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Criminal Investigator

Department of Homeland Security
DHS Headquarters
Federal Protective Service (FPS)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
11/15/2021 to 11/29/2021
Salary
$67,442 - $116,403 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Locations
Lakewood, CO
2 vacancies
Hartford, CT
1 vacancy
Washington, DC
3 vacancies
Atlanta, GA
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 6 to 10 nights per month 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
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
DE-11260939-22-RL
Control number
621772600

Duties

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This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Management Directorate, Federal Protective Service (FPS), Atlanta, Georgia, Boston, Massachusetts, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Grand Prairie, Texas, Hartford, Connecticut, Lakewood, Colorado, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, New York, New York, Newark, New Jersey, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, District of Columbia.The primary purpose of this position is to apply the full range of investigative knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct a wide range of extremely complex, sensitive, and national criminal investigations concerning major violations of the Federal law.

Duties performed:

  • Serves as case agent for interagency investigation and may lead teams of criminal investigators and other law enforcement officers (LEO) involved in the investigations.
  • Advises and guides lower-graded criminal investigators with the investigative techniques related to homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, threats, fraud, embezzlement, weapons, explosives violations and other Federal criminal violations.
  • Conducts and coordinates multi-stage and comprehensive investigations involving individuals, groups, or large organizations operating through several regional or national levels.
  • Prepares complex, in-depth law enforcement reports of investigation and intelligence studies and/or directs and coordinates working groups on significant law enforcement activities and intelligence issues that impact on functions and programs of regional significance.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • 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.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • A pre-employment drug test may be required.
  • 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.
  • DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • License required: Yes, driver's license
  • Pre-employment physical required: Yes
  • Bargaining Unit Position: Yes
  • Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
  • 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.
  • Essential Personnel Designation: This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of unscheduled leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
  • Drug Testing: This position is subject to random drug testing.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic AND Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.

Minimum Qualifications:
GS-11: Applicant must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties:

  • Conducting interrogations and interviews in order to elicit needed information to follow investigative leads;
  • Collecting and assembling facts in criminal investigations in order to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion;
  • Evaluating criminal intelligence utilizing criminal investigative techniques; and
  • Preparing investigative reports using proper grammar to formulate complete and clear thoughts.
OR

Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related, from an accredited college or university that provided the knowledge skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work.

OR

A combination of specialized experience (less than one year) and graduate education (beyond 2 years of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement.

GS-12: Applicant must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties:
  • Conducting criminal investigations in accordance with legal statutes, constitutional rights, arrest authority, and other relevant criminal investigative procedures;
  • Providing technical guidance to trainee Criminal Investigators and/or other law enforcement personnel on assigned investigations;
  • Identifying criminal trends to bring the investigation to a conclusion in order to present to the attorney; and
  • Presenting details to management officials and/or juries to provide the facts and conclusion of criminal investigations.
In addition, applicants will need to meet the below medical requirement.
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 sufficiently 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 permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 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 himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

NOTE:
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.

Position Requirements
Mobility Agreement:
This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect while assigned to this position as a criminal investigator.

Motor-Vehicle Operation: Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license. Motor vehicles must be driven and managed in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Federal Protective Service, (FPS) policies and guidance.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): Incumbent is subject to work unscheduled duty hours and must be available for unscheduled duty based upon the needs of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) of an additional 25% and is subject to the provisions of the LEAP Act of 1994.

Firearms Requirement: The incumbent must carry firearms and maintain proficiency in their care and use in accordance with FPS policy and standards.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position.

Training Requirement: Incumbent must successfully complete the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigator Training Program, or its equivalent.

Medical: The person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future.

Age Requirement: There Is a maximum entry age of the day before your 37th birthday (except for veterans' preference eligible) for entry into law enforcement officer positions. Applicants who have previously been employed in a Federal law enforcement officer position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 84l2(d) are not restricted from applying.

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.

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 consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Note: DHS continues to take necessary steps to keep our workforce safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive a final job offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance as a condition of placement in this Special-Sensitive position. This review includes 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.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or an official statement from your command if currently on active duty that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and the required supporting documents listed on that form. For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

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.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For information on eligibility criteria and required documentation, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.

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. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use an Assessment Questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education and training. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

  • Criminal Investigation
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Oral Communication
  • Technical Competence


Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Category Rating Procedures: If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
  1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis
  3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

The Category Rating Process does not add veteran's preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). Veteran preference eligibles will receive selection consideration before non-preference eligibles within each quality category.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11260939

DHS Headquarters

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. (Disable Veteran Leave )

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Agency contact information

Philadelphia Services Branch
Phone
215-861-3074
Email
Philadelphia@opm.gov
Address
Federal Protective Service
800 North Capital Street
Washington, DC 20009
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at DHS Headquarters, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://dhs.gov/

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