Duties

Summary

As a Polygraph Examiner for the CIA, you will assess the credibility of individuals in support of the CIA's mission. Most examinations occur in the Washington, DC area as part of the personnel security process to determine eligibility for access to classified information.
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Responsibilities

Working in a potentially confrontational environment on a daily basis, you will collect and interpret physiological data to enable elicitation of information, frequently of a very sensitive nature, and provide detailed written reports documenting the session.

Your career at CIA as a Polygraph Examiner begins with a four year tour of duty primarily located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. You must be a federally certified polygraph examiner or be willing and able to complete the CIA's Polygraph Examiner Program which provides training and certification to meet this requirement. Upon successful completion of the federal Polygraph Examiner Program, you will receive Polygraph Premium Pay, a significant addition to your base salary. After your initial four year tour, you may apply for additional polygraph tours to hone your expertise or seek new skills through other opportunities in the Office of Security.

Polygraph examiners typically conduct two polygraph sessions per day and must work an alternate work schedule comprised of one week of 9 hour days and a second week with three 9 hour days, an 8 hour day, and Friday of that week off. This is known as a 5/4-9 schedule and results in a three day weekend every other week. This schedule can make for a fast paced, demanding, and, at times, unrelenting job, but the challenge is worth it.

Domestic and foreign travel opportunities may be available after a proven record of performance.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/support-professional/polygraph-examiner.html

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US citizenship required (dual national US citizens are eligible).
• All positions require relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
• All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
• All applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/support-professional/polygraph-examiner.html

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields or related studies:
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Criminal Justice
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred, but exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytic skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a broad cross-section of society, sometimes under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Confidence to have your work scrutinized and the grace to accept feedback.
• High levels of trustworthiness, tenacity, professional and personal integrity, and loyalty to the United States.

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional experience or training/certification in interviewing, investigation or elicitation.
• Current or previously qualified federal polygraph examiner certification.
• Knowledge of counterintelligence arena.
• Experience working with Intelligence Community Directive 704.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/support-professional/polygraph-examiner.html

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields or related studies:
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Nursing
  • Education
  • Criminal Justice
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred, but exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances.

Additional information

Benefits

Every career at the CIA is a rewarding one. In addition to serving your country with the certainty that your work makes a difference, the CIA offers a comprehensive benefits package to reflect the dedication and contributions of our employees. To learn more about CIA benefits, click the following link: https://www.cia.gov/careers/benefits.html

Other Information

For more information on CIA Careers, visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications of the specific position to which you are applying. To view this position's requirements, visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/support-professional/polygraph-examiner.html

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following items must be attached to your on-line application (PDF format preferred):

• Resume.
• Unofficial transcripts for all degrees.
• A cover letter in which you specify your qualifications for this position. Please address why you want to work in this role and what differentiates you from other applicants.
• Copies of any professional certifications.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.