This is an excepted service Schedule B appointment not to exceed 3 years. After completing 3 years of satisfactory service, the employee may be converted without further competition to a permanent appointment in the competitive service. No other appointment types will be used for this hiring action.
Duty locations will be offered based on the needs of ATF. You will be able to select up to 3 location preferences. Please click 'learn more about this agency' to see a list of locations.
Summary
This is an excepted service Schedule B appointment not to exceed 3 years. After completing 3 years of satisfactory service, the employee may be converted without further competition to a permanent appointment in the competitive service. No other appointment types will be used for this hiring action.
Duty locations will be offered based on the needs of ATF. You will be able to select up to 3 location preferences. Please click 'learn more about this agency' to see a list of locations.
The career of an ATF Special Agent is unique and one of the most challenging in Federal law enforcement. Headquartered in Washington, DC, ATF has field offices throughout the United States and its territories. Highly trained special agents are responsible for investigating violations of Federal law relating to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining and executing search warrants, and searching for physical evidence. The profession of a special agent is exciting and rewarding. Special agents must be tough - both physically and mentally. They must also be able to handle rigorous training, personal risks, irregular hours, and extensive travel. Special agents are subject to reassignment to any ATF office in the United States, to include any U.S. territory or ATF overseas assignment.
Major duties of this position include:
Investigating criminal violations of Federal laws within the enforcement jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Conducting investigations of violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion.
Preparing concise criminal investigative case reports.
Testifying for the Federal Government in court or before grand juries.
Gathering and analyzing evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
For complete list and information regarding the conditions of employment for this position, please visit: Careers at ATF
U.S. Citizenship
Law Enforcement Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. Candidates must be appointed before reaching their 37th birthday unless they are a preference eligible veteran OR presently serving or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position (after subtracting the years/months of prior Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, applicants must be less than 37 years of age). Veterans must submit a Member 4 copy of their DD-214 or statement of service and VA Letter if applicable with your application as qualifying proof of Veterans Preference for employment (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/)
Pass a drug test and submit to random drug testing. Be in compliance with ATF's drug policy for special agent applicants. More information concerning ATF's drug usage policy can be found at the link provided: https://www.atf.gov/careers/drug-policy
Pass and meet medical examination requirements.
Sign a mobility statement and agree to be relocated at any time to any office in the United States, to include U.S. territories. All candidates will be required to perform a minimum of 3-5 years at their initial duty station.
Must successfully pass a polygraph examination.
Successfully complete a background investigation for a Top Secret security clearance. A periodic reinvestigation every 5 years will also be conducted.
Must successfully complete Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
Pass a firearms proficiency test and carry a firearm and ammunition
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be eligible for this position, you must possess the qualifying experience and/or education for the respective grade level(s) in which you are applying, as described below.
GL-07: To qualify at the GL-07 level, you must meet ONE of the following:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GL-05 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience in or related to investigations of criminal violations that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
Utilizing basic investigative techniques while participating in criminal investigations;
Assisting in gathering and analyzing evidence through investigative leads, execution of search and arrest warrants and a variety of other means;
Preparing portions of criminal investigative case reports;
Participating in witness and suspect interviews; and
Testifying for the government regarding investigations in court or before grand juries.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): SAA at the baccalaureate level is fully qualifying for the GL-07 grade level. To qualify for SAA, you must have completed all requirements for a bachelor's degree and meet ONE of the following:
A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in the applicant's major field of study, or those courses in the applicant's major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
(Must include official or unofficial transcripts to verify eligibility, if applicable)
OR
Education: Applicants must have one full year of graduate level education in a field of study related to the position such as business administration, business law, public administration, public policy, criminal justice, communications, physical or social sciences, political science, or other fields of study that provided you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.
(Must include official or unofficial transcripts to verify eligibility, if applicable)
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Experience and education can be combined to meet the minimum qualification requirements. Experience and education should be computed as percentages of the overall requirements and must equal 100% when combined. Example: 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the required experience) plus 1 semester of graduate course work (50% of the required education) is qualifying for the GL-07 level. (Must include official or unofficial transcripts to verify eligibility)
GL-09: To qualify at the GL-09 level, you must meet ONE of the following:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one full-time year (12-months) of specialized work experience equivalent to the GL-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience in or related to investigations of criminal violations that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
Analyzing raw investigative data and preparing comprehensive written investigative reports;
Investigating claims involving suspected crimes or alleged fraud;
Investigating criminal cases requiring the use of recognized investigative methods that may have included presenting evidence in court;
Conducting interviews that involved eliciting evidence, data or surveillance information;
Conducting criminal investigations requiring the use of surveillance, undercover or other criminal detection methods; and
Testifying for the government regarding investigations in court or before grand juries.
OR
Education: Applicants must have a Master's (or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL. B or J.D. as specified in qualification standards or individual occupational requirements) in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related KSAs/competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position.
(Must include official or unofficial transcripts to verify eligibility, if applicable)
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Applicants must possess a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience totaling 100% of the stated minimum qualifications for this position. Only graduate education in excess of one year (i.e., 18 semester hours) may be combined with experience under this standard.
(Must include official or unofficial transcripts to verify eligibility, if applicable)
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. PLEASE INCLUDE MO/YR START AND MO/YR END DATES OF POSITIONS HELD, AS WELL AS HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DUTIES YOU PERFORMED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL POSITION HELD.
If you have previously taken and failed the polygraph exam there is a 3 year waiting period for you to reapply to the position of Special Agent. Additionally if you have taken and failed the pre-employment physical task test, there is a 6 month waiting period to reapply.
Education
A college or university degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed at foreign college or university to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. This information must be provided at the time of application. For more information: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Are you a veteran claiming 5-point veterans' preference:You must submit a copy of your latest DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Are you a disabled veteran or claiming 10-point veterans' preference: If you are eligible to claim 10 point veterans preference you must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. You must also provide the applicable supporting documentation of your disability (e.g. disability letter from the VA) as described on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/).
Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. See Equal employment opportunity policy
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the Special Agent Entrance Exam, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the Special Agent Entrance Exam and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the Special Agent Entrance Exam. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to schedule the Special Agent Entrance Exam. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable_Accommodations_for_SAEE
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.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Failure to submit a complete application will result in disqualification.
You will only receive consideration for the grade level(s) for which you applied, i.e., if you only applied to the GS-09, but the review panel determined you are Best Qualified for the GL-07, you will not receive further consideration for this position. The assessment questionnaire is designed to measure your ability in the following competencies: Oral Communication; Self-Management; Writing; Criminal Investigation; Seizure, and Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best qualified category. Other 10-point preference eligible and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify.
You will be placed in one of the three categories described below based on your response to the occupational questionnaires:
1. Best-qualified category;
2. Highly-qualified category, and
3. Qualified category.
If you are in the best-qualified category and meet the minimum qualifications, your resume and occupational questionnaire will be reviewed. Applicants selected to move to the next phase, will receive an email invitation to complete the ATF Special Agent Exam. Please be patient as this could take several weeks. The email invitation will contain instructions on how to schedule the required exam. Applicants must take and pass the ATF Special Agent Exam to be considered further for the position. The test session is approximately 4 hours.
Applicants who pass the ATF Special Agent Exam will be scheduled for a physical task test (PTT). After passing of the PTT, applicants will be scheduled for a structured interview. Applicants who pass both the PTT and the structured interview will be designated as candidates and move on to the next phase of the hiring process. If you are in the best-qualified category and successfully complete phase I of the hiring process you will be referred to the selection panel for consideration. Phases detailed below:
Phase I:
Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE);
Special Agent Written Exam;
Special Agent Physical Task Test (PTT), and
Structured Interview.
Phase II:
Selection Panel, and
Tentative Job Offer
Phase III:
Background Investigation;
Polygraph Examination;
Drug Screening;
Medical Examination, and
Final Job Offer.
NOTE: The ATF Special Agent Entrance Exam, Physical Task Test and Structured Interview will be proctored and administered in a variety of different locations. You will select your testing locations. Travel expenses will NOT be paid. Applicants who do not successfully complete or unavailable for any part of the assessment during the hiring process must re-apply under a new JOA.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. A complete resume is required. Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties, and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications: employer's name, starting and end dates (MM/DD/YYYY), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.
2. A complete Online Assessment Questionnaire (This is the online application process, it is not a physical document you need to submit.)
3. Other required documents:
- Veterans Preference Documentation,if applicable, Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. If a DD-214 is not available, submit certification from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
- College transcript(s) (unofficial or official), if qualifying based on education or combination of education and experience.
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online application and occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. Hard Copy of Email application packages are not accepted.
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click "Update Application", you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov. You will need to provide your USAJOBS User ID and Password to access the Track your Online Job Application feature. You may also click on the link provided to access additional information on USAJOBS.
All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
(1) upon receipt of your application;
(2) after your qualifications have been assessed (this may include the Special Agent Entrance Exam);
(3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official, and
(4) whether or not you've been selected for the position.
If you meet the minimum qualifications required, you will receive an email inviting you to schedule and complete the ATF Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE). Please be patient receiving this invite could take several weeks. There are two exams and they must be completed within the timeframe specified in the email invitation being sent. Applicants who pass the ATF Special Agent Entrance Exam will be scheduled for the physical task test. Applicants who pass the physical task test will be scheduled for a structured interview.
NOTE: We do not provide status update via email inquiry from applicant. You may check your status on USAJOBS. We kindly ask that you do not contact our office to inquire about your application status unless you have not received a notification within 60 days from the announcement closing date.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. A complete resume is required. Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties, and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications: employer's name, starting and end dates (MM/DD/YYYY), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.
2. A complete Online Assessment Questionnaire (This is the online application process, it is not a physical document you need to submit.)
3. Other required documents:
- Veterans Preference Documentation,if applicable, Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. If a DD-214 is not available, submit certification from the Armed Forces that list the beginning and ending dates of active service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
- College transcript(s) (unofficial or official), if qualifying based on education or combination of education and experience.
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online application and occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. Hard Copy of Email application packages are not accepted.
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click "Update Application", you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov. You will need to provide your USAJOBS User ID and Password to access the Track your Online Job Application feature. You may also click on the link provided to access additional information on USAJOBS.
All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
(1) upon receipt of your application;
(2) after your qualifications have been assessed (this may include the Special Agent Entrance Exam);
(3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official, and
(4) whether or not you've been selected for the position.
If you meet the minimum qualifications required, you will receive an email inviting you to schedule and complete the ATF Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE). Please be patient receiving this invite could take several weeks. There are two exams and they must be completed within the timeframe specified in the email invitation being sent. Applicants who pass the ATF Special Agent Entrance Exam will be scheduled for the physical task test. Applicants who pass the physical task test will be scheduled for a structured interview.
NOTE: We do not provide status update via email inquiry from applicant. You may check your status on USAJOBS. We kindly ask that you do not contact our office to inquire about your application status unless you have not received a notification within 60 days from the announcement closing date.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
