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Federal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Financial Investigator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Financial Investigator ***Must have or be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance*** A Financial ... CSS is part of Cherokee Federal - a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies. For more ...

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Federal Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do federal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal investigator 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 is the difference between Federal Investigator vs Customs Agent?

AspectFederal InvestigatorCustoms Agent
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, background checks, and sometimes specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; training provided by Customs and Border Protection
Work EnvironmentInvestigations in various settings, including offices, field sites, and courtsBorder crossings, ports, airports, and inspection stations
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DEA, or ATFU.S. Customs and Border Protection
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for investigative roles in federal law enforcementCompared for border security and customs enforcement roles

Federal Investigators and Customs Agents both work in federal law enforcement but focus on different areas. Federal Investigators conduct criminal investigations across various agencies, while Customs Agents focus on border security and customs enforcement. Both roles require federal employment, but their work environments, responsibilities, and training differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, investigative experience, and a relevant degree (often in criminal justice or a related field), along with eligibility for federal clearance. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and evidence-gathering technology is essential, and some roles require specialized certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or background in law enforcement. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and ethical judgment help investigators excel when interviewing witnesses and preparing reports. These skills ensure thorough, lawful investigations that support national security and uphold justice.

What is a typical day like for a Federal Investigator, and how do they collaborate with other agencies?

A typical day for a Federal Investigator often involves gathering and analyzing evidence, conducting interviews, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes testifying in court. Collaboration with other agencies—such as local law enforcement, state agencies, or other federal departments—is common, especially on complex or multi-jurisdictional cases. Investigators may participate in task forces or joint operations, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. Work can be both office-based and field-oriented, depending on the stage and nature of the investigation.

What does a Federal Investigator do?

A Federal Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations on behalf of federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or Department of Homeland Security. Their duties include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing records, and preparing detailed reports related to criminal, civil, or administrative cases. They may be involved in investigating fraud, public corruption, security clearances, or other violations of federal law. Federal Investigators often work closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other government personnel to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of their investigations.
More about Federal Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Federal Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Federal Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis) (NY HELPS) - VID 219676

Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis) (NY HELPS) - VID 219676

New York State

Manhattan, NY

$53K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Under the general direction of the Investigative Specialist 2 (Cannabis), the incumbents of these positions will be responsible for investigating possible violations of the cannabis laws, rules, and regulations. They will conduct investigations into cannabis license businesses and any illicit activity involving cannabis. Duties include, but are not limited to: Perform a wide variety of enforcement, regulatory, and licensing investigative activities to gather information and report facts.

Review assigned cases or complaints from the public to determine the section of law, rule, or regulation that applies and identify the issues and types of information needed. Plan the scope and method of investigation based on the Office of Cannabis Management policy, the accessibility of information, and the seriousness of the issue. Meet with and interview witnesses, complainants, proprietors, prospective licensees, and others to obtain information relating to the investigation for enforcement, compliance, or eligibility purposes.

May arrest, confine, and transport subjects of investigation and process them per established procedures. Take statements and affidavits from individuals in an appropriate format, taking care to include a full description of the facts needed to support the investigation. Identify and search public and private documents to locate persons of interest and may question others and follow leads to find such persons.

Develop leads and informants, conduct surveillance, and engage in undercover work. Use camera, recording devices, or other equipment as necessary. Obtain inventories and safeguard evidence according to OCM procedures and legal requirements.

Confer with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other entities to convey and obtain information relevant to an investigation, provide technical assistance and training, and develop and maintain rapport to ensure cooperation in the conduct of investigations. Participate in joint operations with various levels of law enforcement targeting patterns of non-compliance or violations of laws and regulations. Prepare factual written reports of information gathered during an investigation and may recommend an appropriate course of action consistent with findings and agency policy and practices.

Discuss investigative findings and recommendations with supervisor and program specialists. May perform full range of supervisory functions. Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS)* and applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this position: This title includes a traineeship opportunity and applicants will be appointed to the appropriate level** based on their experience and education.

Required experience: experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings. Types of Investigative experience that could be considered qualifying: Experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, or investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications. Non-Qualifying Investigative Experience includes but may not be limited to: Experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement.

**Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis) level requirements: Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Cannabis) (equated to SG-14): four years of qualifying experience OR an associate degree and two years of qualifying experience OR a bachelor's degree Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Cannabis) (equated to SG-16): five years of qualifying experience OR an associate degree and three years of qualifying experience OR a bachelor's degree and one year of qualifying experience. Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), SG-18: six years of qualifying experience OR qualifying associate and four years of qualifying experience OR qualifying bachelor and two years of qualifying experience. SG-18 Qualifying degree: Applicants with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security will be credited with four years of the required experience.

Applicants with an associate degree in a field listed above will be credited with two years of the required experience. OR Applicants may also be appointed to this position if currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title OR are a current New York State employee with one year or more of qualifying permanent service in a position allocated to a Grade 12 or above and eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Preferred Qualifications: Possession of a valid New York City or local county firearm permit

Current Peace Officer status. NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.

Additional Comments Additional Requirements: Candidates will be required to meet the requirements for Peace Officer status* and meet physical/medical standards for these positions. ***Peace Officer Status: Investigative Specialists (Cannabis) are peace officers and must be qualified to hold such office in accordance with state law. As such, they are required to attend NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services sanctioned peace officer training.

Employment is dependent on continuous certification as a peace officer. Appointees to the New York City field office are required to obtain and maintain a New York City firearm permit. Appointees to field offices outside of New York City are required to obtain and maintain a local county firearm permit.

All appointees must obtain the required permit within twelve months of hire, and successfully complete an assigned firearms training, annual re-qualification and display continued proficiency. Denial, suspension or loss of the required firearm permit or failure to re-qualify or display continued proficiency may result in removal from employment in this position. Travel may be required (approximately 40%), including during evening and weekends, depending on mission and assignment.

Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required, or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job. NOTES: *There is no examination required for appointment to a NY HELPS position. Candidates hired via NY HELPS will be appointed on a permanent non-competitive basis and will begin a probationary period.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected that NY HELPS employees will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to take an exam. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants for all communities to apply. For a full version of OCM's EEO/AA statement and benefits of joining OCM, please visit: About | Office of Cannabis Management (ny.gov)

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Downstate: Location Pay of $4,000. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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