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Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service Jobs

Criminal Investigator

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site +1

$106K - $158K/yr

Coast Guard, COAST GUARD INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE -CG-CGIS in WASHINGTON, District of Columbia. Learn more about this agency Duties Help You will serve as a Criminal Investigator and be responsible for ...

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Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do commission coast guard investigative service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for commission coast guard investigative service in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by new Commissioned Officers in the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS)?

Newly commissioned officers in the Coast Guard Investigative Service often face the challenge of adapting to a fast-paced, detail-oriented investigative environment. Balancing sensitive law enforcement duties with Coast Guard protocols requires strong communication and analytical skills. Officers may also need to quickly build trust with both military personnel and civilian agencies while working on complex cases. Continuous professional development and on-the-job training help officers overcome these obstacles and advance within the CGIS.

What is the Commissioned Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS)?

The Commissioned Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the United States Coast Guard. Its primary mission is to conduct criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and protective service operations that support Coast Guard missions. CGIS special agents investigate crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking, and violations of maritime law, both within the Coast Guard and in maritime environments. Commissioned officers leading CGIS operations ensure the integrity, safety, and security of Coast Guard personnel and assets. They also collaborate with other federal, state, and local agencies on joint investigations.

What is the difference between Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service vs Coast Guard Law Enforcement Specialist?

AspectCommission Coast Guard Investigative ServiceCoast Guard Law Enforcement Specialist
Primary RoleInvestigates crimes and misconduct within the Coast GuardEnforces laws, conducts patrols, and performs law enforcement duties
Required CredentialsSpecial agent credentials, background checks, possibly security clearancesLaw enforcement training, certifications, and physical fitness standards
Work EnvironmentInvestigative offices, onboard vessels, and crime scenesOnshore and maritime patrols, law enforcement operations
Employer/Industry UsagePart of Coast Guard's investigative branchPart of Coast Guard's law enforcement division

While both roles serve within the Coast Guard, the Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service focuses on investigations and intelligence, whereas the Coast Guard Law Enforcement Specialist handles patrols and law enforcement duties. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the Coast Guard.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commissioned Officer in the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commissioned Officer in the Coast Guard Investigative Service, you generally need a bachelor's degree, law enforcement or military experience, and completion of relevant Coast Guard training programs. Familiarity with investigative tools, criminal databases, evidence collection systems, and possibly certifications in criminal justice or related fields is typical. Strong analytical thinking, integrity, communication, and leadership skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure effective investigations, uphold legal standards, and maintain the security and reputation of the Coast Guard.
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What cities are hiring for Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs? Cities with the most Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs? The most popular types of Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs are:
What states have the most Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service jobs are:
Infographic showing various Commission Coast Guard Investigative Service job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Criminal Investigator

U.S. Coast Guard

Anchorage, AK โ€ข On-site, Remote

$106K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Summary
This vacancy is for a GS-1811-13, Criminal Investigator located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, COAST GUARD INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE -CG-CGIS in WASHINGTON, District of Columbia.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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You will serve as a Criminal Investigator and be responsible for conducting complex and highly sensitive criminal investigations into matters involving felony violations to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); performing internal affairs investigations into alleged misconduct by CGIS personnel; carrying out investigations into violations of federal laws and statutes under the maritime jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG); and conducting investigations into matters referred by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General to CGIS Headquarters..
Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include:
  • Performing the investigative, intelligence, security, and law enforcement missions of CGIS.
  • Establishing contacts, maintaining effective work relationships, and gaining the confidence and cooperation of others.
  • Responding to requests for investigative assistance from Coast Guard commands and other law enforcement authorities.
  • Managing assigned projects in a wide range of law enforcement and administrative matters.
  • Writing clear and concise investigative reports and other documents in a timely manner, and presenting all indicated and developed information to supervisors, relevant commands, attorneys and courts or reviews and approves such reports.

As a "rigorous/primary" position, this position is covered by the Law Enforcement Retirement System. In accordance with Public Law 100-328 and Departmental Personnel Management Letter 338-2, candidates for law enforcement positions can not have reached their 37th birthday prior to the date of referral on a Certificate of eligible for a federal civilian law enforcement position. In unusual situations, a waiver may be authorized by the USCG Commandant up to age 39. An individual who has passed the maximum entry age limit, but previously served in a covered position, may be eligible for consideration and reinstatement of coverage if he will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered law enforcement service by the time he reaches the mandatory retirement day of 57. See OPM Retirement Handbook for further details. The Maximum Entry Age requirement may be waived for applicants eligible for veterans' preference. (See Maximum Entry-Age Requirements for Veterans' Preference Eligibles.) This position requires a mobility agreement. The selectee will be required to sign a mobility agreement indicating their willingness to accept reassignment to positions in other duty locations as determined by and based on the needs of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The mobility agreement must be signed during pre-appointment and will remain as a condition of employment. The incumbent must carry firearms and maintain proficiency in their care and use. Therefore, the position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9) and selectee will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, USC., Section 1001). This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment physical which certifies that you are physically and medically qualified to perform the full duties of the position. Please see the GS-1811 Medical Requirements. Results of a recent (up to one-year old) physical examination must be provided prior to appointment. Determination as to sufficiency of medical record will be made at time of appointment.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously serviced as a federal employee in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the firefighter/LEO service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered an creditable Federal fire/LEO service by the time the firefighter/LEO reached the age of 57.
Open Continuous: You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. Upon application, you may be provided a testing window to complete additional assessments. This testing window may stipulate a completion deadline before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to complete the additional online assessments within the timeline provided to remain in consideration for this vacancy announcement. Failure to complete the online assessments within the testing window for this announcement will not preclude you from being considered for and completing the online assessments during a testing window on a future announcement.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume:
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Date of Birth (DOB)
  • Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position)
  • Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

Key Requirements: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include e.g. a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs".
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • This is not a Bargaining Unit position.
  • Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license and safe driving record.
  • Selectee subject to successful completion of pre-employment medical exam.
  • Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.
  • Mobility agreement is required.
  • Drug/Alcohol Testing required.
  • A pre-employment polygraph is required.
  • This position requires the ability to carry a firearm and the appropriate criminal investigative training and experience.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements: Individual Occupational Requirements/Medical Requirements
The duties of positions in this series 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 finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.
AND
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Specialized experience must include the following:
  • Developing and maintaining professional liaison with law enforcement, other agencies, customers, and the media.
  • Gathering and development of criminal information and human intelligence (HUMINT) to further law enforcement or analytical actions.
  • Methods of proper law enforcement action.
  • Responsible for staff work assignments, setting priorities, preparing work schedules/instructions to subordinate on both operational and administrative matters.
  • Writing clear and concise investigative reports and other documents in a timely manner, and presents all indicated and developed information to supervisors, relevant commands, attorneys and courts or reviews and approves such reports.

NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.
Qualify Ranking Factor: Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA OR its equivalent will be ranked above those who do not.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirements.
Additional information
E-Verify
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Fair Chance Act
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 ยง 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R ยง 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 Pamela.D.Witherspoon@uscg.mil.
Suitability Statement
If you receive a conditional offer of employment 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 entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Shared Certificates Statement
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Moving expenses may be paid in accordance with appropriate regulations.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact Pamela.D.Witherspoon@uscg.mil. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation
More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 45 days from the date the certificate was issued.
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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.
Benefits
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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.
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; 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.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Con