This vacancy is for a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position in the Office of Investigations, located at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General (DOC OIG), in Washington DC.
The Office of Investigations is responsible for developing, directing, and carrying out a comprehensive program of investigations to maintain the integrity of Department programs. This office conducts investigations into alleged violations of laws, regulations, and other irregularities by employees, grantees, loan recipients or contractors and where appropriate, reports the results with recommendations for corrective action to Department officials.
You will serve as a Special Agent within the Office of Investigations. The Special Agent is called upon to spearhead the largest, most complex, and most sensitive criminal (and occasionally non-criminal investigations) which come under the jurisdiction of the DOC OIG. The Special Agent must accordingly possess unusual originality, resourcefulness, and expertise to enable him/her to function in this troubleshooter role.
Our mission is to improve the programs and operations of the Department of Commerce through independent and objective oversight. With so many focuses, OIG is a magnet for professionals of all interests and backgrounds.
This position is in the competitive service.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Relocation expenses WILL NOT be paid.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
The Full Promotion Potential of this position is: GS-13.
This position may be filled through means other than the competitive promotion process.
Summary
This vacancy is for a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position in the Office of Investigations, located at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General (DOC OIG), in Washington DC.
The Office of Investigations is responsible for developing, directing, and carrying out a comprehensive program of investigations to maintain the integrity of Department programs. This office conducts investigations into alleged violations of laws, regulations, and other irregularities by employees, grantees, loan recipients or contractors and where appropriate, reports the results with recommendations for corrective action to Department officials.
You will serve as a Special Agent within the Office of Investigations. The Special Agent is called upon to spearhead the largest, most complex, and most sensitive criminal (and occasionally non-criminal investigations) which come under the jurisdiction of the DOC OIG. The Special Agent must accordingly possess unusual originality, resourcefulness, and expertise to enable him/her to function in this troubleshooter role.
Our mission is to improve the programs and operations of the Department of Commerce through independent and objective oversight. With so many focuses, OIG is a magnet for professionals of all interests and backgrounds.
This position is in the competitive service.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Relocation expenses WILL NOT be paid.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
The Full Promotion Potential of this position is: GS-13.
This position may be filled through means other than the competitive promotion process.
Occasional travel - As condition of employment, the selectee may be subject to a geographic relocation within the United States in order to meet agency needs and must be willing to sign a mobility agreement. Travel is required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent - Full-Time, Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Competitive Services: Career or Career Conditional
*Major Duty 1: Exercise expert knowledge of applicable criminal laws, Federal rules of evidence, criminal procedures, and relevant constitutional and statutory laws.
*Major Duty 2: Plan and conduct investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations, and DOC regulations which will include the following: question subjects and third-party witnesses (formally and informally) and secure evidence from other sources to determine the nature and extent of violations; apprehend and arrest persons violating U.S. laws and conduct searches and seizures incident to the arrest when appropriate or by warrant; confer with and assist U.S. Attorneys in preparing information and evidence for trials; serve Grand Jury subpoenas when directed by the courts.
*Major Duty 3: Take sworn statements, depositions and affidavits from witnesses and others as may be required to develop information and secure admission evidence; prepare reports of complex investigations; testifiy as a government witness before Grand Juries, in courts, and at administrative hearings.
*Major Duty 4: Prepares reports of complex investigations. Testifies as a government witness before Grand Juries and in the courts, and at administrative hearings.
You must be registered with Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing of the announcement
Drug Testing is Required
If your resume is incomplete, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
The selectee will be required to complete a confidential financial disclosure statement upon entrance and on an annual basis thereafter.
The selectee must be able to obtain and retain a TOP SECRET security clearance.
The selectee is required to test negative for the presence of illegal drugs before placement in this position and will be subject to random drug testing thereafter.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements, including the following, by the closing date:
1. The date immediately preceding an individuals 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position within the OIG as a law enforcement officer
Please note:
(a) This requirement does not apply to preference-eligible veterans;
(b) An individual who is 37 years of age or older may be reemployed as a law enforcement officer in the OIG if the individual has prior coverage under the special law enforcement retirement plan. (If you are 37 years of age or older and have been previously covered under the special law enforcement retirement plan, please submit a SF-50 which reflects this coverage.)
The selectee must pass a pre-employment physical examination as well as periodic physical examinations through out employment.
The selectee must have satisfactory completed the Basic Criminal Investigative training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, if an equivalent training course has not already been completed.
The selectee will be required to carry a firearm and conduct full law enforcement activities Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition, (Lautenberg Amendment, Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)).
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Basic Entry Requirement for All Grade Levels: Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including the following, by the closing date:
Medical Requirements: The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses are permitted, must be sufficient to read printed materials the size of pre written characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz levels since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to him/her, or others is disqualifying.
GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the Basic Entry Requirements above, applicants must have the experience listed below.
For the GS-12: Fifty-two weeks of experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Investigate situations, individuals, and/or groups; application of generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to administrative and criminal investigative functions; identification, development and presentation of evidence that reconstructs events; and in person and written communications related to results of investigations.
For the GS-13: Fifty-two weeks of experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Coordination with other law enforcement agencies nationwide as required to further investigate situations, individuals, and/or groups; application of generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to administrative and criminal investigative functions; identification, development and presentation of evidence that reconstructs events; and in person and written communications related to results of investigations.
**Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional information
The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that do not fall under competitive examining procedures; however, they may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for non-competitive appointment
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Additional benefits available include: Flexible work schedule, transportation subsidy, fitness center, child-care facility, career development with a generous training program, credit union and convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities, car pools/van pools and more.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation (transcripts if applicable) to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire that you completed as part of the application. However, your resume or optional cover letter must support your responses to the occupational questions, or your score will be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:
KSA 1. Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures.
KSA 2. Ability to recognize, develop and present evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time elements and establishes relationships, legal liabilities, conflicts of interest, in a manner that meets requirements for presentation in various hearings and other proceedings.
KSA 3. Skill in oral communications in order to communicate clearly and accurately the results of investigations.
KSA 4. Skill in written communications, to include a thorough knowledge of accepted standards of writing, use of proper grammar and the preparation of investigative reports in a clear, concise and professional manner. To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Additional benefits available include: Flexible work schedule, transportation subsidy, fitness center, child-care facility, career development with a generous training program, credit union and convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities, car pools/van pools and more.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Education. If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStd04.asp for more information.
Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc.)
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website http://www.ed.gov/intemational/usnei/us/workreco_g.doc. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates:
CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of85 out of I 00. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
1. A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice). 2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action ".noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
(When the area of consideration includes applicants from outside of the Department's workforce)
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
I . A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement. 2. A copy of your SF-50 ..Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11 :59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usaiobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, ifyou are unable to apply on line, please contact: Sherrie Palmer at email: spalmer@oig.doc.gov or (202) 482-5187.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
1401 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington , District of Columbia 20230-0001
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usa jobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:
I . Application Received or Application Incomplete; 2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met; 3. Referred or Not Referred; and 4. Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Education. If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStd04.asp for more information.
Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc.)
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website http://www.ed.gov/intemational/usnei/us/workreco_g.doc. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates:
CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of85 out of I 00. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
1. A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice). 2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action ".noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
(When the area of consideration includes applicants from outside of the Department's workforce)
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
I . A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement. 2. A copy of your SF-50 ..Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11 :59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usaiobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, ifyou are unable to apply on line, please contact: Sherrie Palmer at email: spalmer@oig.doc.gov or (202) 482-5187.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
1401 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington , District of Columbia 20230-0001
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usa jobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:
I . Application Received or Application Incomplete; 2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met; 3. Referred or Not Referred; and 4. Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
