How to Become an FBI Agent in Alaska

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation holds 56 field offices throughout the country. It is regarded as the main investigative agency of the Justice Department and functions to protect the U.S. from terrorism and to enforce federal laws. In Alaska, the FBI’s field office is located in Anchorage while two other resident agencies can be found in Fairbanks and Juneau.

A career in the FBI is not something that should be taken lightly. The application process is detailed and extensive, and applicants must possess the most optimal traits, education and background in order to be considered. If you are interested in joining this demanding yet revered field, take a look at what is required.

FBI Agent Requirements in Alaska

Basic Requirements

• You must possess a valid US driver’s license.
• Unless granted a waiver, you must be at least 23 years old and under 37 years old.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year school is required.
• You must have three years of related work experience.
• Applicants should be U.S. citizens.

Additional Requirements

Becoming an FBI agent takes dedication. The most qualified candidates will prove that they are mentally and physically fit to work for the FBI. Along with the basic requirements outlined above, applicants must pass an in-depth background investigation and adhere to the FBI’s strict drug-free policy.

Along with acquiring security clearance and passing written tests, a polygraph and drug tests, FBI agent candidates must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT consists of four events and you are given three opportunities to pass. There are also vision and hearing requirements in order to be eligible for the position.

Different Positions with the FBI in Alaska

The FBI’s ultimate goal is to protect the citizens of the United States. There are several different specialized positions in the bureau that work in conjunction to continuously reach that goal. Once you become a Special Agent, you may join mission-centric units such as the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), SWAT, Evidence Response Team (ERT) or Operational Medic Program, to name a few.

The FBI also holds positions such as Paralegal Specialists, Deputy General Counsels, Visual Information Specialists and more.

Alaska FBI Agent Education

The FBI accepts candidates from a variety of backgrounds. As a result, you aren’t required to have a certain degree in order to apply. There are general criminal justice degrees, however, that may be of interest, including computer forensics, counter-terrorism, cyber security and emergency management.

Major Cities in Alaska

• Anchorage is the most populated city in the state with 3000,950 people.
• The second largest city in Alaska, population-wise, is Juneau with 32,660 people.
• Fairbanks has the third largest population with 32,324 residents.

Specific Duties of FBI Agents in Alaska

Every day is different as an FBI agent in Alaska. Depending on ongoing investigations, you may be required to work undercover, complete research, fill out reports or plan operations with intelligence analysts. A career as a Special Agent will bring new challenges and experiences every day.

Interesting Facts

• From 1950 to 1951, the FBI was responsible for the Stay Behind Agent Program in Alaska, which was a program set to train and prepare personnel should the USSR invade the area.
• In 2014, the FBI focused heavily on hiring Special Agents with backgrounds in cyber security, information technology, etc.

Alaska FBI Agent Salary

Salaries for FBI agents are not provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Agents are paid on the federal government’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which can range from GS-10 to GS-13. This means pay can be between $59,023 and $120,159 in the state of Alaska.

FBI Training Programs and Schools in Alaska