The FBI plans to add agents with technological expertise to every investigative area and is looking for experienced cyber professionals to join the ranks as special agents.
The bureau is asking seasoned, certified experts in the fields of hacking, network intrusion, data breaches and botnets to lend their skills to investigating the most advanced criminal threats. In exchange, the FBI promises rewarding work and continuous, cutting-edge training as technology evolves.
Job Posting: Applications due Jan. 20
"Cyber permeates every aspect of what we do, whether it's counterterrorism, criminal investigations or traditional cyber attacks, as we've seen in the recent past," said Robert Anderson, executive assistant director of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. "Cyber agents will be integrated into all the different violations that we work. So whether it's a counterterrorism or counterintelligence investigation, they could be the lead agent in the case."
Applicants must pass a rigorous background check and fitness test, be between 23-37 years old and should have experience in computer programming and security, database administration, malware analysis, digital forensics and ethical hacking, according to the job posting.
Backgrounds Chart: Preferred Degrees and Work Experience
New hires will receive starting salaries from $59,000-$76,500 while at the training academy. Actual salaries will be determined after graduation based on post and position.
Along with the pay check, Anderson noted FBI special agents work on some of the most difficult and unique challenges out there and promised "no other organization will apply the expertise of successful candidates like the FBI."
"The biggest thing you can offer to anyone that comes to work at the FBI is the mission and the scale of investigations," he said. "It doesn't matter where you go, it doesn't matter who you work for, you can't get that anywhere else but the FBI."
Aaron Boyd is an awarding-winning journalist currently serving as editor of Federal Times — a Washington, D.C. institution covering federal workforce and contracting for more than 50 years — and Fifth Domain — a news and information hub focused on cybersecurity and cyberwar from a civilian, military and international perspective.
