Location, Location, Location

[JCMC219]

I applied via USAJOBS for an FBI SSG/Investigative Specialist position a while back. The announcement was for openings in the Newark and NYC field offices. Several months later, when I received a call from the Bureau (out of the blue, of course) the individual on the phone said: "I know you applied for a position in the Newark or NYC field offices, but we are currently recruiting actively for five OTHER cities." He named all five, and then asked me if I was still interested in proceeding with the application process. I said "yes" without hesitation because I know that having to pay my dues and go anywhere the FBI wants me is part of the gig. Nevertheless, hope dies last...so I'm wondering what the possibility is that other locations might open up by the time I finish training (that is IF I get selected)? In your experience is this likely or unlikely to be the case, and will I be given a choice from any location that is available after training, or just from the places they mentioned to me in that initial phone call? So far my process is sailing along, with my BI well underway, poly and other interviews completed, and medical scheduled for next week. I noticed on USAJOBS today an announcement for a Surveillance Specialist (which I THINK is the same as the Investigative Specialist position from what I've been told), saying "many vacancies nationwide." Hoping this improves my chances of hitting a city like NY, Newark, Chicago or LA if I am chosen for the job. Thanks, as always, for any feedback!

[H. Schoolboy]

I have no idea about places being offered or openings. I was under the impression that the annoucement I am processing under (nov. 2004 I think) was for Southern cities. That is what I was told when I interviewed. Now I am hearing there are other places that need people. One thing I am pretty sure is that you know where your going prior to heading off to training. Good luck.

[JCMC219]

Hmmmm...Just wondering if any moderators here can tell me why this thread was moved...and to where? I am relatively new to this forum, but it seems to me that my posting was relevant to the federal questions. I'm more than happy to stand corrected if that is not the case...Just curious and want to follow the rules for future posts. Thanks.

[H. Schoolboy]

I didn't even know there was this forum. SSG and IA threads used to be always moved to "coffee break." People would sometimes complain. I guess this is the answer. These threads get moved because, while respected, they are not specifically or technically law enforcement positions.

[techlotl]

This forum was just opened up last week. It's a great development here because I don't think that what we support personnel do is anything near a coffee break.
To address a few other points. With the SSG program, you always have to sign a mobility agreement. All of the recent announcements are nationwide. Several Southern cities have openings, but if you applied under the last announcement, you could be sent anywhere nationwide. This being said, the Bureau usually tries to stick to "regional" transfers. Chances of being sent cross-country are pretty slim, but it does happen.
As far as the Surveillance Specialist position, it is similar, but very different. It's the same kind of work, but in fixed positions. If you have any specific questions about the SS job, feel free to ask in a PM.

[Covert]

JCMC219,
Most likely, if selected you will know/and except the city your going to prior to training. From my experience it's unlikely that will change over the course of the training.
As to the Surveillance Specialist position, it is not the same as the SSG. I believe they should be the same but that's just my opinion.. Unlike the SSG the SS positon is Static Surveillance never mobile ;). HOWEVER, in the newly posted SS Annoucement it does state that a defensive driving course is included in the training which is either a typo :o or some expected change in the job for the future (HOPEFULLY!!).

[JCMC219]

Ok...glad to know that there is a place on this forum for Support positions. I can't imagine that it was even close to appropriate to shuffle these posts off to a tread titled "coffee break," especially given that the FBI lists CI/CT work as it's #2 priority out of it's top 10 goals and objectives. Certainly CI/CT is the SSG's primary role.

Thanks to those of you who offered clarification on the difference between the Investigative Specialist role and the Surveillance Specialist role. I'm glad that I decided to apply for the IS role...not that the SS role is any less important...I just think that I'm not cut out for static surveillance. Then again, I too noticed that defensive driving was included in the latest USAJOBS announcement for the SS role. It will be interesting to see how things develop.

One last question for those of you who are performing the IS role: (and please feel free to PM me the answer if that's better) Is the IS training also 3 weeks long (as is noted in the recent SS job announcement), and how extensive is the driving training? Just wondering. :)

[techlotl]

One last question for those of you who are performing the IS role: (and please feel free to PM me the answer if that's better) Is the IS training also 3 weeks long (as is noted in the recent SS job announcement), and how extensive is the driving training? Just wondering. :)
SSG training is 6 weeks (it's okay to say because it's stated in the vacancy announcement). There is definately a driving course for SSG, SS I'm not sure about. None of the SS's I've ever talked to had that element and since they're static, it wouldn't make much sense.