Criminal Investigator - Special Agent Talent and Achievement Recruitment Program (STAR)

Position Overview

Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. Starting with a base salary of $48,371.00 (GL-07, Step 1) and promotion potential up to $117,034.00 (GS-13, Step 10), this role also offers additional LEAP compensation of 25% of the locality rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform critical protective and investigative assignments.
• Adhere to strict law enforcement guidelines and ethical standards, including following the Secret Service drug policy.
• Maintain high levels of physical fitness to safely complete rigorous training and operational tasks.
• Successfully complete all required assessments and background investigations as part of the selection process.

Required Qualifications

• Hearing ability must be within 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in the 500, 1000, and 2000Hz ranges.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance throughout your career.
• Use your official name on your application as it appears on valid government ID (e.g., REAL ID, State ID, or Passport).
• Meet one of the following educational/experience requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement (e.g., GPA of 3.0 or higher, ranking in the upper one-third, or membership in a national honor society with supporting transcript documentation).
  • At least one full year of graduate-level education (18 semester hours); OR
  • At least one year of specialized experience relating to investigative methods, protective methods, or law enforcement techniques.
• Successfully complete the following assessments:
  • Phase I: National Crime Information Center check, Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE), Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT), and an Interview.
  • Phase II: Credit Check, Security Interview, Polygraph Examination, Drug Screening, Medical Examination, and a Background Investigation.
• Pass the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT), which includes push-ups, sit-ups, the Illinois Agility Run, and a 1.5 Mile Run.