Special Agent Trainee/I/II

Section:                                  Gun Violence Task Force/Criminal Law Division

Class:                                      Special Agent Trainee/I/II

Location:                                Philadelphia

Telework:                               Limited ad-hoc telework opportunities available with supervisor approval and based on business need.

Position Type:                       Full-time, Non-civil service, Union

Work Hours:                         8:30 – 5:00      

Salary Range:                       Special Agent Trainee – Starting salary of $59,316

                                               Special Agent I – Starting salary of $67,119

                                               Special Agent II – Starting salary of $75,924

Basic Function

The Special Agent classification involves criminal investigative work of a highly confidential nature performed by agents of the Office of Attorney General involving the detection and investigation of violations of the laws and statutes of the Commonwealth as specified in The Commonwealth Attorneys Act, the Public Welfare Code, and other applicable Commonwealth laws, statutes, and regulations.   

Special Agents utilize the entire spectrum of investigative processes and procedures in the conduct of, or in providing assistance with the conduct of, criminal investigations ranging from routine to the most sensitive, complex, and difficult cases.  A Special Agent I conducts investigations of cases of limited scope and complexity under the direction and guidance of an experienced agent and/or supervisor.  A Special Agent II may conduct an investigation independently, as a case agent coordinating the efforts of a team, or as a team member and may provide direction and guidance to a less experienced agent.  Work is received from a supervisor who reviews the work product of the employee through written reports and conferences to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance to established policies and procedures and to evaluate the application and effectiveness of sound judgment.  Firearms are used by Special Agents in the course of their work; therefore, attendance at and completion of a firearms safety qualifications course provided by the Office of Attorney General will be required as soon as practicable after beginning employment with the Office.

• Utilizes Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) databases (eTrace) to research, recover, and share information involving firearms
• Conducts surveillance at gun shows and conducts outreach with federal firearms dealers
• Examines, or assists in the examination of, financial records, accounting ledgers, and legal documents to detect and/or confirm illegal activity
• Collects, evaluates, develops, and prepares evidence for presentation for prosecution or provides assistance with these tasks
• Conducts, or assists with the conduct of, surveillance of individuals or locations
• Interviews, or assists in the interviewing of, witnesses and interrogates subjects to ascertain information, evidence, and confessions
• Makes, or assists in making, arrests and executes searches pursuant to court-ordered warrants
• Participates in raids and undercover assignments
• Prepares, or assists with the preparation of, criminal complaints and search warrants
• Prepares, or assists with the preparation of, written summary reports of investigative activities and detailed reports of investigations setting forth allegations and evidence
• Collects, prepares, and submits evidence for laboratory analysis or provides assistance with this task
• Appears in court before a district justice or a statewide investigating grand jury to present testimony and evidence as a prosecution witness and may serve as the prosecution officer at the district justice level
• Is required to qualify with an approved firearm at predetermined intervals
• Assists with and/or provides information for the preparation of press releases
• May be required to use a firearm in self-defense, the defense of fellow agents or the public, or to prevent the commission of felonious crimes
• Performs other tasks as required

Qualification for Special Agent Trainee:

Applicants that do not have Act 120 certification, or a certification from an equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, but that meet the minimum experience and training for a Special Agent I or Special Agent II as outlined below, will be hired as Special Agent Trainees.  

Agent Trainees must participate in and successfully complete the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program (CITP) and must participate in the Office of Attorney General Agent Field Training Program. 

Upon successful completion of the CITP, Special Agent Trainees will be reclassified to Special Agent I or Special Agent II based on their education and investigative experience.  

Qualifications for Special Agent I and Special Agent II:

In addition to the below qualifications, applicants must have Act 120 certification, certification from an Act 120 equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, or have successfully completed the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program.

Special Agent I:

Special Agent II:

Salary : $48,467 - $63,114