Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Conducts the full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques.
• Obtains investigative leads and factual data; participates in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests.
• Reviews evidence; prepares case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
• Serves as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests.
• Identifies significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred.
• Communicates orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.

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 tests.
• 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: 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

• Salary: $84,601 - $156,755 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

Skills

• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and practices.
• Ability to conduct complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Ability to recognize patterns of illegal operations and anticipate and influence events.
• Ability to establish and develop leads from known criminal activities and initiate investigations.
• Ability to utilize elaborate planning and coordination to resolve and overcome complex jurisdictional problems.
• Ability to perform surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.

Benefits

• Background check and some require a security clearance.
• Drug test.
• Relocation expenses reimbursed.
• Financial disclosure required.

Pay, Schedule, Benefits

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job. The GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 grades are available with different promotion potentials. The work schedule is full-time, and occasional travel may be required. Relocation expenses are reimbursable for eligible current federal employees.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit usajobs.gov. Applications will be considered until October 31, 2026. For more information about the announcement, contact ATF at atfrecruit@atf.gov.