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Special Agent - Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR)

U.S. Secret Service
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 8/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/30/2026
Joining the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent offers a unique and rewarding career dedicated to serving the nation through our dual mission of criminal investigations and protection. Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States and protecting its highest leaders, including the President, Vice President, and other designated individuals. Throughout their careers, Special Agents have the opportunity to work on diverse assignments across the country and around the globe, gaining unparalleled experience in both investigative and protective operations.

Responsibilities Include

  • Conducting complex criminal investigations into financial crimes, including counterfeiting, cyber fraud, and other threats to the financial infrastructure of the United States.
  • Providing physical protection for the President, Vice President, their families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other protectees, ensuring their safety in every environment.
  • Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations, international summits, and other high-profile events.

As a Special Agent, you will be part of an elite team committed to excellence, integrity, and service, with opportunities to serve at multiple duty stations both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and impactful career challenges you to rise to your fullest potential while making a difference for the nation.

For more information about the Special Agent position, click here.

BE A PART OF THE STAR PROGRAM

The United States Secret Service is actively recruiting recent college graduates to participate in the Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment, or STAR, program.

Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Possess a current valid driver's license. Must be REAL ID compliant.
  • Use your official name on your application as it appears on your valid government identification (i.e., REAL ID Driver's License, State ID, Passport).
  • Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and under 40 at referral. Exceptions may apply for those with current or prior service in federal law enforcement positions covered by special retirement provisions. The Secret Service has determined that age is essential to the performance of this position.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. Disclose any prior drug use, attempted use, and/or experimentation.
  • Obtain a Top-Secret Clearance and retain it during your career.
  • This position requires an automatic credit check after initial qualifications are met.
  • Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is mandatory. You will be ineligible to occupy this position if at any time you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless you received a pardon, or your conviction was expunged or set aside.
  • Be available for assignment to any of the U.S. Secret Service Field Offices. Preferences are not guaranteed.
  • Complete 13 weeks of intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA and 20 - 22 weeks of specialized training at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD. Failure to pass the training program may result in separation from the Secret Service. Click here to review standard.
  • Sign a mobility agreement stating your willingness to accept assignments anywhere within the United States and overseas.
  • Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959.
  • Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular, possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye.(Note: Lasik, ALK, RK, and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for special agent applicants. Applicants will be considered eligible for the special agent position provided specific visual tests are passed. The following are waiting periods for visual tests: Lasik-2 months after surgery, PRK-6 months after surgery, ALK and RK-one year after surgery).
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500,1000 and 2000Hz ranges.

Salary : $48,854 - $118,204

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