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  4. Get a Homeland Security Job

Get a Homeland Security Job

The Department of Homeland Security has unique career opportunities that will challenge your mind and reward your skills and talents. As a Homeland Security employee, you will help secure our borders, airports, seaports and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies; respond to natural disasters or terrorists acts; and analyze intelligence reports.

DHS has five mission areas related to securing the homeland, which includes the largest law enforcement population in the Federal Government: 

  • Law Enforcement
  • Immigration and Travel Security
  • Prevention and Response
  • Mission Support
  • Cybersecurity

Visit Homeland Security Careers to learn more about hiring paths and job opportunities available at the Department. 

The skills and training veterans gained while serving the country may be a good fit for jobs at the Department. 

Visit Veterans and Military Spouse Employment Opportunities and Veterans Employment Tips to learn more.

Whether you are still in school or just starting out in your career, we have many opportunities for you to make a meaningful difference while building your skills. 

Visit our Students and Recent Graduates page to learn more.

Review information and helpful tips to start your job search and application on our How to Apply page, including a summary of the federal hiring process.   

Most Homeland Security jobs require U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a full background investigation and drug screening.

  • Read the Job Announcement. The announcement will provide you with information about job qualifications, duties, salary, duty location, benefits, and security requirements. Here you will be able to determine if your interests, education, and professional background make you a good candidate for the job.
  • Apply for the Job. Follow the instructions in the “How to Apply” section of each USAJOBS announcement. Instructions will guide you through the application process, providing you detailed information on the questions, forms, and format that must be addressed and used to capture your qualifications for the job. Submit all required documents and pay close attention to the application due date and application procedures, which will vary by job and the Department component.
  • Interview for the Job. The names of best-qualified candidates will be forwarded to the supervisor or hiring official. If you are one of the best-qualified candidates, the supervisor or hiring official may interview you in person or by telephone, or in rare cases may hire you based solely on your application materials. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which make sure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process. 

Visit Homeland Security Careers or How to Apply to learn more. 

Most jobs at the Department can be found on USAJOBS. You can start your job search by entering a keyword or location and narrow your search by salary, work schedule, and more.

Visit Homeland Security Careers or How to Apply to learn more about the federal application process. DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Last Updated: 05/30/2023
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