The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is accepting applications from Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:00 am CDT until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 am CDT for the position of Postal Inspector. Applications for 1811s are not being accepted at this time.
Postal Inspectors are sworn federal law enforcement officers who investigate crimes involving the U.S. Mail or related to the U.S. Postal Service. Postal Inspectors serve subpoenas, execute arrest and search warrants, conduct surveillance, provide courtroom testimony, and work closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate complex crimes. Postal Inspectors perform the following duties and responsibilities:
- Plan, collect and organize data, information and evidence for routine investigations. Assist with the collection and organization of data, information and evidence for complex investigations.
- Develop investigative reports containing case findings and recommendations for routine investigations. Provide assistance in the development of investigative reports containing case findings and recommendations for complex cases.
- Apprehend and arrest suspected violators of postal and related federal laws.
- Develop materials needed for conducting prosecutions and/or hearings. May serve as a Postal Service witness for case data, information, and evidence.
- Document and record pertinent case activity.
- Provide assistance in the initial response to operational emergencies to protect mail, postal assets, and employees, and communicate details and other information to Inspection Service control points.
Postal Inspectors carry firearms, have the authority to make arrests, and may perform their duties under hazardous and adverse conditions. This position requires work during irregular, extended and unscheduled hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Applicants must meet all the following conditions to be considered:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- At least 21 years of age and less than 37 years of age at the time of original law enforcement appointment (age exception may be granted for preference eligible veterans, and those who have previously served in a federal civilian (non-military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 8336 c).
- Possess a current valid state driver’s license with at least two years of unsupervised driving experience and a safe driving record.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
- Possess a conferred, four-year degree from an U.S. accredited academic institution (college / university), at the time of application (equivalent military experience may be accepted for preference eligible veterans).
- Have no felony or domestic violence convictions.
- Be in good physical condition and meet minimum physical fitness standards.
- Write and speak English clearly.
- Must be willing to relocate.
- Must be willing to submit to a polygraph examination.
- Must be willing to work an average of 50 hours a work week, and an irregular schedule.
- Must be willing to attend a residential training.
Highly qualified candidates will possess one or more of the following special knowledge tracks:
- Language Skills
- Postal Service Experience
- Specialized Non-Postal Experience (e.g. prior law enforcement or military experience, specialized computer education, or relevant professional certifications)
- Academic Achievement (>3.0 GPA or advanced degree)
This application is for positions nationwide (click here for listing of available locations). While consideration will be given to applicants’ location preferences, all applicants must be willing to relocate to any of the listed locations. Placement will be determined based on the needs of the Postal Inspection Service at the time an offer is made. Reimbursement of relocation expenses will be authorized in accordance with agency policy.
Starting annual salary range is $90,227 – $111,955. Please visit https://www.uspis.gov/careers/postal-inspectors for additional details on the position, benefits, and application process.