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Atf Gov Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Surveillance Specialist ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice ... See www.sss.gov * May be required to serve a one year probationary period. The time-in-grade ...

Technical Surveillance Specialist ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice ... See www.sss.gov * May be required to serve a one year probationary period. The time-in-grade ...

Technical Surveillance Specialist ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice ... See www.sss.gov * May be required to serve a one year probationary period. The time-in-grade ...

Atf Gov information

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$9

$15

$22

How much do atf gov jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for atf gov in the United States is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I join ATF without a degree?

To join the ATF as an agent or officer, a bachelor's degree is typically required, along with relevant work experience or specialized skills. However, some support or administrative roles may have different educational requirements, and candidates must also meet other qualifications such as background checks and physical fitness standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ATF Special Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ATF Special Agent, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, law enforcement training, and a solid understanding of criminal investigation and firearms regulations. Familiarity with investigative databases, forensic analysis tools, and firearms tracking systems is typically required, along with completion of the ATF Special Agent Basic Training. Strong analytical thinking, integrity, attention to detail, and effective communication help agents excel in complex, high-stakes environments. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure public safety, enforce federal laws, and successfully investigate firearms, explosives, and arson-related crimes.

What are some common challenges faced by ATF agents and how can new hires prepare for them?

ATF agents often encounter challenging situations such as conducting complex investigations, working undercover, and collaborating with multiple law enforcement agencies. New hires should be prepared for a fast-paced environment where adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are crucial. It’s important to be physically and mentally prepared, as the role can involve irregular hours and high-stress scenarios. Building a solid understanding of federal laws and agency protocols, as well as networking with experienced colleagues, can help new agents succeed.

What does ATF do?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. ATF is responsible for investigating and preventing federal offenses involving the illegal possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of firearms and explosives, as well as the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. The agency also regulates the firearms and explosives industries and works to reduce violent crime through enforcement of federal laws. ATF agents often collaborate with local, state, and other federal agencies to uphold public safety.

What is the highest ATF agent salary?

The highest ATF agent salary typically falls within the Senior Special Agent pay scale, which can reach up to approximately $130,000 to $150,000 annually with experience, seniority, and additional qualifications. Factors such as location, specialized skills, and overtime can also influence total compensation.

What is the difference between Atf Gov vs Firearms Examiner?

AspectAtf GovFirearms Examiner
CertificationsFederal law enforcement credentials, ATF-specific trainingForensic firearm analysis certification, law enforcement background
Work EnvironmentGovernment agency, federal facilitiesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal governmentLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

Atf Gov refers to federal employees working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, often in enforcement or administrative roles. Firearms Examiners are specialists within forensic labs or law enforcement agencies who analyze firearm evidence. While both roles involve firearms, Atf Gov encompasses a broader range of federal duties, whereas Firearms Examiners focus specifically on forensic analysis.

Is it hard to get hired by ATF?

Getting hired by the ATF can be competitive due to strict qualification requirements, including background checks, drug testing, and relevant experience or education. Candidates often need to pass written exams, physical assessments, and security clearances, making the hiring process thorough and challenging.

Is ATF a government job?

ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) jobs are federal government positions. They involve law enforcement, regulatory enforcement, and investigations, often requiring security clearances and specialized training. These roles are part of the U.S. Department of Justice and follow federal employment standards.
More about Atf Gov jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Atf Gov jobs? The most popular types of Atf Gov jobs are:
Infographic showing various Atf Gov job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,110 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$84K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology. Visit www.atf.gov.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) that will be used to fill multiple Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) vacancies at the Washington Field Office. Eligible candidates will be referred as long as there are vacancies.
Relocation Incentive: May be paid to eligible current federal employees only and subject to successful completion of required Special Agent Basic Training at FLETC-Glynco, GA.
  • Total Amount: $25,000 (May not exceed 25% of total salary, including locality pay.)
  • Annual Amount: $12,500 over two years (Subject to federal taxes and any applicable state/local taxes.)

This position is located under the Office of Field Operations located in Washington, District of Columbia.
ATF is looking for experienced Criminal Investigators. The primary purpose of this position is to be responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of substantive and conspiracy type violations of laws administered and enforced by ATF.
As a Special Agent, your typical work assignments may include:
  • Performs the full range of expert level criminal investigative i.e. conducting complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
  • Recognizes patterns of illegal operations in order to anticipate and/or influence events as they transpire while maintain awareness of the implications of precedential court decisions in one or more judicial and law enforcement jurisdiction.
  • Establishes and develops leads from known criminal activities and initiates investigations that are wide in scope and complexity and involve criminal conduct that is interwoven with legitimate business pursuits.
  • Utilizes elaborate planning and coordination to resolve and overcome complex jurisdictional problems involving other Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
  • Serves as the key person or coordinator when performing duties such as surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate or dangerous elements.

These duties are reflective of the promotion potential of this position. The specific duties of the position will be similar yet developmental, based on the grade at which selected.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
The time-in-grade requirement must be met at the time of application. The qualification requirements listed below must be met at the time of application.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process.
Key Requirements:
  1. Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  2. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
  3. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
  4. May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
  5. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
  6. Must display and maintain required proficiency with firearms.
  7. Take and pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
  8. Must take and successfully complete a polygraph examination.
  9. Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license.
  10. May have to attend and successfully pass the below training:
    • Occupational Questionnaire
    • ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment
    • Physical Task Test
    • ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
    • Structured Interview
    • Law Enforcement Training: You must have successfully completed and passed Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigator training program (CITP), OR an equivalent and recognized federal law enforcement training program- must upload certification.

Qualifications
GS-11 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GL-9 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
  • Conducting the full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem solving techniques; AND
  • Obtaining investigative leads and factual data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.

OR
You have one of the following:
  • A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; or
  • 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or
  • LL.M., if related.

OR
You have the specialized experience as described above but less than one year; and have some graduate education as described above, but less than the required one-year. The percentage of the requirements MUST total least 100%.
GS-12 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
  • Conducting the full range of criminal investigations of greater than average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques; AND
  • Serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests; AND
  • Reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.

GS-13 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
  • Applying a wide range of criminal investigative, enforcement, laws, regulations, guidelines, and precedent decisions; AND
  • Identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred; AND
  • Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Please note: Applicants applying under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Authority may only be placed at the GS-11 grade level.
Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.
Education
This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Ethical Obligations
You may be required to attend Special Agent Basic Training.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov
EEO Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, you must contact the ATF EEO office within 45 calendar days of when the alleged harm occurred at 202-648-8760 or eeointakemailbox@atf.gov. Please see DOJ Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you receive the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
"Federal Regulations state no ATF employee, his/her spouse, or his/her minor child shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest, including compensated employment, stock, or proprietary interest in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries. You should be aware that you may be asked to relinquish any ownership of or interests in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries before a determination can be made whether access to ATF information, information technology systems, and/or facilities can be authorized."
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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.
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