This position is with Office of Inspector General's Office of Investigations (OI) in Herndon, Virginia, and Lakewood, Colorado, in the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU). As a Criminal Investigator / Digital Forensic Examiner, you will be responsible for completing a wide variety of investigative and technical tasks in support of the OIG's mission. You will be required to demonstrate expert-level skills in data and forensic analysis, investigative techniques, tools, and practices.
Summary
This position is with Office of Inspector General's Office of Investigations (OI) in Herndon, Virginia, and Lakewood, Colorado, in the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU). As a Criminal Investigator / Digital Forensic Examiner, you will be responsible for completing a wide variety of investigative and technical tasks in support of the OIG's mission. You will be required to demonstrate expert-level skills in data and forensic analysis, investigative techniques, tools, and practices.
Current or former career or career-conditional Federal employees in the competitive service; VEOA; Interchange agreement; Non-Competitive special hiring authority; Current or former time-limited employees eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act; Peace Corp/Vista and CTAP/ICTAP eligible's
As a Criminal Investigator, GS-1811-14, you will perform the following major duties:
As a Criminal Investigator / Digital Forensic Examiner, you are responsible for providing a wide variety of investigative and technical tasks to assist with the operation of the OIG's digital forensics and computer crimes program, provides technical support for the investigation of network intrusion and cybersecurity incidents, and implements a variety of programs in support of the investigative and audit missions.
Provides a wide variety of forensic and scientific support to assist in criminal, civil, and administrative investigations, coordinating and performing a wide range of specialized activities required in addressing technology crimes and digital evidence issues; and collects, preserves, and analyzes electronic records from multiple sources in a forensically sound manner.
Utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to discover and analyze deleted or "hidden" information that may serve as useful evidence in a criminal, civil or administrative case; handling, identifying, and collecting computer-related evidence; determining other avenues of technical or professional help available; and determining whether data recovery or media analysis activities merit further technical assistance.
Examines digital evidence to find potentially relevant information, writes clear technical reports to document findings, testifies in court as needed as a digital forensics expert; assists in the acquisition of appropriate hardware and software; troubleshoots and makes recommendations for workflow and process improvement, follows, and supports CCU in refining the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to ensure digital forensic activities are performed in a scientifically valid manner.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
May be subject to initial and random drug testing.
May be required to complete a one year probationary period.
OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report may be required.
Time-in-grade requirement - Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
Complete the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, or its equivalent.
This position is a primary law enforcement position under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (C) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C 8412 (D) (FERS). You must be no more than 37 years of age upon entry into the GS-1811 series, unless the applicant has previous service creditable under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) law enforcement provisions sufficient to enable you to retire at age 57 with 20 years of creditable service. Persons already in covered secondary positions or with previous approved service who apply for a primary position cannot be considered if their age at reentry into the primary position exceeds 37 years after subtracting their years of service in covered positions. Applicant must provide evidence of current or previous coverage that would qualify. This age restriction does not apply to those entitled to Veteran's Preference.
Criminal Investigators under the 1811 occupational series are eligible for law enforcement availability pay (LEAP), not to exceed 25% of the rate of basic pay.
Selectee will be required to qualify to carry and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and maintain such qualification.
Applicants are ineligible for this position if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.
Selectee must meet the initial agency suitability determination (i.e. local police checks, review of past employment data, review of Query National information Center report, results of special agency check, etc.) before a final offer can be made.
Medical Requirements for 1811 occupational series may be found here.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Minimum Qualifications GS-14:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing all of the following:
Independently gather evidence related to forensic data recovery and provide assistance to an Incident Response Team regarding network intrusions
Provide digital forensic support to investigations in the form of evidence collection, digital forensic analysis, and search warrant operations.
Perform investigative functions in Windows, Apple, Linux, and mobile operating systems architecture.
Independently performs law enforcement operations such as: evaluate requests for subpoenas, search warrants, arrest warrants in connection with the production or seizure of electronic evidence, and digitally stored evidence. AND
Independently writes clear technical reports to document findings, testifies in court as needed as a digital forensics expert.
Education
There's no education requirements for this position
Additional information
Applicants must meet initial and periodic suitability determinations based on favorable background investigations and updates.
Additional selections may be made within 90 days from the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
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.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their possession of the following competencies:
After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume per Category Rating or Numerical Scoring procedures to ensure that qualification and eligibility requirements are met. If we use the Category Rating procedure, and it is determined that you meet the minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified based on the degree that your application demonstrates possession of:
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.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required) -Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section). Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed:job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information. SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Documenting proof of status, tenure, position, grade level, and step. Please do not submit award SF-50s as they do not provide the needed information. Performance Appraisal and Awards - While not required, due weight will be given to appraisals and awards submitted during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Such documents will not be used in determining if you meet the experience requirements.CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility -Such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Veteran's Preference Documentation -If applying under VEOA, you must include your DD-214 member 4 copy, SF-15, and VA letter (if applicable). If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your unit which states the date you entered active duty and the date you are separating. Your separation date must be within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Interchange Agreement/Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM/Special Hiring Authorities/Former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers: If you are applying for this position based on this eligibility submit proof of eligibility (SF-50 non-award) with your application in order to be considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
Military Spouse - If applying as a Military Spouse Eligible under E.O. 13832 and you are a spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty, the spouse of a 100 percent disabled member of the armed forces, and/or the spouse of a deceased member of the armed forces you must submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility which may include the following:
Verification of the marriage to the service member if not listed on orders (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
Verification of the member's 100 percent disability; and/or
Verification of the member's death while on active duty.
30% Compensable disabled veterans: If you are applying under this eligibility you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be considered non-competitively for Temporary or Term positions under this vacancy.
BLM: Under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) two groups of individuals are eligible to apply under this announcement: current and/or former employees serving or who have served under time-limited competitive appointments at land management agencies.- Current appointees: 1) must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; 2) must have served under one or more time-limited appointment(s) by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; and 3) must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
(Performance Appraisal Required).- Former appointees: 1) must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; 2) must have served under one or more time-limited appointment(s) by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; 3) must have separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; and 4) must have performed at an acceptable level through the service period (Performance Appraisal Required).
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a complete application package including a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the DOI OIG's Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 01/04/2022 to complete the following application process:
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide documentation of your vaccination status before your entry on duty date with Office of Inspector General. DOI will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of Office of Inspector General a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, the Office of Inspector General is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures provided by your Servicing Human Resources Office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the Department of the Interior's telework policy.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax at least two working days prior to 01/04/2022 . If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact HR Assistant at doioig_vacancies@doioig.gov to obtain an alternative application.
The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT DIVISION - OPS, CCU, IMU
381 Elden St.
Suite 3000
Herndon, VA 20170
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/
Note: If a determination is made that qualifications and/or experience have been inflated, your score will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified by email of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required) -Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section). Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed:job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information. SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Documenting proof of status, tenure, position, grade level, and step. Please do not submit award SF-50s as they do not provide the needed information. Performance Appraisal and Awards - While not required, due weight will be given to appraisals and awards submitted during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Such documents will not be used in determining if you meet the experience requirements.CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility -Such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Veteran's Preference Documentation -If applying under VEOA, you must include your DD-214 member 4 copy, SF-15, and VA letter (if applicable). If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your unit which states the date you entered active duty and the date you are separating. Your separation date must be within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Interchange Agreement/Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM/Special Hiring Authorities/Former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers: If you are applying for this position based on this eligibility submit proof of eligibility (SF-50 non-award) with your application in order to be considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
Military Spouse - If applying as a Military Spouse Eligible under E.O. 13832 and you are a spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty, the spouse of a 100 percent disabled member of the armed forces, and/or the spouse of a deceased member of the armed forces you must submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility which may include the following:
Verification of the marriage to the service member if not listed on orders (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
Verification of the member's 100 percent disability; and/or
Verification of the member's death while on active duty.
30% Compensable disabled veterans: If you are applying under this eligibility you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be considered non-competitively for Temporary or Term positions under this vacancy.
BLM: Under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) two groups of individuals are eligible to apply under this announcement: current and/or former employees serving or who have served under time-limited competitive appointments at land management agencies.- Current appointees: 1) must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; 2) must have served under one or more time-limited appointment(s) by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; and 3) must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
(Performance Appraisal Required).- Former appointees: 1) must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time-limited appointment with a land management agency; 2) must have served under one or more time-limited appointment(s) by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; 3) must have separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; and 4) must have performed at an acceptable level through the service period (Performance Appraisal Required).
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a complete application package including a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the DOI OIG's Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 01/04/2022 to complete the following application process:
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide documentation of your vaccination status before your entry on duty date with Office of Inspector General. DOI will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of Office of Inspector General a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, the Office of Inspector General is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement in accordance with the Department's reentry procedures provided by your Servicing Human Resources Office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days per pay period depending upon the terms of the Department of the Interior's telework policy.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax at least two working days prior to 01/04/2022 . If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact HR Assistant at doioig_vacancies@doioig.gov to obtain an alternative application.
The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT DIVISION - OPS, CCU, IMU
381 Elden St.
Suite 3000
Herndon, VA 20170
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/
Note: If a determination is made that qualifications and/or experience have been inflated, your score will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified by email of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
