Diplomatic Security Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) (FP-2501)

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Joining the Foreign Service is more than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. This is a 2501 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 1811 Civil Service series.

Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and represent the United States of America. Special Agents assigned domestically are eligible for situational telework. The salary range listed is from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by education level or commensurate experience achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee, up to FP-6, step 14. Newly hired agents will begin earning an additional 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) once they have started the Basic Special Agent Course, which commences after the Department's orientation course. For information on Foreign Service salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/.

The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of announcement. It is the candidate's responsibility to complete and submit the application and all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions. Submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) as indicated in step 1 below. Do not apply through USAJobs. 1. Visit https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/dssat.html. 2. Create a web account. Follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application. Applications are automatically saved. Candidates may pause the application process and return as many times as needed until the application is submitted. 3. Answer all self-assessment questions. Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years. Complete, review, and submit the application. Submitted applications cannot be edited. Application packages must be complete before candidates can register for the DSSAT test. The submitted application will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this. Candidates have six months to register for and take the DSSAT after submitting their eligibility verification. Candidates must restart the application process if they have not taken the DSSAT within six months of submitting their eligibility verification. 4. Select an appointment to take the DSSAT at one of Pearson Vue's test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position. Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application process must contact Pearson Vue's Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-201-366-9530 (toll), or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Department of State does not have access to the Pearson Vue system. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time; closed on local holidays. For more information on the Diplomatic Security Special Agent hiring process, please visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/foreign-service-specialist/diplomatic-security-special-agent/.