How to break into the field?

INVESTIGATORS
1

I am a late bloomer, though I’ve wanted to do something in this area since childhood. I have the mind for analysis and investigation (and maybe more importantly, the interest and passion), just not the experience.

I am 48 years old; too old to be an agent. I hold a BS in sociology and am two classes away from completing a master’s degree in Criminology. I am a GS-11 from a job with the Census in 2020, although I have no security clearance above public trust.

I have experience in investigative research, using applied sociology to assess social risks, leading public health and community programs, and building partnerships with government and local stakeholders. I was co-founder and executive director of a nonprofit, where I oversaw strategic planning, managed budgets, coordinated projects with multiple partners, and navigated the messy realities of funding and compliance. Along the way, I’ve also developed strong open-source intelligence skills through independent projects, proving to myself that I can find, verify, and connect information to uncover the bigger picture.

I just want a chance to do something I naturally love, but every single job I come across requires security clearance and experience, which I’m not sure how to get if there are no entry-level jobs or places that will sponsor my clearance. I also live in a rural area, which cuts down my options even more (meaning I would need something remote, most likely).

Is there any hope?

2

Stay with your GS position. You really aren’t “investigating” as a background investigator. The agencies have made it a checklist job and checking the boxes instead of actually investigating. Now with Jerry Lewis telethons approach to calling sources and Subjects, it’s made the job intolerable.

Since you are already in the federal system, go find a real investigative job (1801/1811) with DHS/ICE/HSI or Secret Service.

3

Where would somebody start if they wanted to become a background investigator? (assuming no clearance)

4

Apply to one of the two prime companies on the DSCA contract, Peraton or CACI. If they are hiring in your area they will sponsor for a clearance (although Peraton is on a hiring freeze right now or so I have heard) and train you.

Be advised, the clearance process can take MONTHS (don’t quit your day job) and training is six weeks (but it is paid). The entry level pay is abysmal and you will be busting your butt to level up.

There are sub contractors (Brush Creek Solutions, EMT, Xcelerate, DMC and others) who are hiring, not sure if they are sponsoring for clearances. Some only want 1099s, others are looking for W2 employees.

5

Is Peraton on a hiring freeze for all BI work? I recently got denied 1099 position due to lack of casework.

6

Yes. Not enough work for new investigators. Best to look outside this industry.

7

1811? OP is 48 years old.

8

Is there any reason why a 48 year old can’t break into federal service as an Investigator role in the 1800 series positions especially if they already have career permanent status in the federal government? Please educate me.

10

1811 is LEO with 6c retirement. Age limit is 37. Unless they have prior LEO/military.

11

I meant a different Investigator position within the U.S. government minus the jobs that exclude based upon age requirement of 37 years of age to include FBI, US Marshal’s, ATF agent, and Secret Service, etc.

There are other 1800 series Investigator positions within the U.S. government that don’t restrict an applicant based upon their age.

12

Your original post said 1811. So I was responding to that.

13

My apologies. I was confused. 1811 is a federal LEO position and forgot how the numbering system works on the Investigator positions.

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