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Special Agent - Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR) Department of Homeland Security U.S. Secret Service
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Summary
This job is open to
Duties
Requirements
How you will be evaluated
Required documents
How to apply
Summary
Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of 48854.00 GL-07 step 1 with promotion potential to 118204.00 GS-13 step 10.
This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay.
For more information on the Secret Service click here.
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates: 03/06/2026 to 06/30/2026
Salary: 48854 to 118204 per year
Salary listed reflects the General Schedule Base table and if applicable will be adjusted to include the locality pay of the worksite location.
Pay scale & grade: GL 7
Locations
MANY vacancies in the following locations:
Show more / fewer locations (6)
Remote job: No Telework eligible: No Travel Required: 25% or less - Domestic and Foreign travel may be required. Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
Appointment type: Term - The duration of this time limited Schedule B excepted appointment is 3 years and 120 days. Upon completion you will either be converted to a career appointment in the competitive service or separated based on the expiration of the appointment.
Work schedule: Full-time Service: Excepted Promotion potential: 13
Job family Series: 1811 Criminal Investigation Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Top Secret Drug test: Yes Position sensitivity and risk: Critical-Sensitive (CS), High Risk Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Fitness, National security Financial disclosure: No Bargaining unit status: No
Announcement number: SAB-26-Q3-STR Control number: 859859900
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Recruiting for the following field offices only - Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas and Miami. You are not guaranteed your preferred post of duty. Your initial post of duty will be determined at the time of the final job offer and will be based on the operational needs of the U.S. Secret Service.
Videos
Duties
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Joining the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent offers a unique and rewarding career dedicated to serving the nation through our dual mission of criminal investigations and protection. Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States and protecting its highest leaders including the President, Vice President and other designated individuals. Throughout their careers, Special Agents have the opportunity to work on diverse assignments across the country and around the globe, gaining unparalleled experience in both investigative and protective operations.
Responsibilities include:
As a Special Agent you will be part of an elite team committed to excellence, integrity and service with opportunities to serve at multiple duty stations both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and impactful career challenges you to rise to your fullest potential while making a difference for the nation.
For more information about the Special Agent position click here.
BE A PART OF THE STAR PROGRAM
The United States Secret Service is actively recruiting recent college graduates to participate in the Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment or STAR program. For more information about STAR click here.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
You are minimally qualified for the GL-07 Level starting base salary 48854 if you possess one of the following:
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.
Applicants must successfully pass Phase 1 assessments (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer. In addition, applicants must successfully pass Phase II (see below) to receive final consideration for employment.
Phase I
Phase II
The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicants history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines please click here to view our Drug Policy.
As part of the application process the applicant will be required to complete the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). It is a physical fitness assessment which consists of four components: push-ups, sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run and a 1.5 Mile Run. The APAT is designed to measure the current level of general physical fitness of an applicant which serves as an indicator of an applicants ability to safely complete a vigorous physical training program. It evaluates the applicants ability to perform the physical tasks required on the job by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity and other factors related to physical aptitude. For more information about the APAT please click here.
General Medical Requirements As determined by OPM, the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily.
Education
Applicants who are within 9 months of graduating from their Bachelors program are encouraged to begin the application process for STAR. A final transcript from an accredited school confirming degree conferral and superior academic achievement (S.A.A.), which is based on class standing, grade-point average (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0) or honor society membership is required prior to a final job offer. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit. For more information on S.A.A. please click here.
Additional information
Applicants selected for this position will be required to sign a continuing service agreement before being assigned to an initial training class. The continuing service agreement will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the Secret Service upon the successful completion of training.
Applicants will be required to travel to all phases of the hiring process at their own expense. If a final job offer is extended, relocation expenses will not be authorized for first duty location.
The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings including but not limited to tattoos, body art and branding on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers; any area below the wrist bone (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger).
If you are deemed minimally qualified for this position you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306 Declaration for Federal Employment and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application prior to entering Phase 1 of the hiring process. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine or imprisonment.
Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.
There are also specific medical requirements for this position and any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, genitourinary and other systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position may also be disqualifying. Click here for more information.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicants criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201, certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act may submit a written complaint to Equal Opportunity@usss.dhs.gov.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. [Opens in a new window] Learn more about federal benefits.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance, retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401k), Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, personal leave days and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, government vehicle, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016 who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications you will receive a conditional job offer.
The competencies needed to perform this job are:
Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
Your on-line application will be rated on the extent, quality and relevance of the following: your experience, education and training and competencies. All applicants are evaluated on competencies related to law enforcement methods and techniques, protective methods and techniques, investigative methods and techniques, initiative, attention to detail, learning, problem solving, partnering, planning and organizing and leadership. All answers in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Upon review, your resume and transcripts need to support your answer choices. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or on the application questionnaire may result in your removal for consideration.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. [Opens in a new window] Learn more about federal benefits.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance, retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401k), Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, personal leave days and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, government vehicle, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016 who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
In addition to addressing the job opportunity announcement specific questions you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume your employment history should show relevant work experience in detail and in month/year format (MM/YYYY) reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume please visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
Education - If you have earned a college degree or if you are qualifying based on education or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience or are claiming Superior Academic Achievement (overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 recorded on the unofficial college/university transcript to qualify at the GL-07 level as explained in the Qualifications section) you must submit a copy of your college/university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) which must show school name, students name, credit earned, degree and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. Those with Foreign education click here.
Veterans - Are you a Veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or Statement of Service. If a DD-214 is not available submit your Statement of Service from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. For more information view Veteran Information.
Federal Employees - Are you a current or former Federal Employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions including early or mandatory retirement the SF-50 must show the retirement code. You may have to submit more than one to show time in the code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards.
Political Appointees - The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
SAEE Results - Did you previously take the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)? Submit a copy of your SAEE results.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position you must complete the initial online application to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE: A resume must be no more than two pages. If your resume exceeds two-pages the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 06/30/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible you will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or have questions about the hiring process you may contact the Law Enforcement Acquisition Division, Special Agent Support Branch at sasupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling 202-406-6760 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm ET excluding Federal holidays prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.
For general recruitment information please call 888-813-USSS (8777) or email HQ.Recruitment@usss.dhs.gov. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u) and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Agency contact information
SA Support Branch Phone: 202-406-6760 Email: sasupport@usss.dhs.gov
Next steps
You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. You will also receive an e-mail notification regarding your application status.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:
Required Documents
Help
In addition to addressing the job opportunity announcement specific questions you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume your employment history should show relevant work experience in detail and in month/year format (MM/YYYY) reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume please visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
Education - If you have earned a college degree or if you are qualifying based on education or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience or are claiming Superior Academic Achievement (overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 recorded on the unofficial college/university transcript to qualify at the GL-07 level as explained in the Qualifications section) you must submit a copy of your college/university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) which must show school name, students name, credit earned, degree and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. Those with Foreign education click here.
Veterans - Are you a Veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or Statement of Service. If a DD-214 is not available submit your Statement of Service from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. For more information view Veteran Information.
Federal Employees - Are you a current or former Federal Employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions including early or mandatory retirement the SF-50 must show the retirement code. You may have to submit more than one to show time in the code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards.
Political Appointees - The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
SAEE Results - Did you previously take the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)? Submit a copy of your SAEE results.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position you must complete the initial online application to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. PLEASE NOTE: A resume must be no more than two pages. If your resume exceeds two-pages the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 06/30/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible you will not be able to view it in your application.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online or have questions about the hiring process you may contact the Law Enforcement Acquisition Division, Special Agent Support Branch at sasupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling 202-406-6760 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm ET excluding Federal holidays prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.
For general recruitment information please call 888-813-USSS (8777) or email HQ.Recruitment@usss.dhs.gov. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u) and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Expand / Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
SA Support Branch Phone: 202-406-6760 Email: sasupport@usss.dhs.gov
Next steps
You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. You will also receive an e-mail notification regarding your application status.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement please click here.
Expand / Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:
Additional locations
Summary
Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of 48854.00 GL-07 step 1 with promotion potential to 118204.00 GS-13 step 10.
This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay.
For more information on the Secret Service click here.
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates: 03/06/2026 to 06/30/2026
Salary: 48854 to 118204 per year
Salary listed reflects the General Schedule Base table and if applicable will be adjusted to include the locality pay of the worksite location.
Pay scale & grade: GL 7
Locations
MANY vacancies in the following locations:
Show more / fewer locations (6)
Remote job: No Telework eligible: No Travel Required: 25% or less - Domestic and Foreign travel may be required. Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
Appointment type: Term - The duration of this time limited Schedule B excepted appointment is 3 years and 120 days. Upon completion you will either be converted to a career appointment in the competitive service or separated based on the expiration of the appointment.
Work schedule: Full-time Service: Excepted Promotion potential: 13
Job family Series: 1811 Criminal Investigation Supervisory status: No Security clearance: Top Secret Drug test: Yes Position sensitivity and risk: Critical-Sensitive (CS), High Risk Trust determination process: Credentialing, Suitability, Fitness, National security Financial disclosure: No Bargaining unit status: No
Announcement number: SAB-26-Q3-STR Control number: 859859900
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