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Criminal Investigator

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This job announcement has closed

Summary


This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Veterans preference, category rating and traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply to this Public Notice.

NOTE: Apply early! ICE will test a limited group of applicants for selection consideration. Subsequently, applicants will be tested on an as needed basis to fill additional vacancies. We will consider applications in the order in which they are received.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
04/09/2019 to 04/11/2019
Salary
$40,634 to - $58,477 per year
Pay scale & grade
GL 7 - 9
Locations
MANY vacancies in the following locations:
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - You will be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
ELHU-INV-10461685-DH-TEM
Control number
530078900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens through Direct Hire procedures.

Duties

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  • Conduct and coordinate high-level comprehensive investigations involving individuals, groups, or large organizations operating at a local, national, or international level.
  • Use electronic surveillance, interviews, polygraph examination and physical surveillance to obtain evidence in investigative cases.
  • Make arrests, confront multiple suspects, secure scenes sometimes under potentially dangerous and hazardous environments.
  • Take part in securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence for inclusion in reports or case records.
  • Prepare sworn testimony on behalf of the government in criminal and federal grand jury cases.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • Selective Service registration required.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • A pre-employment drug test may be required.
  • You must pass and maintain medical, psychological, and physical readiness required in the performance of the job
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
  • You will be required to carry and use a service approved firearm.
  • You must have a valid driver's license.
  • You may be required to complete a polygraph exam.
  • You will be required to complete fitness testing prior to onboarding and at FLETC.
  • Referred for selection prior to your 37th birthday (waiver for Veterans).
  • You will be required to maintain the ability to perform the rigorous physical requirements of the job.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • Selective Service registration required.
  • This is a non-bargaining unit position.
  • Criminal Investigators are required to live within 50 miles of their duty station.

Qualifications

GL-7 QUALIFICATIONS:

To qualify for the GL-7 grade level, applicants must have one of the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-05 level in the Federal government performing duties such as:

  • training in criminal or civil investigative principles and techniques
  • researching regulations and other pertinent directives, and analyze data, issues, and information that support project recommendations or work assignments
  • interpreting and applying pertinent regulations and manuals governing written communication in order to prepare written materials which communicate the intended information
  • presenting facts, issues, and positions that convey the intended information with the appropriate diplomacy and emphasis
  • assisting in physical search of suspects, vehicles and immediate surroundings for weapons, dangerous drugs, and other contraband and evidence
  • conducting investigations or administrative reviews associated with trade, travel, finance and immigration
  • conducting investigations or administrative reviews within cyber systems and networks
-OR-

A bachelor's degree in any degree from an accredited university or college AND meet one of the Superior Academic Achievement Provisions:
  • Maintained a grade-point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study OR
  • Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision OR
  • Be a member of a national honor (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Please submit a college transcript(s) showing your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses.
  • NOTE: GPA's are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society
-OR-

One full year of full-time graduate level education from an accredited university or college. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours from an accredited university or college will satisfy the one year of full-time study requirement.

- OR -

A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

GL-9 QUALIFICATIONS:

To qualify for the GL-9 grade level, applicants must have one of the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-07 level in the Federal government performing duties such as:
  • conducting search and seizures and apprehending and detaining suspects
  • communicating effectively in writing in order to prepare investigative chronology, affidavits, criminal complaints, operational plans, and other law enforcement documents
  • participating in various phases of investigations and understanding of progressively more complex interrogation and debriefing techniques
  • applying complex investigative methods in order to recognize, collect, and present evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, linkages and time elements, relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest, in a manner that meets requirements for criminal and/or civil prosecutions
  • utilizing surveillance techniques and procedures regarding the enforcement of laws and related statutes used in identifying, locating, investigating and arresting individuals
-OR-

A master's degree (or equivalent graduate degree such as a L.L.B/J.D.) or two full academic years of progressively higher graduate level education from an accredited university or college leading to such a degree.

- OR -

A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

National Service Experience: 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; teaching, 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency in accordance with agency policy is mandatory.

Requirement to Testify: If you are selected for this position, you will be required to testify at court. Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment.

HSI Special Agent Basic Training: A mandatory component of continued employment is the successful completion of Basic Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the HSI Special Agent Training Program (HSISAT). The training is approximately 22 weeks in total. You may be temporarily reassigned to a non-law enforcement position if you fail to complete basic training.

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): A pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT-P) will be administered. A PASSING score will be required in order to continue in the hiring process. Additionally, PFTs will also be administered at FLETC during the HSI Special Agent Basic Training. Every trainee must PASS the PFT a minimum of three times throughout the duration of training.

Age Requirement: The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection (PL 93-950 and 100-238). However, the age restriction may not apply to individuals who are qualified preference-eligible veterans or who are currently or have previously served in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d).

Mobility: You will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement and you may be reassigned to new location during your career based on the needs of the service. Assignment at your first duty station will be a minimum of 3 years beginning after successful completion of FLETC training.

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations.

Please see '"Additional Information" for additional requirements.

Education

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities 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. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost of consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations within the 30 SAC locations.

Geographic Locations: When you apply, you will be given the ability to identify one (1) geographic location preference. NOTE: This selection is a PREFERENCE only. The duty location will be determined based on the needs of the agency and availability of positions and funding. You may be offered any geographic location that falls within the area of responsibility for any of the 30 Special Agent in Charge (SAC) offices listed in this vacancy announcement. For example, if you select the Atlanta SAC, you may be offered a position in Birmingham, AL. When making your selection, you must be willing to work at any duty location that falls within that SAC's jurisdiction. If you decline the location offered, you will be removed from further consideration. ALERT: There is an error in the listed duty location of St. Paul, TX. This should read ST. PAUL, MN. If your duty preference is St. Paul, MN, please choose ST. PAUL, TX as your preferred duty location when you apply.

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.

Conviction of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).

Felony Conviction: You cannot have any Felony convictions to be considered for the Criminal Investigator position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by you is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C., § 1001).

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid state-issued driver's license at the time of appointment.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on your resume and supporting documentation to ensure the minimum experience and/or education requirements are met. Information on how to prepare a resume is available at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/.

Initial Unproctored Assessment: The initial group of applicants to be tested will receive a link by email to complete a candidate experience record and an automated writing assessment. A PASSING score is required for the writing assessment which evaluates an applicant's overall writing ability, organization, presentation of ideas, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. All applicants must complete this assessment. Prior writing sample scores will not be accepted.

Special Agent (SA) Test Battery: Applicants who PASS the writing assessment will be invited via email to schedule the proctored SA Test Battery. The SA Test Battery can be completed at more than 500 test centers nationwide (no international testing locations will be offered). The test will measure reasoning and logic, experience, and writing skills. Applicants must PASS the SA Test Battery to continue in the hiring process. Applicants who completed the SA Test Battery within the last 12 months and did NOT pass will not be allowed to retest. If you have passed the SA Test Battery in the last 12 months, your scores will be reused. All applicants should review the HSI Special Agent Test Battery Preparation Manual and other position requirements posted under "Application Process" at https://www.ice.gov/careers/criminal-investigator.

Interview: You will be required to attend an interview in person or telephonically.

Drug Test: You must complete and PASS a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.

Medical Requirements: Appointment will be contingent upon a selectee's PASSING a pre-employment medical examination to ascertain possession of the physical, emotional, and mental requirements for the position. A direct relationship exists between the physical and medical requirements and the strenuous and hazardous nature of the duties of this weapon carrying position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine or genitourinary systems that would impair full performance of the job duties is evaluated on a case by case basis and may be disqualifying. Since the duties of this position are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, you must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of this position or that would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others is disqualifying.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selectees must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for TOP SECRET clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. A polygraph may be administered.

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