Become a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service HAMMER Team
Are you looking to take your career in law enforcement and public service to the highest level? The United States Secret Service is currently recruiting for the Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER) program. This is an elite opportunity for professionals with backgrounds in tactical operations, emergency medicine, and investigative work to join a premier national security agency.
Job Responsibilities
As a member of the HAMMER team, your duties are both investigative and tactical. You will:
- Conduct complex investigations into financial fraud and cyber threats.
- Provide physical protection for the President, Vice President, and visiting dignitaries.
- Deploy into hazardous environments to provide medical interventions and extrication.
- Utilize cutting-edge technology to monitor for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet stringent federal standards, including:
- Citizenship and age requirements (must be under 40 at the time of referral).
- Passing the Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT).
- Successful completion of a high-risk background investigation for Top-Secret clearance.
- Ability to travel and relocate as required by the mobility agreement.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Starting Salary | Qualification Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GL-07 | $65,435 | Bachelor's degree or 1 year specialized experience |
| GL-09 | $72,977 | Master's degree or higher level experience |
| GS-11 | $85,447 | Ph.D., LL.M., or extensive advanced experience |
Salary and Benefits
Beyond the competitive base salary, you will receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to your base pay. High-performing recruits may also be eligible for a $75,000 recruitment incentive. You will also have access to full federal benefits, including a Thrift Savings Plan, comprehensive healthcare, and a generous retirement package.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will be rejected.
- Documentation: Ensure transcripts clearly state degree conferral dates.
- Physical Prep: Start training for the APAT immediately; it is a rigorous test of endurance and strength.
Serving on the HAMMER team is not just a job; it is a high-impact role that protects the future of our nation. If you meet the criteria and are ready for the challenge, submit your application through the official portal today.
Why This Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer) Job Matters
Join the Secret Service's elite HAMMER team and combine high-stakes criminal investigation with critical hazardous agent mitigation and life-saving emergency response.
Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer) Job Overview
The U.S. Secret Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join the Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER) team. This specialized role integrates criminal investigative duties with advanced tactical support to provide medical intervention, extrication, and hazardous agent mitigation for protective details. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety of national leaders in complex, high-risk environments.
Requirements for Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years old and under 40 years old at the time of referral (exceptions apply for current federal law enforcement).
- Hold a valid, REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
- Must carry and maintain proficiency with a firearm.
- Consent to drug testing and provide disclosure of prior drug usage.
- Pass the Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT).
- Complete intensive 13-week FLETC training and 18-week Secret Service specialized training.
- Must meet stringent physical and medical standards including uncorrected vision requirements.
- Must sign a mobility agreement for nationwide and overseas assignments.
Preferred Qualifications for Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer)
- Military experience in CBRN, CBRNE, or medical occupational specialties.
- Experience in local, state, or federal CBRN, fire and rescue, or emergency medical units.
- Current certification as an EMT, Paramedic, CNA, RNA, RN, Physician Assistant, or MD.
- Completion of specialized training courses in hazardous agent mitigation, extrication, or emergency medical support.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) of 25% of base salary.
- ✓Recruitment incentive of up to $75,000 for qualifying new hires.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and extensive professional development training.
- ✓Government vehicle subsidies and uniform allowances.
- ✓Access to fitness centers and wellness programs.
💡 How to Apply Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Special Agent - Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response Team (Hammer) Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume limited strictly to two pages.
- Submit your application and required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Pass Phase I (Entrance Exam, APAT, and Interview).
- Complete Phase II (Credit check, polygraph, medical, and background investigation).
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Ensure your employment history includes dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week.
- Review your application thoroughly; HR will not modify or correct documents after submission.
- Prepare physically for the APAT (Push-ups, Sit-ups, 1.5-mile run, Illinois Agility Run).
- Disclose any prior drug use honestly as part of the background process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HAMMER program?
HAMMER stands for Hazardous Agent Mitigation & Medical Emergency Response. It is a specialized unit within the Secret Service that provides life-saving medical care and hazardous agent protection for protectees.
Is the $75,000 recruitment incentive guaranteed?
It is available to eligible new federal hires and is paid out in installments over four years based on training milestones and continued service under a signed agreement.
What happens if I fail the HAMMER training?
If you are unable to complete the specialized HAMMER training, you may still be given the opportunity to serve as a standard Secret Service Special Agent in a non-tactical role.
Job from U.S. Secret Service
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service maintain a dual-mission mandate: protecting the nation's highest leaders and conducting critical criminal investigations into financial and cyber-based threats. Working with the Secret Service means joining a team dedicated to duty, loyalty, justice, integrity, and courage.