Diplomatic Security: Foreign Service Special Agent

ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY PLUS ENHANCING GLOBAL DIPLOMACY

As a Diplomatic Security Special Agent (DSSA) in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security with the U.S. Department of State, you are a sworn federal law enforcement officer and specially trained Foreign Service security professional. 

This career is about more than providing protection — it is also a way to contribute to changing the world. Working with U.S. diplomats and foreign nationals in host countries can transform your desire to innovate into a force for global change.

While serving overseas as a Regional Security Officer, a DS Special Agent advises the U.S. Ambassador on all security matters and manages a complex range of security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information. DS Special Agents protect the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. 

In return for your service, you will have access to continued training and career development programs; health and medical coverage; federal retirement benefits; and generous paid leave. When serving overseas, the Department will provide paid housing or an appropriate housing allowance, and paid education for dependent children K through 12.

Become a Diplomatic Security Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State, and multiply your possibilities for the future.

Specialized Experience and Requirements

·        At the time of application, applicants must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

·        Applicants must have at least one year of work experience and/or academic achievements that reflect progressively increasing levels of responsibility.

·        Applicants with 18 credit hours of graduate-level study may substitute that academic achievement for a year of work experience. Applicants who do not have a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate study may substitute the following educational achievements for one year of work experience: 2.75 GPA (or above) for the Bachelor’s degree and two internships totaling at least four months duration.

·        Applicants are required to qualify with firearms during initial training and maintain that proficiency thereafter. Applicants must be willing to use and carry firearms throughout their career. Applicants must not have been convicted of any felony charge or be prohibited from possessing a firearm.

·        SAs must perform duties in the field that are physically and mentally demanding. SAs must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, life and death situations. For this reason, SA applicants must satisfy medical, suitability and physical readiness standards that are more rigorous than those of most other professions. Applicants must be fit for strenuous physical exertion and pass a Bureau of Diplomatic Security administered pre-employment physical readiness test.

Key Requirements

·        Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.*

·        At least 20 years old and not older than 37 years.**

·        Fit for physical exertion and pass a pre-employment physical readiness test.

·        Able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance and TS/SCI access.

·        Able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.

·        Able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.

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U.S. citizenship is required. An equal opportunity employer.