Become a Criminal Investigator with the U.S. Secret Service: A Guide for Retirees

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) is calling upon retired federal law enforcement professionals to rejoin the workforce. If you are a retired federal annuitant seeking to apply your years of experience toward a mission of national importance, this Criminal Investigator role (GS-13) offers a unique path back to federal service. This guide covers everything you need to know about the role, the benefits, and the application process.

Job Responsibilities

As a Criminal Investigator, you will play a vital role in national security. Responsibilities include:

Planning and conducting high-stakes protective assignments.
Leading teams in security surveys for government continuity.
Investigating sophisticated financial crimes including computer-based fraud and counterfeiting.
Analyzing intelligence from diverse sources to support ongoing operations.

Comparison: Standard vs. Reemployed Annuitant Roles

Feature	Standard Hire	Reemployed Annuitant (This Role)
Salary Offset	Standard	Waived (Dual Compensation)
Appointment Type	Permanent	4-Year Term
Leave Accrual	Yes	Varies by schedule

Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be an annuitant under FERS or CSRS.
Completion of CITP or equivalent law enforcement training.
Ability to pass a Tier 5 Top-Secret security clearance.
Physical fitness and medical standards for law enforcement duties.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, starting at $90,925 per year, with potential growth up to $118,204, depending on step and locality pay. Plus, incumbents may receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) of 25%.

Benefits

The primary benefit is the dual compensation waiver, allowing retired agents to receive their full annuity plus a full federal salary. This is a rare, time-limited opportunity to serve the country while maintaining retirement benefits.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: You only get two pages. Ensure your most relevant investigative and protective accomplishments are highlighted.
Check your SF-50: Ensure you have the correct retirement SF-50 on hand before starting the application.
Assessments: Be prepared to set aside dedicated time for the USA Hire assessments.

This opportunity provides a meaningful way for seasoned law enforcement veterans to continue their commitment to duty, loyalty, and justice. If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to review the official announcement and submit your materials before the closing date.

Why This Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles) Job Matters

The U.S. Secret Service is calling on retired federal law enforcement experts to return to the front lines and continue a mission of national security and protection excellence.

Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles) Job Overview

The U.S. Secret Service is seeking experienced retirees under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to fill critical Criminal Investigator roles. This is a unique opportunity for qualified annuitants to contribute their expertise to the Office of Protective Operations and the Office of Technical Operations, utilizing a special dual compensation salary offset waiver.

Requirements for Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles)

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must be a FERS or CSRS annuitant.
Completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Tier 5 security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment polygraph, drug test, and medical examination.
Ability to carry and use a firearm, including maintaining proficiency.
Maximum age limit: Under 59 years old at the time of appointment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles)

Extensive experience in protective assignments for high-profile officials.
Advanced skills in conducting complex financial crime investigations, including fraud and counterfeit currency.
Demonstrated ability to lead investigative teams and coordinate sensitive security operations.
Strong proficiency in intelligence analysis and the synthesis of conflicting information.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Full federal salary in addition to retirement annuity (via salary offset waiver).
✓Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) added to base pay.
✓Full-time work schedule eligibility.
✓Access to high-level specialized training programs.
✓Meaningful impact on national security and protection missions.

💡 How to Apply Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant And Ictap Eligibles) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Apply via the online USA Staffing portal.
Complete the required online questionnaire.
Take the USA Hire assessments within the specified deadline if prompted.
Submit all necessary documentation, including SF-50s proving retirement status.
Track your application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the system strictly enforces a two-page limit.
Use the MM/YYYY format for all employment history to ensure credit is granted.
Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire assessments to ensure you complete them in one sitting.
Verify your retirement SF-50 clearly shows your tenure code and retirement status.
Monitor your email for the assessment link after submitting your initial application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for this position?

Applicants must be under the age of 59 at the time of appointment.

Can I receive my retirement annuity while working this job?

Yes, under the approved OPM dual compensation salary offset waiver, reemployed annuitants may receive both their full annuity and their federal salary.

Is a polygraph test required?

Yes, all candidates must successfully pass a polygraph examination prior to appointment.

What happens when the 4-year term ends?

*A: These are term appointments not to exceed 4 years or until the age of 60. Check the specific guidance on the dual compensation waiver expiration.*

Can I apply for multiple locations?

*A: You will be considered for the specific duty station selected at the time of application.*

Job from U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization under the Department of Homeland Security. With a dual mission of protection and investigation, the agency safeguards our nation’s leaders, visiting foreign dignitaries, and critical infrastructure, while simultaneously combating financial crimes and identity theft.