Become a Criminal Investigator with Homeland Security Investigations

Are you a retired federal law enforcement professional looking to return to duty? Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is actively recruiting for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) through a special reemployed annuitant program. This is your chance to bring your decades of experience back to the field to secure our nation’s borders and protect public safety.

Job Responsibilities

As a Special Agent, you will handle inquiries of significant complexity. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Leading Investigations: Managing multi-jurisdictional and international cases involving trade, finance, and immigration.
• Operational Execution: Implementing intelligence-led strategies to dismantle criminal organizations.
• Evidence Gathering: Utilizing advanced interview and interrogation techniques to collect critical information.
• Team Leadership: Guiding other agents in law enforcement actions and training sessions.
• Documentation: Drafting comprehensive reports based on expert analysis for judicial proceedings.

Comparison: Standard vs. Reemployed Annuitant Roles

Feature	Standard Appointment	Reemployed Annuitant (Waiver)
Salary Offset	Standard Rules Apply	Waived (Dual Compensation)
Retirement Credit	Additional Coverage	Social Security Only
Thrift Savings Plan	Standard Eligibility	Not Eligible
Work Schedule	Full-Time	Full-Time/Overtime Eligible

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

• Status: You must be a retired federal annuitant (CSRS or FERS).
• Background: One year of specialized GS-12 equivalent experience in criminal investigation.
• Training: Completion of the Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) at Glynco, GA.
• Physical Standards: You must be capable of rigorous physical exertion and willing to carry a firearm.
• Security: Successful passage of a Top Secret background investigation.

Salary Overview

These positions offer a competitive salary range of $109,383 to $177,767 per year. The actual compensation depends on your final assigned duty location, as locality pay adjustments apply. Additionally, agents receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which provides an extra 25% of base salary to compensate for irregular, unscheduled overtime.

Benefits

Beyond salary, HSI offers a robust benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid federal holidays and personal leave
• Employee assistance programs and wellness support
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development training

Application Tips

1. Resume Precision: Keep your resume strictly to two pages. If you exceed this, the system will only review the first two pages.
2. Highlight Experience: Focus on the specific investigative duties listed in the announcement rather than generic skills.
3. Documentation: Ensure you have your retirement SF-50 and proof of your previous 1811 status ready to upload.
4. Check for Updates: Keep track of your application status directly through the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens if I decline a duty location? A: If you decline the location offered during the selection process, you will be removed from further consideration for this announcement.

Q: Is there a drug test requirement? A: Yes, as a safety-sensitive position, you will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random testing.

This position offers a rare path for retired agents to re-enter federal service with significant financial and professional incentives. If you are ready to apply your years of investigative expertise to the mission of protecting the homeland, submit your application before the December 31, 2026, deadline.