Special Agent and Industry Operations Investigator Informational Packets and FAQs
April 10, 2008
ATF is not accepting applications for the Criminal Investigator (special agent) or Industry Operations Investigator position at this time. Applications and resumes are only accepted in response to an open vacancy announcement or job notice. For hiring updates, please contact the ATF Recruitment, Hiring and Staffing Center periodically at 202-648-9100. See the following Frequently Asked Questions for important information about the ATF special agent position.
Frequently Asked Questions (Special Agent)
- 1. What are the basic qualification requirements and conditions of employment for the ATF Criminal Investigator (special agent) position?
- See Special Agent Informational Packet.
- 2. As a special agent applicant, can I apply for a specific duty location?
- Mobility is a requirement for the ATF special agent position. Newly hired special agents can be assigned to any office in the United States and are subject to relocation throughout their careers with ATF. Special agent applicants are allowed to complete a field office preference sheet during the hiring process however office assignments are made based on ATF's staffing needs and preferences are not guaranteed.
- 3. What type of degree or course work is helpful in receiving consideration for a special agent position?
- The following are qualifying, but not all inclusive: Criminal Justice, Accounting, Sociology, Administration of Justice, Political Science, Fire Science, Chemistry, or related Criminal Justice Forensic Sciences. The degree must be from an accredited college or university.
- 4. I am currently in college and will be obtaining a four-year degree in the near future. Can I submit an application for the special agent position?
- If applying based on the education requirement, ATF will accept your application if you are within 9 months from obtaining your four-year degree (provided we have an open vacancy announcement or job notice).
- 5. Can I be placed on a list to be notified about future announcements or testing?
- The ATF Recruitment, Hiring and Staffing Center receives literally thousands of inquiries about the special agent position. ATF does not guarantee that prospective applicants will be notified about future announcements or testing. For hiring and testing updates, please contact the ATF Recruitment, Hiring and Staffing Center periodically at 202-648-9100.
- 6. I have already taken the Treasury Enforcement Agent (TEA) exam for another agency. Do I still have to take the exam under an ATF announcement or job notice?
- Under our current recruitment efforts, all applicants are required to take and pass an ATF sponsored TEA exam. Test results will be valid for a period of three years from the date of the exam. ATF offers the TEA exam on a pass fail basis only therefore, numeric scores will not be available.
- 7. Can a Criminal Investigator (1811) with another Federal agency lateral over to ATF?
- ATF hires special agents at the GL-5, GL-7 or GL-9 entry level. Current 1811's are welcome to apply however they will only be considered for a position at these grade levels. They will also be required to leave the Competitive Service and enter the Excepted Service for a period of three years.
- 8. How are grade level determinations made?
- Grade determinations are based upon documentation submitted by an applicant prior to the closing date of a vacancy announcement or job information notice. The information is weighed against the qualification standards established by the Office of Personnel Management. Duties and accomplishments gained after the closing date of an announcement or job notice will not be considered for the purpose of determining grade levels.
- 9. Can an applicant with an arrest record or with past drug use be considered for a Special Agent position?
- All suitability issues are reviewed on a case-by-case basis during the preemployment screening process.
- 10. I am currently in the ATF Hiring Process. How can I find out my status?
- The ATF hiring process is lengthy and can take up to a year to complete. Budget and staffing issues can significantly delay the process beyond a year. Given the fact that various ATF offices are simultaneously involved in the hiring process, the ATF Recruitment, Hiring and Staffing Center will be unable to assist applicants with status checks.