Title: Special Agent - Multiple Positions (Southwestern Region): OLES Investigations Unit #01667
State Role Title: Law Enforcement Officer III
Hiring Range: $57,734.00 -$78,921.00
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin
Location: DOC Headquarters
Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Under the direction and guidance of the Office of Law Enforcement Services Unit Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Deputy Chiefs, and assigned Assistant Chief, the Special Agent is responsible for conducting thorough investigations of criminal violations against or within the Department of Corrections by employees, inmates, contractors, volunteers, visitors and others, and administrative investigations of violations of Standards of Conduct, and other investigations or inquiries of serious matters involving the Department. Ensures that all assignments meet accepted professional standards, are timely and curate. Responsible to assist development and implementation of prevention activities to reduce vulnerability of the Department to criminal activity.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, candidates must demonstrate high standards of personal and professional integrity. A comprehensive background review will include employment history, criminal records, and references. Candidates should have no substantiated history of recent misconduct, dishonesty, or unethical behavior.
These positions are based in the Southwestern Region of the state and requires coverage of facilities located within approximately one hour’s drive of Wythe, Bland, Grayson, Carroll, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Russell, Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, Scott, and Lee. Applicants should be prepared to travel throughout this region as operational needs arise.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess a current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Officer Certification, issued pursuant to the Code of Virginia and maintained in connection with employment in a sworn law enforcement position within a public law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Qualifying agencies include, but are not limited to, the Virginia State Police, sheriff’s offices, and municipal or county police departments. DCJS certifications issued for positions classified solely as jailer, corrections officer, or other non-sworn roles do not meet this requirement. This requirement is job-related and essential due to the position’s statutory authority and performance of sworn law enforcement functions.
Qualified candidates must have professional experience in law enforcement, criminal investigations, or security operations, supported by current active Virginia Law Enforcement certification through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). A strong background in conducting complex criminal and administrative investigations is essential, including working knowledge of legally sound methods and techniques that meet accepted professional standards. Candidates should be well-versed in applicable federal and state laws, administrative policies, and procedures related to evidence handling—such as identifying, preparing, examining, analyzing, and preserving evidence for use in criminal cases or administrative hearings. Familiarity with court procedures and rules of evidence is required. The role demands exceptional written communication skills to produce clear, detailed, and comprehensive investigative reports, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in person. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Department leadership and staff, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and members of the public.
Additional Considerations
Candidates with extensive law enforcement experience and a demonstrated history of conducting complex investigations. Advanced training and certifications in investigative interviewing, evidence collection, and case development are highly desirable. Candidates who hold DCJS certification as a Specialized Instructor or possess equivalent advanced training in criminal investigations, intelligence operations, or related fields will be strongly considered. The ideal candidate will bring a high level of professionalism, sound judgment, and technical expertise to support the Department’s mission in maintaining safety and security through proactive intelligence and investigative work.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804-659-8424
Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.