FBI Job Description
Employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) work to protect the United States against terrorism, espionage, high-technology crimes, criminal organizations and public corruption. According to the FBI website, the organization employs over 30,000 people at its headquarters in Washington, DC, and across the country at its 56 field offices and 400 satellite offices. The FBI offers two main career paths--special agent and professional staff.
Special Agents
Newly appointed special agents must first undergo approximately 20 weeks of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Training includes the use of firearms, defensive tactics, physical fitness and classroom study. After successful completion of the training, trainees are sworn in as special agents and begin work at one of the 56 field offices. The first two years are probationary and the agent is mentored by a veteran agent to put into practice what he learned at the academy.
According the FBI website, "There is no such thing as a typical day for an FBI special agent." Responsibilities may range from gathering evidence and meeting with sources to making arrests and testifying in court. Specific duties may also depend on which of the five career areas an agent is placed: Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Counterterrorism, Criminal or Cyber.
Professional Staff
The FBI also employs a large number of professional staff. These positions include information technology (IT) professionals to maintain the organization's IT needs; intelligence analysts to analyze information of national security importance; and linguists to translate, transcribe and report information. Like any other organization, the FBI also requires professionals such as budget analysts, human resources staff, facilities management and administrative specialists to help the organization run smoothly. Job descriptions for these positions vary greatly, and you can learn more about their responsibilities and duties on the FBI website.
Qualifications
To become a special agent, you must be a U.S. citizen, between the ages of 23 and 37 upon appointment, possess a four-year degree, have at least three years professional experience, have a driver's license, be willing to work anywhere under FBI jurisdiction and qualify under its entry program. Candidates must also pass the physical requirements and background investigation. Qualifications for professional staff vary greatly depending upon the position. The following will result in automatic disqualification for employment at the FBI: conviction of a felony, some use of illegal drugs, default on student loans and urine test failure.
Application Process
The application process for special agents is arduous and competition for jobs is strong. Candidates must complete seven steps in the process: an online application at USAJOBS.gov, phase one written testing, phase two written and in-person testing, receive a conditional letter of appointment, physical fitness test, background investigation and medical examination. While it varies by applicant, the application process may take between six months and several years. Professional staff positions are recruited via USAJOBS.gov. After creating your account and uploading your resume, you may search for current FBI jobs.
Salary Information
According to the FBI website, most "white collar" jobs are paid according to the U.S. Government's General Schedule (GS) scale, which includes 15 job grades and 10 steps within each grade. For example, newly assigned special agents are paid as a GS-10, step 1. This has a base pay of $43,441 plus locality and availability pay, which results in overall pay between $61,100 and $69,900, depending on location. The FBI also provides benefits including health insurance, life insurance, vacation and sick pay and a retirement plan.
