🟢 Status: OPEN CONTINUOUS | No Closing Date — Apply Anytime | Source: USAJOBS.gov
ATF Special Agent Jobs 2026 — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives | Apply Now
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the US Department of Justice (DOJ), is hiring Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) for 2026 through an Open Continuous Announcement — meaning applications are accepted year-round with no fixed closing date. Entry-level agents start at GL-5 through GL-9 with a full base salary range of $41,781 to $68,442 per year — plus 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and locality pay of 14–35% bringing total first-year compensation to $60,000–$100,000+ depending on location.
New hires with no prior federal service may qualify for a signing bonus of up to $60,000 ($15,000/year over 4 years). Current federal employees who relocate may receive up to $25,000. Over a full career, ATF special agents can advance to GS-13 with a total compensation package exceeding $160,000/year in major cities.
ATF has over 2,300 special agents stationed across 25 field divisions, hundreds of local offices, and international posts. Apply today.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) |
| Agency | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) |
| Department | US Department of Justice (DOJ) |
| Job Control Number | 850788500 |
| Location | Location Negotiable After Selection — Nationwide + International Posts |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time — Irregular hours; overtime required |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GL-5 through GL-9 (entry); promotion to GS-13 |
| Base Salary Range | $41,781 – $68,442/yr (entry, before locality + LEAP) |
| Locality Pay | +14% to +35% based on duty station |
| LEAP (Availability Pay) | +25% of base salary |
| Estimated Total Pay | $60,000 – $100,000+/yr (entry); up to $160,000+ (GS-13) |
| Signing Bonus (New Hires) | Up to $60,000 ($15,000/yr × 4 years) |
| Signing Bonus (Current Fed) | Up to $25,000 ($12,000/yr, relocation required) |
| Announcement Type | Open Continuous — No Closing Date |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens / Nationals |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret Required |
| Drug Test | Required — ongoing random testing |
| Firearms | Must qualify and maintain proficiency |
| Mobility Agreement | Required — must accept reassignment to any US state or territory |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As an ATF Special Agent, you are one of America’s elite federal law enforcement officers — investigating violations of federal laws related to the criminal misuse of firearms, explosives, arson, and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. ATF special agents are sworn law enforcement officers with full authority to carry weapons and make arrests for federal offenses.
What makes ATF unique among federal law enforcement agencies: ATF special agents oversee their cases throughout the entire criminal investigation process — from the crime scene to the courtroom. You will work complex multi-agency investigations alongside local, state, tribal, and federal partners, including joint task forces targeting firearms trafficking, violent crime, and domestic terrorism.
ATF agents are stationed across 25 field divisions and hundreds of offices in all 50 states, US territories, and international locations — and may apply for elite specialized units including K-9 Handler, Certified Explosives Specialist, Certified Fire Investigator, Criminal Profiler, and Special Response Team (SWAT equivalent).
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Investigate violations of federal laws related to firearms trafficking, illegal weapons possession, explosives offenses, arson, and alcohol/tobacco diversion
- Conduct criminal investigations from initial crime scene through federal prosecution — including evidence collection, suspect surveillance, undercover operations, and warrant execution
- Interview suspects, witnesses, and confidential informants to develop case intelligence
- Execute search warrants, arrest warrants, and court orders in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement
- Work on joint task forces targeting violent crime, domestic terrorism, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations
- Prepare detailed investigative reports, affidavits, and court documents; testify as a government witness in federal criminal proceedings
- Utilize cutting-edge ballistics technology, forensic laboratories, and the National Tracing Center to trace crime guns
- Respond to and investigate major fire and explosion scenes — partnering with ATF’s National Response Team (NRT) for catastrophic incidents
- Travel extensively — domestic and international — in support of case requirements
- Mentor and guide newer agents; may serve on specialized rapid response teams after gaining experience
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university — any field |
| Preferred Fields | Criminal Justice, Law, Accounting, Finance, Chemistry, Computer Science, Foreign Languages |
| Experience Substitution | 3 years of general work experience (1 year at GL-4 level equivalent) may substitute for a degree at GL-5 entry |
Grade & Experience Requirements
| Grade | Salary (Base) | How to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| GL-5 | $41,781 – $54,318/yr | Bachelor’s degree in any field OR 3 years general experience (1 year at GL-4 level) |
| GL-7 | $51,713 – $67,228/yr | 1 year specialized experience at GL-5 OR 1 year graduate study OR Superior Academic Achievement |
| GL-9 | $63,285 – $68,442/yr | 1 year specialized experience at GL-7 OR Master’s degree |
| GS-11 – GS-13 | $69,000 – $115,079/yr | Promotion through performance — no reapplication required |
💡 Tip: All new applicants must meet the basic qualifications of GL-5 to be eligible to sit for the ATF Special Agent written examination. Apply to the highest grade level for which you qualify.
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship: Required — no exceptions
- Age: Must be under 37 years old at time of appointment (law enforcement retirement provision); veterans may receive age waiver
- Background Investigation: Top Secret security clearance required; full background investigation
- Drug Test: Required — includes pre-employment and ongoing random testing; ATF has strict drug policy (see atf.gov/careers/drug-policy)
- Physical Fitness: Must pass the ATF Pre-Employment Physical Task Test (PTT) — includes push-ups, sit-ups, and 1.5-mile run
- Written Exam: Must pass the ATF Special Agent Examination (logical reasoning, writing skills, situational judgment)
- Polygraph: Required
- Vision: Corrected to 20/20 in each eye; color vision required
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required
- Mobility Agreement: Must sign — must be willing to accept assignment anywhere in the US or overseas
Salary, Signing Bonus & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $41,781 – $115,079/yr (GL-5 to GS-13 base) |
| Locality Pay | +14% to +35% depending on duty station |
| LEAP (Availability Pay) | +25% of base salary — automatic for all special agents |
| Estimated Total Entry Pay | $60,000 – $100,000+/yr at GL-5 to GL-9 with locality + LEAP |
| Signing Bonus (New Hires) | Up to $60,000 ($15,000/yr × 4 years) — new to federal government only |
| Signing Bonus (Current Feds) | Up to $25,000 ($12,000/yr) — must relocate 50+ miles |
| Physical Fitness | 4 hours/week excused paid absence for workouts |
| Fitness Center | ATF HQ state-of-the-art fitness center available |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — wide range of comprehensive plans |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS — can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service; mandatory retirement at 57 |
| TSP | Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 13–26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave/year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays (premium pay if required to work) |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI — automatic enrollment |
| Foreign Language Award | Cash awards for agents using foreign language skills on duty |
| EAP | 24/7 Employee Assistance Program — counseling, childcare/eldercare referrals |
| Peer Responder Program | World-class peer support for critical incident aftermath |
| Training | 7 months fully paid federal law enforcement training at FLETC, Glynco, GA |
ATF Special Agent Training Program
All new ATF special agents complete a comprehensive 7-month training program at the ATF National Academy at FLETC, Glynco, Georgia:
| Phase | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 — FLETC CITP | 12 weeks | Criminal Investigator Training Program — core federal law enforcement skills, arrest, search and seizure, firearms, defensive tactics |
| Phase 2 — ATF SABT | 15 weeks | ATF Special Agent Basic Training — firearms law, explosives investigations, arson, undercover techniques, advanced firearms training, close-quarter defensive countermeasures |
All training is fully paid — salary, housing, and meals provided during academy attendance.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Build your federal resume (4–6 pages — highlight law enforcement, military, investigative, accounting, or relevant experience; include all dates, hours/week, and supervisors)
Step 3 — Review the ATF Special Agent Informational Packet at ATF.gov before applying
Step 4 — Prepare for the ATF Physical Task Test — review requirements at atf.gov/careers/pre-employment-physical-task-test
Step 5 — Apply at: www.usajobs.gov/job/850788500 — select your qualifying grade level
Step 6 — If referred, complete written exam, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam, and physical fitness test
⚠️ Important: This is an Open Continuous Announcement — there is no closing date. Applications are reviewed and selections made on a rolling basis as vacancies arise. However, do not delay — ATF actively recruits and fills positions throughout the year. New agent applicants must be under age 37 at time of appointment. For recruiter contact, visit atf.gov/careers/atf-recruiter/outreach-coordinators. All applications through USAJOBS.gov only.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference. Veterans over age 37 may receive an age waiver if their military service delayed their application. Veterans with military police, special operations, explosives, intelligence, or criminal investigation backgrounds are exceptionally competitive for ATF special agent positions. ATF has a dedicated veterans hiring program — DD-214 required with application.
About the ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a law enforcement agency within the US Department of Justice that protects communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. ATF partners with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, and technology. With over 2,300 special agents across 25 field divisions, ATF is one of America’s most specialized and respected federal law enforcement agencies — and the only agency in the world with jurisdiction over firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol/tobacco simultaneously.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/850788500. We are not affiliated with ATF, DOJ, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) Open Continuous – USAJOBS #850788500
- Special Agents – ATF.gov
- Salary and Benefits for Special Agents – ATF.gov
- Becoming a Special Agent – ATF.gov
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