Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

About the role

The Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position at ATF is responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating substantive and conspiracy type violations of laws administered and enforced by ATF. This includes working with various federal, state, county, and local agencies to address complex and interconnected criminal activities.

Responsibilities

• 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;
• Preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.

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;
• 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 below 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: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GL-9 grade level, performing the duties described above.
• GS-12: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, performing the duties described above, and serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests.
• GS-13: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, performing the duties described above, and identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred.

Benefits

• Salary: $73,939 - $171,268 per year
• Pay Scale & Grade: GS 11 - 13- Promotion potential 13
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
• Appointment Type: Permanent

Pay, Schedule, & Benefits

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job. The work schedule is full-time, and travel is occasional. Benefits include relocation expenses, health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Skills

• Knowledge of criminal justice and law enforcement principles;
• Ability to conduct complex investigations;
• Proficiency with firearms;
• Effective communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Ability to travel and work in various locations.

Benefits

• Relocation Incentive: Up to $25,000 over two years (subject to federal taxes and any applicable state/local taxes).
• Drug Screening and Random Testing.
• Background Investigation and Security Clearance.
• Probationary Period.
• Medical Examination and Fitness for Duty.
• Polygraph Examination.
• Automobile Operator's License.
• Training: Occupational Questionnaire, ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment, Physical Task Test, ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT), Structured Interview, Law Enforcement Training.

Pay, Schedule, & Benefits

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job. The work schedule is full-time, and travel is occasional. Benefits include relocation expenses, health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Application Information

• Posted 11/21/25
• Apply by 11/20/26
• Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2026
• Location: Many vacancies in the following location: Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
• Work site options: Telework eligible, No, Remote job, No, Relocation expenses reimbursed, No
• Drug Test: Yes
• Security Clearance: Top Secret
• Position Sensitivity and Risk: Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
• Appointments: Permanent
• Occupations and Job Series: Supervisory status, Federal service type, Not represented by a union, Drug test, Yes, Security clearance, Top Secret, Position sensitivity and risk, Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
• Background Check Type: Not specified
• Financial Disclosure Required: No
• Control Number: 850788500
• Announcement Number: 26-FO-ST-12840150-RT