One of the most exciting jobs at the FBI is the agent position. With a constantly evolving work environment and access to some of the most sensitive case details available, this position is perfect for applicants who excel under pressure. This article covers the FBI agent job description. We have included details about FBI agent salaries, job duties and work hours.
FBI Agent Job Description & Duties: What Does an FBI Agent Do?
The FBI agent job role is reserved for only the most highly qualified job applicants. You will need to possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and prior law enforcement experience often helps. With this position, you will regularly investigate a wide range of crimes on the federal level. In addition, this position comes with some nice benefits and an impressive starting salary.
FBI Agent Job Duties
The primary job function of FBI agents is the investigation of a wide variety of crimes. You will assist with investigations, conduct interviews, and help build cases. Most FBI agents are assigned a specific area of relevant law as well as a certain geographic territory to monitor. The primary job functions of an FBI agent include:
- Assisting with questioning suspects and taking witness statements
- Working with local law enforcement to ensure that all case details are transferred
- Filing subpoenas and other relevant legal documents
- Ensuring that bystanders remain safe at all times
- Other security duties as assigned by your department lead
FBI Agent Working Hours
The FBI agent position is full-time only and works an average of 40 hours each week. An important factor to consider is that this position regularly works extra hours each week. This is particularly true when an FBI agent is handling a very difficult case that requires more department resources. In instances like this, FBI agents may work as many as 50 hours in a work week.
In addition, the shift times can vary considerably for this position. In many cases, overnight shifts will be required. Applicants should be prepared for this and have quite a bit of scheduling flexibility to be considered for this position.
FBI Agent Work Environment
It’s important to note that the FBI agent work environment can prove to be quite challenging. For starters, this position can be quite dangerous and all applicants will undergo gun training and be required to carry a firearm. In addition, this position is very physical and FBI agents should be comfortable pursuing suspects on foot.
Another important factor to consider is the high-security level of this position. In most instances, FBI agents are not allowed to discuss case information and other important details with friends or family. You should make sure that you are prepared for this type of confidentiality arrangement before applying for this position.
FBI Agent Salary
As mentioned earlier, the FBI agent position is full-time only. This position is salaried and most agents start around $64,000 a year. However, prior experience in a law enforcement setting can significantly increase the starting pay for this position. In addition, experience working a specific area of criminal law can also impact your starting salary.
This position comes with a wide range of benefits as well. Government employees receive access to a nice retirement package, health insurance, as well as paid vacation time. In addition, many departments also offer allowances for uniforms and other job-related expenses.
Conclusion
With a dynamic work environment and some strict job requirements, the FBI agent position is reserved for job applicants of the highest caliber. However, this position does come with some really nice benefits like a hefty starting salary and an excellent retirement plan. To find out more about the eligibility requirements for this job, check out the FBI jobs website.
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