LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Special Agents of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services (OJS), can have challenging and rewarding careers in the law enforcement field.  They are highly trained individuals who investigate a wide range of criminal activity in Indian Country.

1. Where do Special Agents Work?
2. What do Special Agents do?
3. How do I become a Special Agent?
4. Are there any special requirements?
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
6. What benefits do Special Agents earn?

1. Where do Special Agents Work?

OJS Special Agents work on various Indian reservations located throughout the United States.  Work may include temporary travel away from a Special Agent’s duty station and home, and it may include extended travel depending on the circumstances.  Typically, applicants for these positions apply for specific locations where they are interested. 

2. What do Special Agents do?

OJS Special Agents investigate a wide range of criminal activity including homicide, rape, sexual abuse, and assaults. 

These types of investigations may include activities such as surveillance, undercover operations, affecting arrests, evidence collection, search warrant execution, interviewing, Grand Jury appearances, case preparation, and trials involving criminal defendants in both Federal and Tribal court.

Special Agents are also involved in various activities such as special task forces combating illegal drugs, emergency operations task forces, and providing disaster relief and support to other agencies and departments.

3. How do I become a Special Agent?

OJS Special Agent positions are very competitive and are highly sought after.  Every year, OJS anticipates the hiring of Special Agents at various locations.  Recruitment initiation begins with our personnel office issuing vacancy announcements which describe the positions available and where they are located.  The announcements may be found on the Office of Personal Management’s USAJobs website. Follow the instructions on the announcement to apply.

4. Are there any special requirements?

To qualify for these positions, applicants must meet medical, physical, and possibly psychological requirements.  Applicants will participate in mandatory drug testing, and they should also anticipate psychological screening. 

A high school education or equivalent is required.  A single scope level background investigation is required to determine an applicant’s suitability for these positions.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens and be at least 21 years of age but less then age 37 at the time of appointment. 

Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license. They must be able to posses firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(G)(9)).

5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?

OJS Special Agents begin their career with 10 weeks of formal training in criminal investigative techniques at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.  This training includes courses in criminal law, use of force, rules of evidence, surveillance, arrest procedures, search warrant procedures, detention and arrest, use of firearms, vehicle operations, and courtroom demeanor. 

This classroom study is augmented with hands-on training in photography, crime scene investigation, foot and vehicle surveillance, conducting raids, interviewing suspects and witnesses, searching for evidence, and collecting evidence.  This training, and later field experience make OJS Special Agents among the best in the world.

Salaries for Special Agents can begin at the GS-7/9/11 level, or the GS-9/11/12 level, depending upon which positions are available.  Special Agents receive an additional 25% in availability pay.  After gaining experience in the field, some Special Agents may decide to advance their careers and apply for management positions.  These positions are located in various District Offices, Central Office, and in some cases, at the agency level.  The management selection process is competitive and can provide advancement to the GS-13, GS-14, and GS-15 levels.

6. What benefits do Special Agents earn?

OJS Special Agents are covered under the enhanced annuity retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c). Retirement benefits are available with 20 years of Federal Law Enforcement service at age 50, and retirement becomes mandatory at age 57.  Previous Federal civilian or military service is creditable.
 
Special Agent availability pay is earned at a rate of 25% of their base pay.  This availability pay is designed to compensate for at least 2 hours of unscheduled duty time per regular work day.  Additionally, locality pay may be available in certain areas.

Health and life insurance may be obtained through Federal employee programs which are also available to immediate family members.  Financial protection is provided with no out of pocket cost to the employee, in the event of a job related injury, or death.  Annual leave is accumulated at a rate of 13 to 26 days per year depending on length of employment.  Sick leave is accumulated at a rate of 13 days per year.  There are also 10 paid holidays per calendar year. 

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