Certified Special Agent

Certified Special Agent I – Lateral

Position: AC2026
Hiring Salary Statewide: $77,234.00, Northern, VA: $96,542.00
Exempt Status:
Non‑Exempt.

Virginia ABC generates a reliable stream of revenue for Virginia and promotes public safety through the responsible sale and regulation of alcoholic beverages.

To bring good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

Accountability – Service – Integrity – Performance Excellence.

Join a team crafted of Virginia’s Top Shelf Talent!

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) is recruiting qualified Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certified Virginia Law Enforcement applicants for the position of Certified Virginia ABC Special Agent I.

The statewide salary for the Certified Special Agent I will be $77,234.00, the Northern VA salary will be $96,542.00. All candidates will be hired as Law Enforcement III/Special Agent I.

• Region 1:
  Roanoke
• Region 1:
  Satellite, Abingdon
• Region 2:
  Lynchburg
• Region 3:
  Staunton
• Region 4:
  Alexandria
• Region 5:
  Fredericksburg
• Region 6:
  Richmond
• Region 7:
  Hampton
• Region 8:
  Chesapeake
• Region 9:
  Charlottesville

Applicants must provide up to three counties or cities where they are willing to accept assignment or indicate willingness for duty assignments. The Authority will make every effort to assign hires to the preferred locations based on Authority needs.

Virginia ABC’s Bureau of Law Enforcement is a three‑time recipient of the NLLEA Alcohol Enforcement Agency of the Year Award (2002, 2017, 2020).

No shift work – Special Agents work normal weekdays Monday‑Friday; however, some weekends, on‑call, and holidays may be required to complete investigations and special assignments.

Agents receive a take‑home car, equipment, and uniforms upon hire. The program includes a Robust Career Progression Program and tuition reimbursement up to $5,000.00 per fiscal year for qualifying courses.

• Initiate, plan, and conduct moderate to complex investigations, make arrests for violations of alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, fraud and financial fraud statutes, testify in state and federal courts, and serve as an Authority advocate.
• Prepare and present disciplinary cases to Virginia ABC hearing officers and perform special assignments such as instructor, electronic surveillance technician, or member of a local, state or federal task force.
• Conduct inspections of ABC‑licensed businesses to ensure compliance with required statutes and regulations.
• Educate and inform ABC licensees, other government entities, and the public on ABC laws and regulations.
• Provide support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as required.

• At least 21 years of age on date of hire.
• DCJS Law Enforcement Officer – Police officer certification with prior experience as a sworn police officer.
• Working knowledge of law enforcement procedures and business law practices.
• Experience employing investigative methods and techniques.
• Experience obtaining, compiling, analyzing, and presenting relevant evidence to management, prosecutors, and courts.
• Proficiency with a personal computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Experience using defensive techniques and firearms.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Analytical skills for complex information.
• Ability to reconstruct business records and audit trails.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Time‑management skills.

• Associate’s degree or undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, Business, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Sociology, or related field.
• Previous service as a Special Agent.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Master’s Degree.
• CFE, Certified Fraud Examiner.
• CPA, Certified Public Accountant.

All Virginia DCJS Certified Officers will attend four‑ to six‑week training in Richmond and a minimum of 12 weeks of field training.

Applicants must be eligible to obtain a valid driver’s license, pass a thorough background investigation—including credit history—and perform…