ATF Agent

Job Description

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a specialized federal law agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. ATF special agents are in charge of partnering with different communities, industries and public safety agencies to protect the public through law enforcement and regulation. They help prevent the illegal use and trafficking or storage of firearms, explosives, alcohol and tobacco products. ATF agents protect communities from criminals, criminal organizations, acts of arson, bombings and other terrorism attempts. Special agents investigate criminal violations, prepare criminal investigative case reports and testify for the government in court or before grand juries. They help minimize crime by investigating and interviewing suspects and witnesses, arresting criminals and seizing illegal items or property. According to the official ATF Web site, special agents have to be physically and mentally fit individuals, because they often have to perform risky, difficult tasks. Also, special agents have to be willing to travel or relocate, since they may be reassigned to another ATF office in the U.S. or an ATF overseas assignment.

Educational Requirements

Despite the rigor of an ATF special agent’s job and training, they do not have to hold a college degree. Instead, prospective special agents are required to meet other important qualifications and pass their examinations that test their skills and aptitude. ATF special agents have to be U.S. citizens, be eligible for Federal employment, be between the ages of 21 and 37, as well as take and pass the Treasury Enforcement Agent (TEA) examination and the ATF special agent applicant assessment test. There are several other qualifications that prospective ATF agents must meet that can be found on the ATF’s official Web site. If you are interested in earning a college degree to better prepare yourself for an ATF special agent career, you may want to consider a criminal justice, political science or law-related major. These subjects will reinforce the duties and importance of the ATF and other federal law agencies.

Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for ATF special agents should continue to be favorable during the 2008-2018 decade. ATF agents, who have years of experience and are willing to relocate, are likely to experience good job opportunities within the agency. According to the ATF government Web site, ATF special agents made an average salary of $33,829 at the GL-5 grade level, and $42,948 at the GL-9 grade level in 2010. These base salaries do not include locality pay and the 25 percent Law Enforcement Availability Pay. All ATF duty stations can obtain locality pay, which is an additional percentage added to an agent’s base salary and depends on their locations. Therefore, depending on where your ATF duty station is located, you can earn an additional 14.16 to 35.15 percent increase to your salary. In addition to a varied earning potential, ATF agents also receive excellent federal benefits and savings plans.