions, official functions, and other events identified by the respective Sergeant at Arms and/or the Chief of Police. The results of this vacancy announcement selection process will be used to fill positions within the DPD.

More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. The selection list for this vacancy announcement will be active for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of the selection memorandum. An applicant may request to be removed from consideration by sending a written request to the Office of Human Resources (OHR).

Conditions of Employment

Must be a current USCP sworn employee below the rank of Sergeant. At a minimum, must have attained the rank of Private with Training and completed your USCP probationary period by the closing date of this announcement. Must have completed the Field Training Officer (FTO) training.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license. Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued travel card.

Must successfully complete the DPD Basic Agent Training Program (BATP), High Center of Gravity Armored Vehicle Training (HCGAV), DPD Field Training Program, and other assigned trainings. In order to obtain the rank of PSO Special Agent, candidate must have attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC) or PSO Training and must have satisfactorily completed the probationary period outlined in this vacancy announcement under the “Additional Information” section.

Education

There is no education substitution for experience in this series and/or grade.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. The following selection process will be used to further assess candidates who have met the initial eligibility factors. Candidates must qualify under each phase to be considered in subsequent phases.

Phase I: Initial Qualification - The OHR will conduct an eligibility factor review as outlined in this vacancy. In consultation with the OHR, a review of all candidates' unscheduled leave and resumes will be conducted by an appointed assessment panel. Phase II: DPD Physical Abilities Test (PAT) - The DPD PAT will be conducted prior to a candidate continuing in the DPD selection process and will be held inside the PAC Building at the Cheltenham Training Facility.

A complete description of the DPD PAT is located under the "Next Steps" section of this vacancy announcement. The DPD PAT date will be determined at a later time. Candidates with leave approved prior to this vacancy announcement opening will be accommodated with a make-up date.

Phase III: KSA Assessment - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities will be evaluated by an appointed assessment panel. Phase IV: Structured Interview - Candidates eligible for Phase IV will be scheduled for an oral interview. Prior to making their selection, the selecting official will review any available Department documents, to include application documents and each candidate’s complete career disciplinary record, results of selection process phases, and may, at their discretion, conduct interviews with all recommended candidates, if necessary.

The selecting official may, at their discretion, not select a recommended candidate for reasons such as: 1. Substandard performance; 2. Serious sustained misconduct; and/or

  1. Pending investigatory and/or disciplinary matters internally or externally. All aspects of the process are subject to the Department's legal review. All final recommendations are subject to final approval of the Chief of Police.

Additional Information

Applications and supporting documentation must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime provisions.

This position is not included in a collective bargaining unit. RETENTION CRITERIA: Must satisfactorily complete a one year probationary period upon being assigned to DPD. Must successfully pass a DPD Driver's Recertification Course.

Must successfully pass a First Aid/AED/TCCC Recertification Course. Must maintain qualification on all trained weapon systems. Must maintain all other required certifications. Results of this selection process will be used to recommend candidates to the hiring manager who is the final selecting official.

The OHR will conduct a disciplinary action review to determine if there are pending investigatory and/or disciplinary matters at the beginning and the conclusion of the hiring process.

How to Apply

Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: Apply here: USCP Careers

1.

Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2.

Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package.

  1. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
  2. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application.
  3. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered.

The complete application package must be submitted by 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a copy of the following document by uploading and attaching the document with their on-line application.

  1. Resume page limit is one (1). Ensure that your resume reflects your relevant USCP and prior work history and any training or education. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and required documentations are submitted prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you do not attach the required documentation, you will be ineligible for this announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Special Agent-Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) position at U.S. Capitol Police?
The salary range for this position is $86,530 - $147,928/yr. This is a LP-2/3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Special Agent-Dignitary Protection Division (DPD) job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
1. Must be a USCP sworn employee below the rank of Sergeant, have attained the rank of Private with Training and completed your USCP probationary period by the closing date of this announcement. 2. Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID U.S. driver's license. License status and driving record will be checked as a part of the application proce...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
What does LP-2/3 mean?
LP-2/3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.