The mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is to protect America's
natural resources for future generations, provide access to our nation's
natural and cultural heritage, offer recreation opportunities, honor its
trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, conduct scientific
research, provide wise stewardship of energy and mineral resources, and conserve
and protect fish and wildlife. The DOI Office of Inspector General
(OIG) is an independent office within the DOI whose mission is to promote
excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of the
Interior. The OIG conducts investigations, evaluations, and audits
in order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and to prevent and detect
waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DOI programs and operations.
- Where do Special Agents Work?
- What do Special Agents do?
- How do I become a Special Agent?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
- What benefits do Special Agents earn?
1. Where do Special Agents Work?
Our Office locations are as diverse as our employees. The main Office
of Investigations and its Program Integrity Division are located in Washington,
D.C., while three Regional and Investigative Support Division offices are
located in California, Colorado, and Virginia with resident/field offices
in Washington, Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Minnesota,
Georgia, and New Jersey.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather and climatic
conditions during various hours of the day or night and for prolonged periods. Long
hours of surveillance work may be required in cramped or unpleasant locations
and under unpleasant conditions.
2. What do Special Agents do?
Special Agents conduct criminal, civil, and administrative investigations
to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of Departmental programs
and operations; to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement;
and to provide a means for keeping the Secretary of the Interior and Congress
fully informed about Department problems and deficiencies. They perform
the full range of law enforcement duties to include carrying firearms, executing
warrants, serving subpoenas, and making arrests for offenses against the
United States.
3. How do I become a Special Agent?
Special Agent positions are announced by the Office of Personnel Management
on the USAJobs website. Follow the instructions in the vacancy announcements
to apply. Entry level positions are typically at the GS-5, 7, or 9
level depending on the applicant’s education and experience.
4. Are there any special requirements?
- All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or nationals.
- As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31,
1959 must certify being registered with the Selective Service System
or are exempt from having to do so.
- Selectee must be able to obtain and keep a Top Secret security clearance.
- Be no more than 37 years of age upon entry into the GS-1811 series
unless previous creditable service.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Will be required to complete an SF-450, Confidential Statement of Employment
and Financial Interests.
- Will be required to qualify to carry and use firearms and other weapons
and cannot be convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless
conviction expunged, set aside or pardon received.
- Pass initial and periodic medical examinations.
- Satisfactorily complete the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program
at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or its equivalent.
- Able to travel as necessary.
- Be available for reassignment to other regional or resident offices.
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
Special Agents will receive opportunities for training and career advancement. They
must complete the Basic Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or its equivalent. Additionally,
Special Agents will receive advanced law enforcement and other professional
development training courses including the Inspector General Investigator Training
and periodic refresher training in the following areas: trial process;
federal criminal and civil legal updates; interviewing techniques and policy;
law of arrest, search and seizure; and physical conditioning/defensive tactics. Investigators
have promotion potential to GS-13 level.
6. What benefits do Special Agents earn?
- This position is covered by the Law Enforcement Retirement System,
and the individual is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability
Pay.
- You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits
program with costs shared with your employer.
- Life insurance coverage is provided.
- Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement.
- Earn annual vacation leave and sick leave.
- Paid federal holidays.
