Search form Search WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO RESOURCES You are here Home » Careers Careers Home » Special Agents » Industry Operations Investigators » Becoming an Industry Operations Investigator Informational Packet Salary & Benefits Training Questions and Answers » Forensics and STEM » Professional and Technical » Internships » Training for Law Enforcement Conferences and Events Equal Opportunity Employer Careers Q&As Contact a Recruiter Becoming an Industry Operations Investigator Industry operations investigators (IOIs) support ATF’s regulatory mission by working directly with federal licensees and permittees to ensure they comply with firearms and explosives regulations. IOIs also examine licensees’ and permitees' records to identify evidence of falsification of records and potential criminal trafficking. IOIs are responsible for ensuring industry members are in compliance with federal and state laws. IOIs leverage their knowledge of industry regulations along with strong verbal and written communication skills to meet the demands of the job. They often work long hours and travel extensively to inspect business premises, manufacturers and storage facilities in their region. IOIs must be ready to accept reassignment to any ATF duty station. As of fiscal year 2020, there are 811 industry operations investigators stationed at ATF offices across the nation. View current openings on USAJobs Responsibilities Inspect industry members’ product inventories and records to detect possible violations of law Refer all criminal violations to applicable authorities, including criminal enforcement units Conduct field investigations and on-site interviews to determine eligibility for federal license and permit applicants Educate industry members about the federal and state laws governing the firearms and explosives sectors Lead seminars and training sessions for industry members, trade groups and the public to keep them informed about regulatory requirements Eligibility Requirements U.S. citizenship Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance Eligible to work for the U.S. federal government Valid driver’s license Application Process The entire process can take 12 months or longer from start to finish. Failure to pass any of the steps below may eliminate you from the hiring process. Online Application ATF job announcements are available on USAjobs.gov. Applicants are encouraged to: Login to USAjobs.gov and review any current IOI job announcements Submit your application by the deadline Receive notification of rankings If qualified, you will receive a selection notice that you have passed the first phase, as well as a notification letter with more details about the next steps. Interview, Exam and Background Check Panel interview Candidate letter notice Background investigation Medical exam Drug test If you pass the panel interview, written exam, background investigation and all other tests, you will receive an “Enter on Duty” letter to report to training and new hire orientation. Training Newly hired industry operations investigators report to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Here, they must complete the 10-week Industry Operations Investigator Training Program. Learn more about basic training Contact Us Email your questions or comments regarding the industry operations career or application process to SAIOIapplicantinfo@atf.gov. Last Reviewed September 9, 2021 Keep up with the latest ATF updates: WHO WE ARE About Executive Staff Organization Structure Our History WHAT WE DO Firearms Explosives Arson Alcohol & Tobacco NEWS Press Releases Advisories Reward Notices Media/Congressional Contacts CAREERS Special Agent Industry Operations Investigator EEO and Disability Information RESOURCE CENTER Statistics FOIA Most Wanted Download Forms OPEN GOVERNMENT Privacy Policy Legal Policies & Disclaimers USA.gov No Fear Act Whistleblower Rights & Protections Site Map Accessibility & Plug-Ins ATF.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice Close the overlay Get the latest updates from The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives No Thanks Remind Me Later Feedback