Special Agent Jobs
Special agent jobs are open across federal law enforcement, corporate security, insurance, and financial services, from entry-level to supervisory and senior investigator roles, with specializations in criminal investigation, fraud detection, and counterintelligence. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Special Agent jobs
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Jackson, TN
LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), DAVIDSON COUNTY, MADISON COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Nashville, TN.
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Jackson, TN.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons; nor shall applicant be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm per 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or any other state or federal law.
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
- Must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States provided, that the applicant applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date with TBI.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
- Upon appointment, be willing to and able to obtain a Security Clearance.
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment.
- A candidate must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any violation of any federal or state law or city ordinance considered a felony or a misdemeanor based on integrity (to include, but not limited to: force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, DUI, or controlled substances). This includes a sufficient number of misdemeanors, of any nature, to establish a pattern of disregard for the law. Violations considered "youthful indiscretions" or experimentation (domestic related offenses excluded) may be considered on a case by case basis by the appointing authority.
- Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
- Must participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
- Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs criminal investigations, criminal identification, case preparation, and court testimony duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As investigative knowledge and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently in assigned investigations. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Special Agent Criminal Investigator 2; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Performs law enforcement duties to protect themselves and others (Including, but not limited to, using force, up to and including deadly force; pursuing, subduing, and/or apprehending suspects; participating in physical training activities such as Close Quarters Conflict Control (CQC), firearms qualification and weapons handling; and operating vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations).
- Performs strenuous physical activity to support criminal investigations. (Including but not limited to moving heavy, bulky, or large equipment, supplies and evidence; physical searches of suspects and informants; and placing surveillance equipment on individuals or within objects.)
- Maintains confidentiality and discretion to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and work-related activities.
- Exhibits good judgment in decision making in a high pressure or high-risk environment to determine a proper course of action.
- Gathers information and evidence to support criminal investigations (Including, but not limited to, conducting interviews; observing and analyzing crime scenes; conducting physical and/or electronic surveillance of criminal activity; gathering and/or analyzing digital evidence; and identifying training gaps, etc.).
- Completes reports to document investigative and support activities.
- Obtains and executes types of legal process, such as search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants, and testifies in court to offer evidence in support of criminal prosecutions.
- Collaborates with supervisors, peers, and other law enforcement agencies to provide leadership and/or assist in criminal investigations and investigative support activities.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Instills Trust
- Communicates Effectively
- Decision Quality
- Builds Networks
- Resourcefulness
Knowledges:
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
- Ability to utilize finger dexterity and hand strength to operate the slide of a standard issued firearm
- Ability to alternate from standing to prone to standing position utilizing stamina, strength, and coordination to perform the physical duties of a Special Agent
Tools & Equipment
- Firearms and other weapons
- Computer
- Vehicles
- Evidence collecting equipment Communication devices
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Jackson, TN
LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (T.B.I.), DAVIDSON COUNTY, MADISON COUNTY
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Nashville, TN.
This position is with the TBI Technology and Innovation Division - Digital Forensics Squad - Jackson, TN.
For more information, visit the link below:
www.tbijobs.com
Qualifications
Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons; nor shall applicant be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm per 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or any other state or federal law.
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
- Must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States provided, that the applicant applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date with TBI.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
- Upon appointment, be willing to and able to obtain a Security Clearance.
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check.
- Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
- Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification as well as a polygraph examination to this effect, which will require some travel to the appointment.
- A candidate must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any violation of any federal or state law or city ordinance considered a felony or a misdemeanor based on integrity (to include, but not limited to: force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, DUI, or controlled substances). This includes a sufficient number of misdemeanors, of any nature, to establish a pattern of disregard for the law. Violations considered "youthful indiscretions" or experimentation (domestic related offenses excluded) may be considered on a case by case basis by the appointing authority.
- Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
- Must participate in pre-employment, random and for cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
- Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
- Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
Overview
This classification performs criminal investigations, criminal identification, case preparation, and court testimony duties at the entry/training level under the direct guidance of a supervisor. As investigative knowledge and proficiency increases, an employee in this class is allowed to perform relatively independently in assigned investigations. This series has second, third, and fourth levels that function at a more complex capacity.
An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory probation period and all required qualifications of the TBI Special Agent Criminal Investigator 2; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance during the probation period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
- Performs law enforcement duties to protect themselves and others (Including, but not limited to, using force, up to and including deadly force; pursuing, subduing, and/or apprehending suspects; participating in physical training activities such as Close Quarters Conflict Control (CQC), firearms qualification and weapons handling; and operating vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations).
- Performs strenuous physical activity to support criminal investigations. (Including but not limited to moving heavy, bulky, or large equipment, supplies and evidence; physical searches of suspects and informants; and placing surveillance equipment on individuals or within objects.)
- Maintains confidentiality and discretion to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and work-related activities.
- Exhibits good judgment in decision making in a high pressure or high-risk environment to determine a proper course of action.
- Gathers information and evidence to support criminal investigations (Including, but not limited to, conducting interviews; observing and analyzing crime scenes; conducting physical and/or electronic surveillance of criminal activity; gathering and/or analyzing digital evidence; and identifying training gaps, etc.).
- Completes reports to document investigative and support activities.
- Obtains and executes types of legal process, such as search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants, and testifies in court to offer evidence in support of criminal prosecutions.
- Collaborates with supervisors, peers, and other law enforcement agencies to provide leadership and/or assist in criminal investigations and investigative support activities.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Instills Trust
- Communicates Effectively
- Decision Quality
- Builds Networks
- Resourcefulness
Knowledges:
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
Abilities:
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
- Ability to utilize finger dexterity and hand strength to operate the slide of a standard issued firearm
- Ability to alternate from standing to prone to standing position utilizing stamina, strength, and coordination to perform the physical duties of a Special Agent
Tools & Equipment
- Firearms and other weapons
- Computer
- Vehicles
- Evidence collecting equipment Communication devices
TN Driver Standards
State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:
- A valid driver's license
- For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.
Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.
**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.
See All 7 Special Agent Jobs
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Find Special Agent JobsSpecial Agent Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special agent jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law, accounting, or a related field
- Active or adjudicatable federal security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level
- Prior experience in law enforcement, military service, or investigative work
- Proficiency with case management and evidence tracking systems
- Demonstrated knowledge of surveillance techniques, interview methods, and report writing
- Completion of or eligibility for a certified special agent or criminal investigator training program
Tips for Your Special Agent Job Search
Tailor your resume to clearance requirements
Many special agent postings require or prefer candidates with an active security clearance. List your clearance level, granting agency, and date in a dedicated section near the top so hiring managers can confirm eligibility without digging through your work history.
Quantify investigative outcomes on your resume
Vague descriptions like 'conducted investigations' get overlooked. Replace them with outcomes: cases closed, convictions supported, fraud recovered, or audits completed. Hiring panels for investigative roles weigh documented results heavily when comparing candidates at the same experience level.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special agent openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by jurisdiction and authority
Federal, state, and private special agent roles carry very different arrest authorities, caseloads, and physical fitness standards. Read each posting carefully for jurisdiction scope before applying so you're not wasting time on roles that require statutory arrest powers you don't hold.
Prepare a structured behavioral story bank
Special agent interviews rely heavily on behavioral questions tied to judgment, ethical decision-making, and high-pressure situations. Write out five to seven stories in STAR format covering integrity dilemmas, surveillance decisions, and cross-agency coordination before your first panel interview.
Follow up after the polygraph or background stage
The hiring timeline for special agent positions often stalls at background investigation or polygraph scheduling. A brief, professional email to your recruiter every three to four weeks keeps you visible without appearing impatient and can surface delays you'd otherwise never know about.
Special Agent Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special agents?
State of Illinois, Amtrak, and Tennessee State Government are hiring the most special agents right now, with openings concentrated in Illinois, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest in federal agencies and large financial institutions with dedicated fraud and compliance investigation units.
How many special agent jobs are remote?
About 100% of special agent openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the largely field-based nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are insurance fraud investigation, corporate compliance auditing, and digital forensics where casework can be conducted without a fixed duty station.
How do you become a special agent?
Becoming a special agent typically starts with a qualifying bachelor's degree, followed by passing a background investigation, medical exam, and physical fitness test. Federal candidates then complete a formal training academy. Private-sector and insurance special agents often enter through law enforcement or military backgrounds and pursue role-specific certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner credential.
Can you get hired as a special agent with little or no experience?
Some agencies hire entry-level candidates directly from college if they have a qualifying degree, strong academic performance, and no disqualifying history. Internship programs at federal investigative agencies are a recognized pathway. For private-sector roles, prior work in accounting, compliance, or financial analysis can substitute for direct investigative experience when applying to fraud-focused positions.
What does the special agent interview process look like?
The process typically includes an initial application screening, a written or online assessment, a structured panel interview focused on behavioral and situational judgment questions, a polygraph examination for federal roles, and a thorough background investigation. Medical and physical fitness evaluations are standard for law enforcement-designated positions. The full process from application to conditional offer often takes several months.
Where can I find and apply to special agent jobs?
You can find and apply to special agent jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your background, clearance level, and investigative focus, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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