Federal
Special Agent - Law Enforcement/ Military Background
Federal Bureau of Investigation ยท Department of Justice
About This Position
As an FBI Special Agent, you will channel your expertise to protect our nation from cyberattacks, terrorism, fraud, and evolving threats. From conducting high-stakes investigations to leveraging your in-depth knowledge to uncover crucial information, your skills are essential to investigating crimes that threaten public safety. Your transition from a specialized career to special agent will be transformative, utilizing your expertise to tackle national security challenges in innovative ways.
Qualifications
All applicants must have two years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full-time work experience if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). All applicants should demonstrate Specialized Experience (SE). SE is defined as: Gathering and analyzing information and data to make proper conclusions or decisions. Establishing solutions to problems, assessing vulnerabilities, considering risks, and choosing the best outcome. Organizing, planning, and prioritizing various and competing work assignments. Consistently navigating complex and/or evolving environments. Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.
Major Duties
Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws. Exercise judgement, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands. Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and international law enforcement agencies. Coordinate and/or participate in searches, seizures, and arrests. Carry a firearm and be willing to use force, to include deadly force, if necessary. Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure readiness required to perform law enforcement duties.
Conditions of Employment
Be a U.S. Citizen Have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university. Possess full-time professional work experience. Be eligible for a Top-Secret SCI Clearance. Be able to legally possess / carry a firearm. Be at least 23 years old and not have reached your 37th birthday on appointment; exceptions may apply. Meet the FBI's Employment Eligibility requirements. Meet the medical and physical requirements of the position. Possess a valid driver's license with at least six months driving experience. Be available for assignment to any of the FBI's 56 Field Offices. Travel may be required. Please note: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation.
Education
Must have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university.
How You Will Be Evaluated
SPECIAL AGENT APPLICATION PROCESS The application process includes the following steps, each of which must be successfully completed. Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will receive an email invitation to take the Phase I exam. Step 1: Application and Screening Step 2: Phase I Test Step 3: Meet and Greet Information Session Step 4: Official Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Step 5: Phase II Test Step 6: Conditional Appointment Offer Step 7: Background Investigation Step 8: Fit for Duty Medical Review Step 9: Pre-Quantico Physical Fitness Test (PFT) (if applicable) Step 10: Basic Field Training Course Finish: Career Placement All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies: Collaboration Communication Flexibility/Adaptability Initiative Interpersonal Ability Leadership Organizing and Planning Problem Solving and Judgment
Additional Information
The position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze. Salary information: In addition to base salary, Agent Trainees receive locality pay for the Washington, D.C. area plus availability pay, which is 25% of the base and locality pay (the calculation is 25% x (base + locality). Upon graduation from training, your salary will be adjusted according to the locality of your office assignment and Law Enforcement Officers' availability pay.
How to Apply
To apply for the Special Agent position, please click here.
Required Documents
Utilizing the Resume Builder, outline your relevant work experience and associated start and end dates. Uploaded resumes will not be reviewed or used for qualification purposes. Official or unofficial college transcript(s) that list your degree and the date conferred from a U.S. accredited college or university. Notification of Personnel Action SF-50 (current or former federal employees) Memorandum for Record: (if applicable) Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i.e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record): Percent of time worked in the position (cannot conflict with main duties) The month/year work began and ended Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.) Specific duties performed Current or Former Members of the Armed Forces DD-214, Member 4 copy or Service 2 copy Statement of Service (if not yet separated) VA letter dated within one year (to include Disabled Veterans) SF-15, Veterans' Preference form (optional) Please Note: DO NOT attach a cover letter. Please make sure that all pages are readable when scanning and uploading your documents(s). DO NOT upload any picture files (JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Special Agent - Law Enforcement/ Military Background position at Federal Bureau of Investigation?
The salary range for this position is $99,461 - $128,329/yr. This is a GL-10 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Special Agent - Law Enforcement/ Military Background job located?
This position is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
All applicants must have two years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full-time work experience if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). All applicants should demonstrate Specialized Experience (SE). SE is defined as: Gathering and analyzing information and data to make proper conclusions or...
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 Dec 30, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
What does GL-10 mean?
GL-10 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.