The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regularly plans and executes counterterrorism, counterintelligence and anti-crime operations. However, none of these operations would be successful without the efforts of FBI Investigative Specialists.
An Investigative Specialist performs both fixed and mobile surveillance tasks to aid in these operations. This means that an Investigative Specialist must be comfortable with both in person and electronic surveillance techniques, including using computer technology for investigative purposes. Unlike other FBI careers that you could choose, you do not necessarily have to become a Special Agent before being hired to work as an Investigative Specialist.
Before applying to become a FBI Investigative Specialist, you need to get more information about how investigations are performed and details of this vital FBI career.
Investigative Processes
The FBI requires that anyone it hires to work as an Investigative Specialist possess both a high degree of flexibility and a great amount of patience. There are two reasons for this. First, investigative specialists can be called into the field almost anywhere in the country. Second, FBI investigations can drag on for many months before pertinent information is uncovered.
To successfully work as an Investigative Specialist, you will need to be able to follow an investigation to its conclusion and being certain that no details are missed due to fatigue or a lack of attention.
For every type of surveillance or investigative career that is offered by the FBI, you will need to meet the general qualifications for FBI employment, pass a nine-week training course and complete defensive driving training.
Investigative Specialist Job Duties
If you are hired by the FBI to an Investigative Specialist position, there are a number of investigative jobs that you will be tasked with. These can range from the very simple to the extremely complex, and a better understanding of some of these duties will give you an idea of what an Investigative Specialist career entails.
An Investigative Specialist will need to use a wide variety of equipment to observe their subjects, including computers, phones and cameras. Sometimes you will need to infiltrate a subject’s residence or business and plant recording devices with being detected. Investigative Specialists are also responsible for developing surveillance plans to be used by teams in the fields. You may also need to follow subjects unnoticed, whether in a vehicle or on foot.
A few other common job duties of an Investigative Specialist include collecting and disseminating intelligence, organizing surveillance teams/resources and offering advice to Special Agents planning an operation.
Salary for a Career as an FBI Investigative Specialist
When you are employed by the FBI as an Investigative Specialist, your yearly salary will be based on the government’s pay scale known as the General Schedule (GS). At the beginning of your Investigative Specialist career, you will be graded between GS-7 and GS-9, which depends on your level of education and experience prior to hiring. If you are ever promoted to a supervisor position, you will have the ability to earn between GS-11 and GS-12.
Individuals who possesses strong observational skills and are highly detail oriented may find their ideal career by becoming a FBI Investigative Specialist. Investigative Specialists provide information to FBI Special Agents so that they can complete important operations.