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Posted: February 9, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Investigative Protection Officer

U.S. Secret Service

Department of Homeland Security

Fresh

Salary

$54,485 - $82,938

per year

Type

Closes

February 16, 2026More DHS jobs →

GS-11 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $62,107 - $80,737

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-10. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This role with the U.S.

Secret Service involves supporting protective and investigative operations to safeguard people and facilities, including tasks like surveillance, evidence gathering, and providing security advice.

It's ideal for someone with a background in law enforcement or security who enjoys hands-on work in high-stakes environments and wants to contribute to national protection efforts.

The position requires a one-year probationary period to ensure a good fit for the agency's mission.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GL-07 level, including at least two of: assisting in investigations with surveillance and monitoring, protective advances for threat identification, or providing technical advice on protection and security operations
  • OR One year of specialized experience at GL-09 level, including at least three of: assisting in interrogations and evidence gathering, using electronic protective systems, preparing reports and presentations, or interpreting laws related to investigations and protection
  • OR Relevant graduate education: Master's degree or two years of graduate study for GL-09 equivalent, or Ph.D./three years for GL-11 equivalent, demonstrating necessary knowledge and skills
  • OR Combination of qualifying education and specialized experience
  • Ability to meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the job announcement closing date
  • Disclosure of recent political appointee status if applicable
  • Successful completion of a one-year probationary period, with evaluation based on performance, conduct, and alignment with agency goals

Full Job Description

Joining the Secret Service, as an Investigative Protection Officer (IPO) allows you to perform assignments that support an integrated protective and investigative mission which plans, directs, coordinates, and implements domestic and international protective and investigative policies, programs, and operations of the Secret Service.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GL-07) performing at least 2 of the 3 duties such as: Assisting in investigative responsibilities to include physical surveillance and monitoring protective activities and active criminal investigations; Assisting in protective advances to identify critical and vulnerable facilities and sites for visible threats; or Providing routine technical advice and guidance regarding protection and law enforcement operations, physical security, crime prevention, force protections and operations security.

OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D.

if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR A combination of education and experience listed above.

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GL-09) performing 3 of the 4 duties such as: Assisting in investigative activities including interrogating suspects, gathering evidence, conducting physical surveillance; Assisting in protective surveillance including the use of electronic, protective systems and devices for physical protection; Assisting in preparing reports, drawing conclusions, and developing and presenting written materials and presentations; or Interpreting and applying laws and regulations related to investigation and protective services.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related.

Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR A combination of education and experience listed above.

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.

Qualification AND Eligibility Requirements Must Be Met: The qualification and eligibility requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

Applicants must successfully complete and pass Phase 1 assessment (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer.

In addition, applicants must successfully complete and pass Phase II assessments (see below) to receive final consideration for employment.

Phase I: National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Phase II: Credit Check Security Interview Polygraph Examination Drug Screening Medical Examination Background Investigation (Top-Secret Clearance) Major Duties:

The selectee will serve as an Investigative Protection Officer conducting a range of law enforcement activities which involve: Conducting investigative functions: surveillance, searching for physical evidence, seizure of contraband, equipment, vehicles, securing and serving warrants, making arrests, developing evidence for presentation, testifying in court, preparing reports and carrying out undercover operations.

Preparing and developing plans for the implementation of protective services, participating in security surveys of locations, coordinating security requirements with internal and external law enforcement.

Performing duties concerning the physical protection of personnel, facilities, and assets.

Monitoring and operating communications and screening equipment, employing various x-ray and screening technologies.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to directly impact the mission of the agency by providing operational support to protective operations and criminal investigations.

This Investigative Protection Officer position starts at a base salary of $54,485.00, GL-9/11, step 1, with promotion potential to $82,938.00 GS-11, step 10.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: TLE-OFO-CT004-26-DHA