Criminal Investigator (Entry Level) – Investigations
Help protect the public and uphold the law – from your very first federal role.
As an entry-level Criminal Investigator, you’ll support real investigations that keep communities safe. You’ll learn how federal cases are built from the ground up – gathering facts, handling evidence, and preparing the materials that move an investigation forward. It’s a launch point into a federal law-enforcement and investigative career.
What you’ll do
- Gather, document, and organize facts and case information
- Help collect and preserve physical and digital evidence
- Support surveillance and conduct or assist with interviews
- Maintain accurate case records and prepare investigative materials
- Use approved AI-enabled tools to organize case information, summarize source materials, and surface patterns or leads for review (training provided – no prior AI expertise needed)
What we’re looking for (skills, not years)
- Sharp attention to detail and strong fact-finding instincts
- Clear, accurate writing
- Sound judgment, discretion, and integrity
- Willingness to learn new tools and adapt to a changing environment
The basics
- Pay: $50,460–$121,371/year. This range spans multiple grade levels and duty locations — your offer depends on the grade you’re hired at and where you’re based.
- Location: Onsite. Hiring nationwide, including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Washington DC, and more.
- Benefits: Federal health, retirement (FERS + TSP), and paid leave; structured early-career development; and, through the Pathways Program, a potential path to a permanent federal position.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship required. Selected candidates must be able to pass a background investigation.
Exact duties vary by hiring agency.