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Special Agents of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service have challenging and rewarding careers.
They are trained criminal investigators who enforce
Federal wildlife laws throughout the United States.
Special Agents conduct law enforcement investigations
that may include activities such as surveillance,
undercover work, making arrests, and preparing
cases for court.
Often working with other Federal, tribal, foreign,
state, or local law enforcement authorities, Special
Agents enforce traditional migratory bird regulations
and investigate major commercial activities involving
illegal trade in protected wildlife. Some agents
work at border ports where they enforce Federal
laws protecting domestic and foreign wildlife species
that enter into interstate and international commerce.
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Employment opportunities for Special Agents
Only some 250 Special Agents work for the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service. Special Agent positions
are extremely competitive and highly sought after.
Consequently, only the most qualified applicants
are appointed. The duties of all Special Agents
involve considerable travel with frequent periods
away from home. Newly appointed Special Agents
may be assigned to duty stations anywhere in the
United States, including Guam and Puerto Rico.
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How do I become a Special Agent?
Every year the Service anticipates hiring 10 to
15 new Special Agents. To begin the recruitment
effort, the Service's Personnel Office in Arlington,
Virginia issues vacancy announcements describing
available positions. Individuals seeking information
about Special Agent vacancies can check the Office
of Personnel Management's web site at: http://usajobs.opm.gov/.
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Are there any special requirements?
To Qualify for a Special Agent position, applicants
must meet strict medical, physical, and psychological
requirements. They must also participate in mandatory
drug testing and psychological screening programs.
The most highly qualified applicants will be interviewed.
Academically, a four-year degree in wildlife management,
criminal justice, or other related fields is preferred.
Those chosen will undergo an extensive background
investigation to determine suitability for for
appointment to a Special Agent position. All appointees
must be citizens of the United States, at least
21 years of age, but less than 37 years of age
at the time of entrance on duty. A mobility agreement
must be signed which indicates a willingness to
accept a reassignment to any location in the future.
Appointees must be in excellent physical condition
and pass a comprehensive medical examination, which
is provided at no cost to the applicant. The appointee
must also successfully pass a battery of test to
determine physical fitness suitability.
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What opportunities exist for training and career
advancement?
Special Agents begin their careers with 18 weeks
of formal training in criminal investigative and
wildlife law enforcement techniques at the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center at Glynco, Georgia.
Basic Training includes comprehensive courses in
protective techniques, criminal law, use of special
investigative equipment, use of firearms, and defensive
measures. Rules of evidence, surveillance techniques,
undercover operations, and courtroom demeanor are
also studied. Classroom study is supplemented with
on-the-job training when agents report to their
assigned field stations. As agents in training,
they assist in carrying out surveillance activities,
participating in raids, interviewing witnesses
and suspects, searching for physical evidence and
clues, seizing contraband, and serving search warrants.
The emphasis on training and the vast experience
they gain make U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Special Agents among the best wildlife law enforcement
professionals in the world.
Starting salaries for Special Agents begin at one
of the GS-7/9/11 levels, depending upon education
and experience. The full performance level of pay
is GS-12. In addition to base pay, agents are compensated
for availability pay and those agents stationed
in high-cost geographical areas receive additional
locality pay. Special Agents can expect to serve
in several locations during a typical 20-year career.
With each transfer, employees have the opportunity
for a more diversified career progressing to their
full potential. After gaining experience in field
investigations, some agents may decide to enhance
their careers and move into management positions.
These positions are found in the Senior Resident
Agent Offices, the Regional Offices, and the Chief's
Office in Washington, D.C. The selection process
for management positions is competitive and provides
for upward mobility at the GS-13, GS-14, and GS-15
levels.>
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What benefits do Special Agents earn?
Full retirement benefits are available to Special
Agents with 20 years of Federal law enforcement
service at age 50. Retirement becomes mandatory
at age 57.
Availability pay is earned at the rate of 25% of
base pay. This pay is designed to compensate the
criminal investigator for at least 2 hours of unscheduled
duty per regular workday. In addition, low-cost
health and life insurance may be obtained through
Federal employee programs. Insurance plans are
available to immediate family members. Financial
protection is provided, without cost, in the even
of job-related injury or death. Annual leave accrues
at the rate of 13 to 26 days per year, based on
length of employment. Prior Federal civilian or
military service is creditable. Sick leave is earned
at the rate of 13 days per year and there are 10
paid Federal holidays per year.
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