Special Agent I/II - Tactical Operations/Tracking

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid holidays

State retirement plan

Job summary

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in South Carolina seeks a Special Agent to join the Tactical Operations - Tracking Team. The role requires a bachelor’s degree, integrity, and a strong public service ethic.

You will conduct complex investigations, coordinate with local, state, and federal partners, and operate bloodhound tracking assets in manhunts and investigations. Join a mission-driven agency dedicated to public safety, professional growth, and high standards of conduct.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required for the role.
• Certified as a Class I Basic Law Enforcement Certification from SC CJ Academy.
• Willingness to perform in a law enforcement investigations environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and tracking assignments as part of the Tracking Team.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies; gather and share information.
• Maintain and operate bloodhounds and related tracking assets.
• Prepare reports; adhere to agency policies and professional standards.
• Perform special assignments as directed by supervision.

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university

Class I Basic Law Enforcement Certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill Special Agent position in our Tactical Operations - Tracking Team. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, integrity, and a strong desire for public service.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill Special Agent position in our Tactical Operations - Tracking Team. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, integrity, and a strong desire for public service.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility

Serve as a Special Agent under general supervision, participate in the detection of crime and the enforcement of criminal laws; plan and conduct complete investigations of complex and administrative cases, or conduct portions of complex investigations; perform tasks supporting local law enforcement; and work in a specific program area, the Tracking Team.

Specific Duties

• Conduct Investigations/Tracking Assignments: As a Special Agent, demonstrate expertise and knowledge of investigative techniques during tracking assignments. Meet the demands of schedule requirements while on call for the Tracking Team, including service after hours. While on call, respond to the call in a timely manner upon notification regardless of the time of day.
• Support Local Law Enforcement: Act as a positive liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies by gathering information pertaining to the assignment and coordinating information with other agencies. Perform duties under physical and mental stress and demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills on tracking assignments. Demonstrate commitment to the Division and public safety by exhausting all leads prior to leaving a tracking assignment.
• Tracking Specific Duties: Utilize SLED tracking bloodhounds to assist federal, state, and other law enforcement with locating wanted and missing individuals. Promote positive training programs for bloodhounds and other police K9s. Track persons by identifying human sign with or without the use of a bloodhound. Track suspects or missing person by identifying footprints and or any other human sign with or without the bloodhound. Properly handle the bloodhound on actual and simulated calls. Perform duties such as patrol K9 decoying, assisting with patrol K9 training, and working in proximity of patrol K9s during calls. Maintain all issued/departmental equipment, ensuring it is kept in proper working order. Ensure the bloodhound meets monthly training standards.
• Reports and Administrative Tasks: Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and compliance with agency policy and directives. Perform administrative tasks in a professional and timely manner, including tracking and training reports. Adhere to agency policy and have a professional demeanor and appearance as a law enforcement officer. C ommunicate in a clear and concise manner in oral and written communications.
• Perform Special Assignments: Execute special assignments as directed by supervisor. Exhibit a willingness to perform tasks outside of the parameters of daily Tracking Team duties.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university.
• Must be certified as a Class I Basic Law Enforcement Certification from the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
• Must be a member of the SLED SWAT Team or have the ability to become a member.
• Must be physically able to work long hours on your feet in all types of terrain and weather conditions during any applicable manhunt.
• Overnight travel may be required on occasion when working on an extended manhunt.
• Must be able to write accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Must be able to perform all of the physical requirements of a certified Class I LEO including, but is not limited to, the apprehension and arrest of criminals, including physically resistant individuals; performing investigations, inspections, search and seizures, including searching vehicles, buildings, attics, and crawl spaces; working crowd control and security during special events, including protests, marches, concerts, political rallies, and other events; working emergency response during natural disasters and other emergent crises. Must be able to respond 24/7 as needed and able to stand post or take other law enforcement action for long periods of continuous time (12+ hours).

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification. Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.