CIA

Investigator/Special Agent

Work Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $82,961 - $149,000
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area



The Office of Inspector General, Investigations Staff has openings for qualified individuals to conduct sensitive and high profile inquiries into possible violations of laws, rules, and regulations; mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety within the CIA. Special Agents work independently and as leaders or members of investigative teams. Foreign travel opportunities are available. Position duties are similar to the Special Agent 1811 job series but do not accord the full range of federal law enforcement authorities, or the same pay and retirement benefits as found in the 1811 job series.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree with strong academic record and five (5) years of investigative or equivalent experience focused on complex matters with excellent performance record. The candidate must possess considerable professional knowledge of criminal and administrative investigative techniques and procedures. The ability to assemble and assimilate large quantities of data; discern key issues; and draw appropriate conclusions is essential. The candidate must be able to work independently or as part of an investigation team; work under pressure and with short deadlines; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; use sound judgment and elicit information in difficult and sensitive situations; prioritize multiple projects and tasks; and communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with technical and non-technical personnel. This position also requires considerable negotiation skills, employing tact, discretion, and diplomacy.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required. To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

Additional Requirments / Information

A History of Premier Intelligence

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) with a mission to advise the President on intelligence matters related to national security. Today, as the premier agency responsible for providing global intelligence on the ever-changing political, social, economic, technological and military environment, the CIA accomplishes its mission through research, development, and deployment of high-leverage intelligence-gathering technology. The agency also works closely with other organizations within the Intelligence Community to ensure that government policymakers and warfighters receive the best intelligence possible.

Our Careers Are of Utmost Importance to America

CIA career opportunities are unique and diverse - from Clandestine Service Officers serving on the front line of human intelligence to individuals skilled in science, engineering, technology, analysis, foreign languages and administration. Each one has a paramount goal: to protect the national security of the United States, which means that no matter what position you hold, you can truly make a difference for the nation working in the U.S. or around the world.

Analysts: Monitor and assess foreign political developments, leadership, economic issues, military threats and science and technology.



Clandestine Service: This career presents a unique way of life that challenges the deepest resources of an individual’s intelligence, self-reliance and responsibility.




Language Institute: Native speakers utilize the latest instructional technology in teaching 16 different foreign languages. Employees who attain tested levels of language expertise through full-time training, part-time classes or self-study are eligible for monetary incentives.




Science and Technology: Our mission requires us not only to apply existing science and technology, but to develop and implement breakthrough technologies that may never see the commercial marketplace.




Support Services: A wide variety of highly talented professionals serving at home and abroad enable us to meet our mission with skills in ranging from finance to logistics, linguistics to architecture, law to cartography.

A Workforce as Diverse as the Nation We Serve

Meeting our mission of protecting our national security interests requires a workforce as diverse as America itself - the most diverse nation on earth. Our professionals offer their own individual perspective, nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, age, language, culture, sexual orientation, education, values, beliefs, abilities, and disabilities. These assorted attributes create differing demographic, functional, and intellectual views that are vital to our innovation, agility, collection, and analysis. By combining smart, focused people from a myriad of occupations and cultures, and who have various abilities and experiences, we produce a dynamic workforce with unlimited potential.

Students, learn more about the Student Internship Opportunities at the National Clandestine Service.

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