1

1811 Series Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking an experienced FINRA exams tutor to work with candidates preparing for licensing exams including SIE, Series 7, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66. This role includes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

1811 Series information

See salary details

$47K

$84.9K

$135.5K

How much do 1811 series jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1811 series in the United States is $84,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an 1811 series job?

The 1811 Series refers to federal criminal investigator positions in the United States, commonly known as Special Agents. These professionals work for agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service, conducting investigations into violations of federal laws. Their duties include gathering evidence, conducting interviews, executing search warrants, and making arrests. 1811 Series positions typically require a background in law enforcement or criminal justice and involve rigorous training and physical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an 1811 Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)?

To thrive as an 1811 Criminal Investigator, you generally need a bachelor's degree, strong investigative and analytical skills, and law enforcement training. Familiarity with investigative software, surveillance technologies, firearms, and completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or equivalent is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to think critically under pressure make candidates stand out. These competencies are vital for effectively conducting investigations, ensuring public safety, and upholding the law in complex and sensitive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in the 1811 series and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the 1811 Series often face high-pressure situations, including tight deadlines, complex investigations, and exposure to sensitive or potentially dangerous environments. Managing stress, maintaining attention to detail, and adapting to rapidly changing circumstances are essential skills for success. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also critical, as most investigations require close collaboration with other agents, law enforcement partners, and legal professionals. Regular training, mentorship, and support resources are available to help agents address these challenges and maintain job performance.

What is the difference between 1811 Series vs 1821 Series?

Aspect1811 Series1821 Series
Primary RoleCriminal InvestigatorsSpecial Agents
CertificationsFederal Law Enforcement CertificationsFederal Law Enforcement Certifications
Work EnvironmentField investigations, crime scenesField and administrative investigations
EmployerFederal agencies like FBI, DEAFederal agencies like FBI, DEA

The 1811 Series typically refers to Criminal Investigators, focusing on criminal cases and field investigations. The 1821 Series, or Special Agents, often involves broader investigative duties, including intelligence and specialized operations. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about 1811 Series jobs

What cities are hiring for 1811 Series jobs?

Cities with the most 1811 Series job openings:

What states have the most 1811 Series jobs?

States with the most job openings for 1811 Series jobs include:

What job categories do people searching 1811 Series jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for 1811 Series jobs are:

Infographic showing various 1811 Series job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,905 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Criminal Investigator - Central Area Field Office (CAFO)

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$83K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 6 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
The USPS OIG is seeking a highly qualified applicant to fill our Criminal Investigator positions within the Office of Investigations, Central Area Field Office (CAFO) located in Chicago, IL.
The successful candidate must have experience in planning, conducting and/or leading complex federal criminal, civil and administrative investigations.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The successful candidate must be highly motivated and exhibit a high degree of character and demonstrate experience planning, conducting and/or leading complex federal criminal, civil and administrative investigations.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, conducts and/or coordinates criminal, civil and administrative investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of Federal laws committed by or against Postal Service personnel or Postal Service contractors.
  • Obtains and evaluates information to support all criminal and civil investigations.
  • Applies for and serves warrants for arrests, searches and seizures as appropriate and provided by law.
  • Prepares requests and/or reviews/approves requests for subpoenas, consensual monitoring, and other requests requiring higher authority.
  • Assists Government attorneys in the preparation of grand jury presentations and court cases; serves as a witness in grand juries, criminal and civil courts and administrative forums.
  • Maintains liaison with other offices, agencies, and appropriate organizations as needed.
  • Conducts investigations using various techniques such as surveillance, interviewing and interrogating, examining files and records, obtaining physical and documentary evidence and undercover assignments.
  • Collects, evaluates and preserves physical and documentary evidence. Utilizing cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment to gather evidence.

The duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The preceding description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.
Compensation: The USPS OIG is an Excepted Service agency and uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale.
This position is being advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-11 to GS-13. The salary range for this position is $83,482.00 - $154,682.00. The salary figures include locality pay. For locality table specifics, visit: OPM's General Schedule (GS).
The posted salary range does not include the authorized Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) under the 1811 Series.
The job also provides coverage as a primary position under law enforcement retirement.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (Tier-5) clearance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card.
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening. Note: A physical is required for 1811 Criminal Investigator positions.
  • Required to successfully complete a twelve (12) month probationary period.
  • Selectee subject to random drug screenings.
  • Must be a Federal Law Enforcement Officer classified as an 1811 series Criminal Investigator.

Qualifications
You must currently be an 1811 criminal investigator or military equivalent and have at least one or more years of experience as a criminal investigator at a GS-11 or above equivalent grade level in the 1811 occupation series. NON-QUALIFYING experience includes security details, intelligence analysis, corrections or guard duty, physical security, and military/security police officer.
Position Minimum Qualification Requirements
You must meet all the minimum qualifications listed below.
Eligibility & Experience Requirements
  • Current serve as a federal law enforcement officer classified as an 1811 series Criminal Investigator or Military equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Completed Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or its equivalent.
  • At least one (1) or more years of experience equivalent at the GS-11 level or higher grade.
  • Demonstrated experience assisting, planning, conducting and/or leading complex criminal investigations.
  • Received at least a "met expectation" rating on your two most recent performance appraisals (FY 2024 and FY 2025).

In accordance with applicable laws, the applicant selected for this position must:
  • Maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles
  • Must be at least 21 years of age and not have reached 37th birthday at the time of initial appointment to law enforcement position
  • Qualify and maintain authorization to carry firearms, including no current or previous domestic violence convictions
  • Maintain physical, mental and emotional standards and requirements necessary to perform law enforcement assignments
  • Work unscheduled irregular hours with the possibility of personal risk
  • Must be willing to relocate at the direction of management

Desirable Qualifications
  • Knowledge of Postal Service structure, processes, operations, etc.

Evaluation Factors | How You Will Be Evaluated:
You must have the experience, knowledge, and skills as listed in each of the evaluation factors listed below. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements and factors in your resume. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0), an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration.
  • Demonstrated experience assisting, planning, conducting and/or leading complex criminal investigations.
  • Demonstrative ability to define problems, analyze alternatives and recommend solutions to difficult criminal investigative problems or issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing facts and circumstances of investigations to individuals and groups.

Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here: www.ed.gov.
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
About the OIG | What We Do
America's Postal Service is one of the government's most trusted entities. The US Postal Service Office of Inspector General, an independent agency within the Postal Service, employs over 800 auditors, criminal investigators, and professional support personnel stationed in over ninety locations. The OIG plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of America's Postal Service, its revenue and assets, and its employees.
Our mission is to investigate internal crimes and frauds against the Postal Service. These efforts contribute to safeguarding the Postal Service's revenue and assets and help deter postal crimes, ultimately helping maintain a stable and sound Postal Service. Special agents conduct investigations in mail fraud, financial fraud, contract fraud, healthcare fraud, and official misconduct.
To learn more, visit: Office of Investigations | About Us
Executive Order 14074 directed the Attorney General to establish the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) as a centralized repository of official records documenting certain instances of law enforcement officer misconduct. The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General utilizes the information in the NLEAD, in accordance with applicable laws, for the hiring, job assignment, and promotion of federal law enforcement officers.
Reasonable Accommodations
  • Reasonable accommodation available for applicants with disabilities
  • Submit requests to jobs@uspsoig.gov; decisions made case-by-case

Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) status: Exempt. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; exempt employees are not
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 windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Position Level & Compensation
  • USPS OIG is an Excepted Service agency and uses a Pay Banding system equivalent to the Federal GS scale.
  • This position is at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-11 to GS-13.
  • Salary range for this position is $83,482.00 - $154,682.00, including locality pay for all announced locations. For locality table specifics, visit: OPM's General Schedule (GS).
  • The posted range does not include the authorized Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) under the 1811 Series.
  • The job provides coverage as a primary position under law enforcement retirement.

Comprehensive Benefits
  • USPS and OIG employees transitioned from Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 01, 2025.
  • Learn more about the PSHB Program by visitinghttps://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/pshb/.
  • Health, dental, vision, life, long-term care insurance, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are available.
  • Three-tiered retirement benefits plan under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Basic Benefit Plan, and Social Security.
  • Visit the USPS OIG benefits page to learn more: https://www.uspsoig.gov/work-for-us/compensation-benefits

Work Life & Flexibilities
  • Flexible work schedules available
  • Employee assistance programs offered
  • 11 paid holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13-26 days annual leave based on service years.

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.