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Special Investigations Unit Agent - Arlington, Austin, Laredo, San Antonio

General Description

The anticipated hire date for this posting is July 15, 2026.

In accordance with HRD 1.12 Salary Actions policy, internal candidates currently in positions classified as Agent C03 may keep their current salary if they are at least an Agent II (C03/Step II) and meet all other qualifications.

This position requires that you are certified as a Texas peace officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (or have it by the hire date) and meet one of the below listed requirements. You must also be able to pass a thorough background check.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Performs investigative and enforcement work according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (Code) specializing in special investigations. Work involves inspecting, investigating, and regulating the alcoholic beverage industry by enforcing the Code and other state and federal laws. Conducts long-term investigations, perform undercover or surveillance work, prepares and executes search warrants. Ability to work with or be assigned to local, State, or Federal task forces. May provide guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

% of Time

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJFs):

30%

Enforces provisions of the Code, the Texas Penal Code, and other applicable statutes; and may be required to interpret and provide information on Texas laws, rules, and regulations relating to the alcohol industry, as well as those concerning the welfare and safety of the general public.

Develops investigative action plans to conduct inspections, undercover operations, and surveillance of locations and criminal suspects.
Inspects licensed premises and investigates complaints concerning violations of the state’s alcoholic beverage laws.
Gathers intelligence and evidence to determine if violations occurred and whether criminal or administrative charges are warranted.

30%

Conducts independent alcohol connected investigations of criminal and administrative violations committed on or about premises by licensees, their agents or employees, and members of the public.

Collaborate w/local and State LE CID divisions.
Correspond with local and state prosecutors and their investigators.
Conducts searches, seizes illicit alcoholic beverages and other contraband, and executes arrests.
Assists local and state law enforcement agencies in the investigation, preparation, and prosecution of alcohol-related cases.
Prepares and executes search warrants.

20%

Prepares reports of investigations; files administrative and criminal cases for prosecution with the appropriate authorities; and maintains records of investigative cases in the secure systems designated for maintenance of such information.

10%

Assists in the prosecution of cases filed by collecting, documenting, and evaluating evidence to formulate defensible investigative conclusions, and testifies in court and in other official proceedings.

10%

May present training or teach awareness programs. May provide guidance to others.

Perform other duties as assigned

MQs, KSA, License/Certifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduation from high school or its equivalent (GED). AND

Experience: Must have at least four (4) years’ full-time law enforcement experience, including experience in criminal investigations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Current/former TABC Enforcement Agent
Advanced or Master Texas Peace Officer preferred.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, criminology, police science, or a related field is generally preferred.
Experience leading investigations and working undercover operations is preferred.
Ability to obtain Secret/Top-Secret clearance

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license.
Certified as a Texas peace officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Additional certifications may be required to be registered, certified, or licensed in a specialty area.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

Knowledge of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, the Texas Penal Code, and other applicable statutes; of regulatory procedures related to the alcoholic beverage industry; and of investigative and law enforcement methods and practices.
Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, procedures, court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.

Skills

Advanced skill in in conducting oral presentations to groups of various sizes; in interviewing techniques; report writing and in testifying.
Skill in depletion analysis and in processing Grand Jury Subpoenas.
Skill in conducting and applying investigative techniques and procedures, including interviewing, evidence collection, and the use of technology and equipment.

Abilities

Advanced ability to exercise independent judgment in determining when there is a reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists for search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; to demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms; to communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others.
Ability to conduct investigations, including collecting evidence, securing crime scenes and preparing cases for prosecution; analyze and report findings; and apply legal knowledge to investigations and provide guidance.
Ability to organize and interpret large amounts of information and identify trends, patterns, inconsistencies, and exceptions, and to concisely illustrate those findings.
Ability to collaborate effectively with agencies and individuals; communicate clearly and effectively; and to serve as a lead, providing direction to others; and maintain professionalism and composure in challenging situations.
Ability to work under pressure, to perform multiple tasks and to meet critical deadlines.
Ability to maintain, secure and protect confidential, sensitive or secured information or evidence.
Ability to work effectively with agency personnel, other agencies and the public including interactions in person, over the telephone and via electronic means.

Physical Requirements/Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR WORKING CONDITIONS:

All TABC certified peace officers are required to comply with the physical standards annually as a condition of their employment (Texas Government Code, Chapter 614, Subchapter J, section 614.172).

Ability to meet the physical demands of a job that includes bending, moving, carrying heavy objects (minimum of 80 pounds), executing forcible arrests, and operating a motor vehicle over sustained periods of time.
Good physical condition, capable of strenuous physical exertion and have no physical disabilities which would interfere with police duties; visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 uncorrected or 20/30 corrected; and no color blindness.

May work in adverse weather conditions.
Must be willing to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays as assigned.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT%: 50%

Qualified candidates must pass the physical readiness test, written exam, and interview at a TABC facility. Successful candidates will advance to a pre-employment background check, which includes but is not limited to credit history, criminal history, driving record check, and comprehensive background investigation. Refer to the Supplemental Information section for more information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Physical Readiness Test

Selected qualified candidates for this position must complete and pass the physical readiness test during the application process to be considered for employment. The physical readiness test consists of a Concept II Rower Test (2,000 meters at a resistance setting of 5 within 11 minutes and 50 seconds).

Written Exam

An entry level test for law enforcement will be required. A study guide is available for purchase at the link below. Scroll down to Applicant Price: $15 each and add to cart.
- Link: https://bannonandassociates.com/testing.php#police

Personal History Statement: Qualified candidates who are selected for interview with TABC will be required to submit their complete Personal History Statement through Vetted. All documents listed below must be submitted with your Personal History Statement. Incomplete documents or personal history statement may delay the background investigation.
Completed Personal History Statement

Copy of your Social Security card.
Original certified copy of your birth certificate.
Copy of your valid Texas driver license or a copy of another State’s driver license.
Copy of your High School diploma or GED certificate or an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least twenty-four months of active service.
Sealed original certified copy of your college transcript. (No photocopy)
Photocopy of your college diploma, if applicable.
Copy of your Peace Officer Certificate from your police academy.
Copy of your Texas peace officer license and all training certificates awarded to you.
Copy of your DD-214 if applicable. Must possess an honorable discharge.
Original certified copy of your Naturalization papers, if applicable.
Copy of current proof of automobile liability insurance.
Copy of a TCOLE approved Firearms Qualifications within the last 12 months.

Conditions of Employment

If you receive a conditional offer of employment, you must satisfy these conditions prior to your hire date:
- Satisfactory Completion of L2 - Licensee Medical Condition Declaration
- Satisfactory Completion of L3 - Licensee Psychological and Emotional Health Declaration
- Employment is contingent upon completing an electronic fingerprint and passing the criminal history check. Selected finalists are responsible for the incurred costs.

TABC Probationary Period and Field Training Officer Program

New Agents must successfully complete the TABC New Agent School and Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.

Salary Rates

The pay scale for the Agent position is grouped into six (6) step adjustments with salary increases scheduled every four (4) years of service with TABC. For more information on Salary Schedule C and the associated pay groups and step adjustment salary rates, visit https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/Schedule?scheduleType=2025C.

COMMISSIONED PEACE OFFICER (CPO) REINSTATEMENTS
In accordance with TABC’s Commissioned Peace Officer (CPO) Reinstatement HRD 1.4.2 Procedure, an eligible applicant who has honorably retired or resigned in good standing from the TABC Enforcement Division may be reinstated through an abbreviated hiring process and field training officer program. Following are the applicant eligibility requirements for reinstatement. You may email tabchr@tabc.texas.gov with any questions.

Previously employed as a CPO in the Enforcement Division.
Maintains a valid Texas Peace Officer license with all training requirements current.
The most recent separation date from TABC does not exceed one year from the date the application for employment is received. If the length of separation exceeds one year, the applicant must go through the standard hiring process.
Must have voluntarily separated from TABC. The separation code in the payroll system cannot be dismissal for cause or resignation in lieu of involuntary separation.
Honorably retired from TABC, if applicable.
The three most recent performance evaluation forms must have performance ratings of meeting or exceeding all standards.
Written recommendations from the applicant’s previous chain of command to include immediate and second-level supervisors.
Must be able to pass the TABC Physical Readiness Test.
May be subject to completing medical and psychological testing, at the expense of the applicant, prior to the effective date of reinstatement.
Must successfully pass an in-depth background investigation in accordance with law.

Should you have any questions, please send them via email to tabchr@tabc.texas.gov

Benefits:Commissioned Peace Officers
Health Insurance

Employees are provided comprehensive health coverage which includes prescription drug and vision benefits.
Full time (30 hours or more a week) employees: the State pays 100% of the employee's premium and 50% of the dependent's premium.
Newly hired employees must complete a 60 day waiting period to receive health insurance benefits unless they are a direct transfer from another agency that participates in the Employees Retirement System of Texas Group Benefit Plan.

Dental Coverage

Employees and eligible dependents may enroll in a choice of dental insurance plans or a dental discount plan and pay a monthly premium. There is no waiting period for dental coverage.

Tax Free Savings Accounts

Employees may enroll in a flexible spending medical and/or dependent care account. These accounts increase take home pay by allowing employees to pay for planned out-of-pocket health and day care costs tax-free.

Retirement

When an employee qualifies, there is security in receiving monthly annuities upon retirement from State employment. Payments are based upon average salary, service credit and retirement date.
All employees hired on or after September 1, 2015 will become immediate members of the State Employee Retirement System (ERS) by contributing a portion of their pre-tax monthly salary (9.5%) into a personal state retirement account. The State also contributes a percentage of your salary to the ERS retirement fund (not your personal state retirement account).
Commissioned peace officers contribute an additional 0.5% to the Law Enforcement and Custodial Officer Supplement Retirement Fund (LECOS).
To assist employees in meeting their retirement goals, employees may participate in a 401(k) or 457 Plan. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

Life Insurance

Upon enrollment in State health coverage, employees receive $5000 in Basic Term Life Insurance with $5000 of AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) coverage at no cost.
Employees may enroll in Optional Term Life Insurance and elect 1 or 2 times their annual salary. Employees can also apply for 3 or 4 times their annual salary through Life Evidence of Insurability (Life EOI). Each election provides an equal amount of AD&D coverage. Premiums are calculated based upon age, salary and level of coverage purchased.
For a premium, additional Voluntary AD&D coverage is available. Employees may choose an amount of coverage starting at $10,000 up to $200,000. Employees may also enroll eligible dependents.
Dependent Term Life is available for a minimal monthly premium. The benefit includes $5000 term life with $5000 AD&D for covered family member.

Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP): Short Term and Long Term Disability

If an employee is unable to work due to a qualifying disability, this benefit pays part of an employee's salary for a set period of time. Premiums are based upon monthly salary.

Annual and Sick Leave

Upon hire, employees begin accruing annual and sick leave hours. Employees may utilize accrued sick leave immediately upon hire. Accrued annual leave is available to use after six months of continuous State service. Annual leave is earned based upon years of creditable state employment.

Paid Holidays

Employees are granted several paid federal and state holidays throughout the year.

Wellness Program

TABC supports employee wellness and develops programs to support and improve quality of life and overall health. Certified Peace Officers may be granted up to 3 hours per week to prepare, improve, or maintain their fitness level.
Employees and their dependents have access to free confidential counseling through TABC's EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Tuition Reimbursement

In order to promote employee development through job related education, TABC provides tuition reimbursement to eligible employees for the satisfactory completion of college or university coursework. (TABC bases all tuition reimbursement upon the availability of funds.)

Discount Purchase Program

State employees have access to products and services at discounted prices. The Discount Purchase Program features everything from computers and appliances to theme park tickets, restaurants and more with no enrollment fee.

Monthly Stipends and Special Pay
Hazardous Duty Pay

Hazardous duty pay is paid to all commissioned peace officers at the rate of $10.00 per month for each completed year of service up to thirty (30) years employment in a hazardous duty position.

Salary Stipends

Commissioned peace officers employed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission are eligible to receive salary stipends. These stipends must be paid to agents who achieve certain levels of skill or certifications as approved by the agency. Commissioned peace officers may receive a stipend for education level or certification level, but not both.

Salary stipends for skills and certifications include:
Education Level
Associate's Degree $100 per month
Bachelor's Degree $200 per month
Master's Degree $300 per month
Commission on Law Enforcement Level
Intermediate $100 per month
Advanced $200 per month
Masters $300 per month
Bilingual Capabilities
Commissioned peace officers can receive a salary stipend of $50 per month if proficient in a language other than English.
The Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS) administers the excellent benefits offered to State of Texas Employees. For rates, available retirement benefits and additional information on benefit options go to www.ers.state.tx.us

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