FBI hiring thousands of new recruits

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The FBI is looking for thousands of new recruits and Central Texas has become a prime place to find them. As part of an expansion of the bureau, the FBI is hiring 2,100 professional staff employees and 850 special agents.

"It's not so much that we have so many vacancies, its that we're adding to the special agent talent pool," said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Kable. "We're growing in size."

To join the FBI, you must be a United States citizen and have a four year college degree. Applicants cannot have a felony conviction on their records. There is an extensive application process and a 24 week training academy. But recruiters cite the excellent benefits offered by the FBI and a pay scale that rises to $90,000 after five years of service.

"The talent pool here is tremendous," said Special Agent Susana Haberman about the Austin area workforce.

"Austin is a tremendous source for young individuals that have that technology background that are very skilled in software that are coming from the University of Texas," said Special Agent Haberman.

The FBI is also looking for candidates with superior language skills.

"Specifically the Middle Eastern languages as well as the Asian languages," said Special Agent Kable.

Recruiters are appealing to those who are out of work and searching for a career.

"I think what the FBI would say to those people is- we need you- we need your skills, we need your talents to do our job, we need your abilities to help keep our nation safe," said Haberman.

Anyone can apply for a position with the FBI online at their website .