Department of Homeland Security jobs in Sacramento, CA

Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,371.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion potential to $117,034.00 (GS-13, step 10). This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay. For more information on the Secret Service click here. Summary Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,371.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion potential to $117,034.00 (GS-13, step 10). This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay. For more information on the Secret Service click here. Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 10/01/2025 to 12/31/2025 Salary $48,371 to - $117,034 per year Salary listed reflects the General Schedule (Base) table and, if applicable, will be adjusted to include the locality pay of the worksite location. Pay scale & grade GL 7 - 11 Locations MANY vacancies in the following locations: Anchorage, AK Birmingham, AL Mobile, AL Montgomery, AL Show morefewer locations (110) Little Rock, AR Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ Fresno, CA Los Angeles, CA Riverside, CA Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Santa Ana, CA Ventura, CA Denver, CO New Haven, CT Washington, DC Wilmington, DE Fort Myers, FL Jacksonville, FL Miami, FL Orlando, FL Tallahassee, FL Tampa, FL West Palm Beach, FL Albany, GA Atlanta, GA Savannah, GA Honolulu, HI Des Moines, IA Boise, ID Chicago, IL Springfield, IL Indianapolis, IN Wichita, KS Lexington, KY Louisville, KY Baton Rouge, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Baltimore, MD Portland, ME Detroit, MI Grand Rapids, MI Saginaw, MI Minneapolis, MN Kansas City, MO Saint Louis, MO Springfield, MO Jackson, MS Billings, MT Charlotte, NC Greensboro, NC Raleigh, NC Wilmington, NC Omaha, NE Manchester, NH Atlantic City, NJ Newark, NJ Trenton, NJ Albuquerque, NM Las Vegas, NV Reno, NV Albany, NY Buffalo, NY Melville, NY New York, NY Queens, NY Rochester, NY Syracuse, NY White Plains, NY Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Columbus, OH Dayton, OH Toledo, OH Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK Portland, OR Harrisburg, PA Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Scranton, PA San Juan, PR Providence, RI Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Greenville, SC Sioux Falls, SD Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Austin, TX Dallas, TX El Paso, TX Houston, TX Lubbock, TX McAllen, TX San Antonio, TX Tyler, TX Waco, TX Salt Lake City, UT Norfolk, VA Richmond, VA Roanoke, VA Burlington, VT Seattle, WA Spokane, WA Madison, WI Milwaukee, WI Charleston, WV Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required 25% or less - Domestic and Foreign travel may be required. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Term - The duration of this time limited Schedule B excepted appointment is 3 years and 120 days. Upon completion, you will either be converted to a career appointment in the competitive service or separated based on the expiration of the appointment. Work schedule Full-time Service Excepted Promotion potential 13 Job family (Series) * 1811 Criminal Investigation Supervisory status No Security clearance Top Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk Trust determination process * Credentialing * Suitability/Fitness * National security Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No Announcement number SAB-26-Q1-CI Control number 847106700 This job is open to Help The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Videos Duties Help Joining the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent offers a unique and rewarding career dedicated to serving the nation through our dual mission of criminal investigations and protection. Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States and protecting its highest leaders, including the President, Vice President, and other designated individuals. Throughout their careers, Special Agents have the opportunity to work on diverse assignments across the country and around the globe, gaining unparalleled experience in both investigative and protective operations. Responsibilities include: * Conducting complex criminal investigations into financial crimes, including counterfeiting, cyber fraud, and other threats to the financial infrastructure of the United States. * Providing physical protection for the President, Vice President, their families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other protectees, ensuring their safety in every environment. * Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations, international summits, and other high-profile events. As a Special Agent, you will be part of an elite team committed to excellence, integrity, and service, with opportunities to serve at multiple duty stations both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and impactful career challenges you to rise to your fullest potential while making a difference for the nation. For more information about the Special Agent position, click here. Requirements Help Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship. * Possess a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant. * Use your official name on your application as it appears on your valid government identification (i.e., REAL ID Driver's License, State ID, Passport). * Applicants must be 21 at the time of application and under 37 at the time of a conditional offer, unless they have prior federal law enforcement service under special retirement provisions. Veterans' preference applicants must receive a conditional offer before age 40. * Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. Disclose any prior drug use, attempted use, and/or experimentation. * Obtain a Top-Secret Clearance and retain it during your career. * This position requires an automatic credit check after initial qualifications are met. * Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside. * Be available for assignment to any of the U.S. Secret Service Field Offices. Preferences are not guaranteed. * Candidates are required to complete intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, followed by specialized training at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD. Failure to pass the training program may result in separation from the Secret Service. * Sign a mobility agreement stating your willingness to accept assignments anywhere within the United States and overseas. * Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959. * Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular, possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye.(Note: Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for special agent applicants. Applicants will be considered eligible for the special agent position provided specific visual tests are passed. The following are waiting periods for visual tests: Lasik-2 months after surgery, PRK-6 months after surgery, ALK and RK-one year after surgery). * Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500,1000 and 2000Hz ranges. Qualifications As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: * your performance and conduct; * the needs and interests of the agency; * whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and * whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You are minimally qualified for the GL-07 Level (starting base salary $48,371) if you possess one of the following: * A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) which is based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership as described below. * Maintained a grade-point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; OR * Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision; OR * Be a member of a national honor (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Please submit a college transcript(s) showing your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. * NOTE: GPAs are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society. * At least one full year of graduate level education (i.e., 18 semester hours); OR * At least 1 year of specialized experience in, or related to, the investigative methods, protective methods, and law enforcement techniques that provide the specific competencies to successfully perform the position's duties. Experience also includes exercising initiative; attention to detail; judgment in collecting, assembling and developing facts, evidence or other pertinent data; the ability to analyze and evaluate data or evidence to arrive at sound conclusions including applying new information; and the ability to partner with or lead others in the accomplishment of mission activities. You are minimally qualified for the GL-09 Level (starting base salary $53,945) if you possess one of the following: * A master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as LL.B. or J.D.) or two full years of progressively higher graduate education, in a related field, leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university; OR * Have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-7 level such as experience applying law enforcement, protective, or investigative techniques in the performance of job duties; identifying problem areas and proposing and implementing solutions; taking responsibility for own actions and those of team members to ensure the goals and deadlines for the team are met; and leading meeting or seminars on behalf of a professional or academic group; setting work priorities and allocating resources; partnering with other individuals from within and outside the organization; OR * A combination of specialized experience, as described above, and related graduate level education, beyond the first full year of graduate level study. You are minimally qualified for the GS-11 Level (Starting base salary $63,163) if you possess one of the following: * Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M.; OR * Have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-9 level such as experience in, or related to planning and conducting complex criminal investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations; collecting and assembling facts to identify logical conclusion; gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence or data; conducting interviews and interrogations; making arrests; conducting searches and seizures; taking responsibility for own actions and those of team members to ensure the goals and deadlines for the team are met; partnering with or leveraging networks or relationships from outside the organization, experience managing complex projects including setting priorities and determining resource requirements; OR * A combination of specialized experience, as described above, and related graduate level education, beyond the first full year of doctoral level study. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualified applicants will only be referred at the highest grade level for which they qualify. Applicants must successfully pass Phase 1 assessments (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer. In addition, applicants must successfully pass Phase II (see below) to receive final consideration for employment. Phase I: * National Crime Information Center (NCIC) * Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE) * Applicant Physical Abilities Test * Interview Phase II: * Credit Check * Security Interview * Polygraph examination * Drug screening * Medical examination * Background investigation (a top-secret security clearance) The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines, please click here to view our Drug Policy. As part of the application process the applicant will be required to complete the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). It is a physical fitness assessment which consists of four components (push-ups, sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run and a 1.5 Mile Run). The APAT is designed to measure the current level of general physical fitness of an applicant, which serves as an indicator of an applicant's ability to safely complete a vigorous physical training program. It evaluates the applicant's ability to perform the physical tasks required on the job by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity and other factors related to physical aptitude. For more information about the APAT, please click here. General Medical Requirements: As determined by OPM the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily. Additional information * Recruitment Incentive: Applicants may be eligible for a $40,000 recruitment incentive in accordance with regulatory requirements. The first installment of $15,000 will be paid following successful completion of Secret Service Criminal Investigator training. A second installment of $10,000 will be paid following one year of service post training and an acceptable performance rating. The final installment of $15,000 will be paid after a third year of service post training and an acceptable performance rating. Provision of these payments require the execution of a three-year Continued Service Agreement (CSA) with the agency. Newly hired employees who resign from the USSS prior to the expiration of the CSA will be required to repay the recruitment incentive. (NOTE: Eligibility is limited to "Newly appointed" Federal employees as defined by 5 CFR 575.102). Applicants selected for this position will be required to sign a CSA before being assigned to an initial training class. The CSA will commit the applicant to a specified period of employment with the Secret Service upon the successful completion of training. Applicants will be required to travel to all phases of the hiring process at their own expense. If a final job offer is extended, relocation expenses will not be authorized for first duty location. The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger). If you are deemed minimally qualified for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entering Phase 1 of the hiring process. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying. There are also specific medical requirements for this position and any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, genitourinary and other systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position may also be disqualifying. Click here for more information. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to Equal ************************. Expand Hide additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies (government vehicle); uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive a conditional job offer. You will automatically be considered for all grade levels to maximize your consideration for this position. The competencies needed to perform this job are: * Investigative methods * Protective methods * Law enforcement techniques * Exercising initiative * Attention to detail * Judgment and Problem Solving * Ability to analyze and evaluate data or evidence * Ability to partner with or lead others Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. Your on-line application will be rated on the extent, quality, and relevance of the following: your experience, education and training, and competencies. All applicants are evaluated on competencies related to law enforcement methods and techniques, protective methods and techniques, investigative methods and techniques, initiative, attention to detail, learning, problem solving, partnering, planning and organizing, and leadership. All answers in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Upon review your resume and transcripts need to support your answer choices. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or on the application questionnaire may result in your removal for consideration. Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies (government vehicle); uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Required documents Required Documents Help In addition to addressing the job opportunity announcement specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation: * Resume - Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show relevant work experience in detail and in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. To learn how to format and submit a two-page resume, please visit the USAJOBS Help Center. * If you have earned a college degree, or if you are qualifying based on education or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience , or are claiming Superior Academic Achievement (overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 recorded on the unofficial college/university transcript) to qualify at the GL-07 level (as explained in the Qualifications section), you must submit a copy of your college/university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) which must show school name, student's name, credit earned, degree, and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. Those with Foreign education, click here. * Are you a Veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or Statement of Service. If a DD-214 is not available, submit your Statement of Service from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. Click here for more veterans' information. * Are you a current or former Federal Employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. Also submit your performance appraisals and/or incentive awards. * The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. * Did you previously take the Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)? Submit a copy of your SAEE results. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.