Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

About the role

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology.

Responsibilities

• Performs the full range of expert level criminal investigative tasks, including conducting complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Recognizes patterns of illegal operations and anticipates or influences events as they transpire, maintaining awareness of precedential court decisions in one or more judicial and law enforcement jurisdictions.
• Establishes and develops leads from known criminal activities and initiates investigations that are wide in scope and complexity, involving criminal conduct intertwined with legitimate business pursuits.
• Utilizes elaborate planning and coordination to resolve and overcome complex jurisdictional problems involving other Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
• Serves as the key person or coordinator when performing duties such as surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Must display and maintain required proficiency with firearms.
• Take and pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
• Must take and successfully complete a polygraph examination.
• Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license.
• May have to attend and successfully pass the following training:
• Occupational Questionnaire
• ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment
• Physical Task Test
• ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
• Structured Interview
• Law Enforcement Training: Must have successfully completed and passed Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigator training program (CITP), OR an equivalent and recognized federal law enforcement training program.

Qualifications

• GS-11: Conducting the full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem solving techniques; obtaining investigative leads and factual data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
• GS-12: Conducting the full range of criminal investigations of greater than average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques; serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
• GS-13: Applying a wide range of criminal investigative, enforcement, laws, regulations, guidelines, and precedent decisions; identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred; communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.

Benefits

ATF offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Pay

$73,939 - $171,268 per year

Schedule

Full-time

Skills

Knowledge of criminal justice principles, practices, and procedures; ability to conduct complex criminal investigations; skill in recognizing patterns of illegal operations; ability to anticipate and influence events; knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Benefits

ATF offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit www.atf.gov. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2026.