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Special Agent Eligibility Requirements

A position as a Special Agent requires significant commitment and dedication.  You are in a position of trust and will be held to a high standard of ethical conduct.  Special Agents must be able to work closely with local, state, tribal, and federal partners, and a the public.  Communications skills and interpersonal skills are an essential competency.  Agents’ schedules may include irregular work hours and work can vary.  For instance, one day you may be out conducting interviews in the evening, the next day in the office writing reports, and the following day conducting a search warrant.  You must be willing and able to participate in arrests and execution of search warrants, all of which pose some level of risk.  The duties of a Special Agent require moderate to arduous physical exertion, exposure to inclement weather, and other physical and environmental exposures.  Since the duties of the position are exacting and involve the responsibility and safety of others under trying conditions, Special Agents must possess emotional and mental stability.

General Eligibility Requirements for a Special Agent:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Eligible to work for the U.S. federal government
  • Be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance
  • Between the ages of 21 and 36 (maximum entry age requirement may be waived for applicants eligible for veteran’s preference)
  • Pass the complete applicant screening process which includes an interview panel, writing exemplar, drug screening, medical examination, psychological examination, and reference check
  • Possess a valid driver’s license 
  • 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.
  • Positions may require periodic and sometimes extended travel in addition to the initial basic and other mandatory training.

General Medical Standards Applicable to EPA Special Agents Include: 

Vision:  Corrected, distant vision measured in each eye and near vision that is correctable to 20/20 with both eyes. Uncorrected, distant vision equal or better than 20/200 in each eye.  Applicants will be considered eligible for the Special Agent position provided specific visual tests are passed.  

Hearing:  The thresholds at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz, measured by pure-tone audiometry, shall not exceed 30 dB in either ear. The thresholds at 3000 Hz, measured by pure-tone audiometry, shall not exceed 40 dB in either ear.   

Psychological/Psychiatric:  Disorders that affect safety and efficient job performance may be disqualifying. 

Other:  Any disease, condition, or impairment, not specifically listed as a medical standard but which interferes with the safe, efficient, and expected performance of the essential duties and responsibilities, including required training, may also constitute grounds for medical disqualification. 

Other Medical Requirements:   Perform duty functions while using personal protective equipment including body armor, chemical protective clothing, air-purifying respirators (APRs) with filters or cartridges, and a self-contained breathing apparatus.  

Please see OPM Requirements for additional information.

Enforcement

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Enforcement: Contact Us
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on January 22, 2025
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