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Federal Polygraph Examiner Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff

Calvert, TX

$28.98 - $58.46/hr

Works with municipal, State, and Federal officers in cooperative law enforcement. Keeps records and ... polygraph examination, psychological examination and physical examination will be required.Must be ...

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Federal Polygraph Examiner information

What is a federal polygraph examiner?

Federal Polygraph Examiners are professionals who administer polygraph (lie detector) tests for federal agencies to assess the truthfulness of individuals during investigations or background checks. They use specialized equipment to measure physiological responses such as heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity while asking structured questions. Their work supports national security, law enforcement, and personnel vetting by helping to determine credibility. Federal Polygraph Examiners must be specially trained and certified, and they often work for agencies like the FBI, CIA, or Department of Defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal polygraph examiner?

To thrive as a Federal Polygraph Examiner, you need a background in criminal justice or psychology, completion of specialized polygraph training, and often prior law enforcement experience. Proficiency with polygraph instrumentation, data analysis software, and knowledge of federal testing protocols is required, as is certification from an accredited polygraph school. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure distinguish successful examiners. These skills ensure accurate examinations, uphold legal standards, and support national security or law enforcement objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by federal polygraph examiners in their daily work?

Federal Polygraph Examiners often encounter challenges such as managing examinee anxiety, interpreting inconclusive results, and adhering to strict procedural standards. They must build rapport with individuals being tested while maintaining objectivity and professionalism. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload, staying up to date on evolving technology, and navigating complex legal and ethical considerations can be demanding. Collaboration with investigators, legal professionals, and other law enforcement personnel is frequent, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Federal Polygraph Examiner vs Criminal Investigator?

AspectFederal Polygraph ExaminerCriminal Investigator
CredentialsPolygraph certification, law enforcement backgroundLaw enforcement training, criminal justice degree
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, controlled settings, polygraph labsField investigations, offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DHSFederal, state, or local law enforcement agencies

Federal Polygraph Examiners primarily conduct lie detector tests within federal agencies, focusing on truth verification. Criminal Investigators gather evidence and solve crimes, often using various investigative techniques. While both roles are within law enforcement, their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Are federal polygraph examiners in demand?

Federal polygraph examiners are in steady demand due to the need for lie detection in criminal investigations, security clearances, and national security. Employment opportunities are often available within government agencies, and the role typically requires specialized training and certification. Job growth is influenced by security needs and law enforcement priorities.

How hard is it to become a federal polygraph examiner?

Becoming a federal polygraph examiner requires completing specialized training, typically including a bachelor's degree, law enforcement or investigative experience, and certification in polygraph testing. Candidates must pass background checks and often undergo a rigorous selection process, making it a competitive and demanding career path.

What job categories do people searching Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Federal Polygraph Examiner jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Federal Polygraph Examiner job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Polygraph Examiner job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Supervisory Aviation Enforcement Agent (Deputy Director)

San Angelo, TX • On-site


US Department of Homeland Security
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 295 rated public sector bodies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$152K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations in the following locations:
  • Aguadilla, PR
  • San Angelo, TX

Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.Qualifications:Experience: You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Planning and directing broad aviation enforcement operations of national or international scope
  • Directing and implementing an agency-wide (or equivalent) aviation enforcement program
  • Serving as an agency-level (or equivalent) technical expert on aviation enforcement issues
  • Planning and conducting broad studies involving an in-depth analysis and evaluation of aviation enforcement issues; developing policies and alternative approaches to resolving complex aviation enforcement problems of national significance
  • Representing the organization as a recognized authority in the aviation enforcement field in conferences, meetings, and presentations involving issues of considerable importance.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
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.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/28/2026.
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.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory Aviation Enforcement Agent (Deputy Director) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed GS-15's are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 5 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS 5 CFR 842.803, 5 CFR 831.903, 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b),5 USC 8412(d) and 5 USC 8336(c). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46 (CSRS pages 12-14, and FERS pages 41-43). If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS). [Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.Employment Type: OTHER

U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo

About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003


What U.S. Department Of Homeland Security employees say

Pay

Benefits

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