1811 Jobs: Beyond the Big Three-Letter Agencies
Look beyond the big-name federal agencies - there are incredible opportunities at smaller investigative shops across government. While most think FBI or DEA when they picture federal agents, each federal agency has its own criminal investigators working complex and rewarding cases. From inspectors general to specialized units, these positions offer unique paths into federal law enforcement that many people overlook.
Landing an 1811 position requires vigilance and preparation. While USAJobs.gov is the primary portal for federal positions, many smaller agencies also post opportunities on their individual websites. Some key strategies:
Create saved searches on USAJobs specifically for "1811" and "Criminal Investigator" positions
Set up email alerts for both USAJobs and agency-specific websites
Monitor individual agency websites daily, especially OIGs
Have your federal resume ready before announcements open
Be prepared to apply immediately - some announcements close after receiving a certain number of applications or within just a few days
Check both competitive and excepted service announcements
Look for "Recent Graduates" and "Pathways" programs that can lead to 1811 positions
Key Agency Career Pages
Professional Resources
Consider Your Interests
The federal government's specialized agencies offer opportunities to combine law enforcement with specific subject matter interests. Example, you have a background in environmental science or wildlife management, becoming an 1811 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lets you investigate wildlife trafficking and endangered species cases. Those with art history or museum studies backgrounds might find their fit at the Smithsonian OIG, investigating art fraud and cultural property crimes.
These niche positions often have lower applicant pools than major agencies, yet they can provide solid careers aligned with personal interests. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) might be good for someone with accounting experience who wants to investigate tax-related crimes. The Department of Energy OIG needs agents who understand nuclear facilities and classified research programs. The National Science Foundation OIG investigates complex grant fraud cases that benefit from agents with science backgrounds. These positions exist within almost every federal department and independent agency. Even the National Archives has criminal investigators who track down stolen historical documents and investigate preservation violations.
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Veteran? Service member?
For more information on how veterans and service members can successfully navigate the federal hiring process and translate their military experience into civilian careers in federal law enforcement, check out my book PIVOT: From Military Service to Public Purpose. The book breaks down the complexities of USAJOBS, veteran's preference, and federal hiring from an insider's perspective, with specific guidance on finding and landing positions at agencies both large and small. Available now on Amazon and BN.com.
