Skip to main content
U.S. flag

Criminal Investigator

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters, NASA
Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Investigations (OI)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the Cyber Crimes Division (CCD).

CCD personnel are involved in conducting or supporting extremely sensitive investigations involving electronic and other crimes directed at NASA's communications systems and advanced technology programs. CCD investigations are international in scope or significance, and involve a wide range of issues affecting the infrastructure of the nation and NASA.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open date: 10/24/2022
Closed date: 10/28/2022
This job will close when we have received 300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
3 vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$68,636 - $138,868 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Announcement number
NASA OIG-11691424-DE-23
Control number
685125000

Videos

Duties

Help

As a Criminal Investigator (Cyber Crimes Division (CCD)) at the GS-1811-11 grade level, some of your typical work assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Resolves conflicts in the evidence by uncovering the facts or reconstructing information in order to develop the case more thoroughly.
  • Plans and conducts computer forensic acquisitions, digital evidence preservation, analysis and subsequent reporting in furtherance of the underlying investigation.
  • Maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies and computer or telecommunications organizations in the private sector.
  • Performs preliminary analyses of problem areas or situations identified through investigations, and develops recommendations for changes to internal rules or procedures.
As a Criminal Investigator (Cyber Crimes Division (CCD)) at the GS-1811-12 grade level, some of your typical work assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Plans and conducts computer forensic acquisitions, digital evidence preservation, analysis and subsequent reporting in furtherance of the underlying investigation.
  • Performs undercover operations that require establishing and maintaining a cover story and acquiring enough skill to pass as a person trained in a particular occupation.
  • Prepares investigative reports, with responsibility for effectively presenting (verbally and in writing) key aspects of the underlying investigation in sufficient detail and accuracy to aid in supporting criminal and/or administrative proceedings.
  • Conducts portions of comprehensive investigations or management surveys, sometimes involving delicate matters, issues, and problems under the direction of a senior investigator.
As a Criminal Investigator (Cyber Crimes Division (CCD)) at the GS-1811-13 grade level, some of your typical work assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Works with law enforcement entities as well as the Department of Justice where appropriate to generate successful investigations for all involved entities.
  • Maintains a fully functional level of familiarity and awareness regarding NASA's networked infrastructure, supported systems, services, as well as relevant NASA and broader Federal policies to ensure the identification and accurate interpretation of data relevant to the full range of investigations conducted by NASA OIG.
  • Logically organizes materials for submission as evidence at hearings or trials, following specific chain-of-custody and evidence control procedures and regulations to guarantee the accurate preservation of data and ensure its admissibility.
  • Provides on-site support and assistance to other OIG criminal investigators about computer crimes and forensic data recovery matters. Works with other case agents in the design and implementations of database systems to collect, screen, and manage large volumes of evidence pertaining to criminal investigations.
  • Maintains a fully functional level of familiarity and awareness regarding NASA's networked infrastructure, supported systems, services, as well as relevant NASA and broader Federal policies to ensure the identification and accurate interpretation of data relevant to the full range of investigations conducted by NASA OIG.
Vacancies available are located: 1 Vacancy located at Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, Maryland in Prince George's County) & 2 Vacancies located at Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, Alabama in Madison County)

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S
  • Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
  • You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation. This position will be subject to random drug testing after the applicant is hired.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial/probationary period.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Incumbent must be proficient in the use of assigned firearms/weapons, pass an initial qualification, and must continually qualify in the use of firearms/weapons.
  • Must meet the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.
  • This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid State Driver's License.
  • Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and physical fitness test and continue to successfully pass these two requirements annually.
  • This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the education and/or experience required for the grade level(s) to which you apply.

To qualify at the GS-11,12 and/or 13 grade level, you must meet the following:

To qualify for GS-11, you must have one year (12 months) of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent pay band performing the following duties:

  • Managing and progressing investigations related to alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal laws.
  • Conducting investigative efforts concerning computer systems, networks, and other digital technologies to collect digital evidence.
  • Providing elements of support to investigative matters both verbally and in writing.
OR

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.

OR

Combining Education and Experience.

Combination of education and experience is defined as having some specialized experience, but less than one year; and more than two years but less than three years of education. The total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education in excess of 36 hours (total semesters hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year (12 months) of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent pay band performing the following duties:
  • Preparing investigative reports summarizing investigative efforts and results.
  • Recognizing, developing, or presenting evidence to reconstruct events, sequences, time elements, relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest to ensure relevancy of investigation.
  • Providing advice and assistance during investigations and prosecutions, particularly regarding matters involving cybercrime and/or the identification, collection, or forensic analysis of digital evidence.
  • Collaborating with a diverse group of individuals to solve time sensitive and complex problems.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year (12 months) of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or equivalent pay band performing the following duties:
  • Preparing and delivering written reports and oral briefings for use by and presentation to management officials or federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to include attorneys or court officials.
  • Working independently, proactively, or with minimal direct supervision, to develop leads or opportunities for investigations.
  • Conducting or assisting in investigations involving developing facts and evidence, conducting interviews and interrogations.
  • Analyzing and evaluating data or investigative materials connected with allegations involving difficult problem areas or novel issues and prepares comprehensive investigative reports.
  • Serving as a subject matter expert (SME) within an agency or organization on matters involving cybercrime and/or the identification, collection, or forensic analysis of digital evidence.
When citing your experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your experience. If your resume does not support your application questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Medical Requirements: The duties of this position requires 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 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 too himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia, or equivalent federal law enforcement training.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AVAILABILITY PAY (LEAP): LEAP in the amount of 25% has been approved for this position. However, the biweekly maximum earnings limitation for LEO's in 5 U.S.C. 5547(c) applies.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous law enforcement position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 USC 8412(d) (FERS). Thirty-seven (37) years is the maximum entry age for covered primary law enforcement positions to meet the requirement of 20 years of service by the mandatory retirement age of 57. Persons not appointed by the last day of the month in which the individual reaches their 37th birthday shall not be originally appointed or assigned to these positions. Applicants who are age 37 or over may subtract any of their prior federal service that is in approved primary/rigorous positions and that is creditable for retirement from their current age to meet this age requirement. Applicants must provide proof of this creditable service prior to appointment. The maximum entry age may be waived for applicants eligible for veterans' preference.

Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries listed above are an approximation and are subject to duty station locality adjustment.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. However, for the GS-12 and GS-13 grade levels there are no substitutions.

If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a colleges or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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. These education credentials must be 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. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.

If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
- Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
- Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position
- Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

How you will be evaluated

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

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

NASA considers 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.

Headquarters, NASA

Explore the Extraordinary
Calling all the innovators, pioneers, visionaries, and adventurers! We are a diverse group of professionals united by a common purpose: to discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. We're building on our rich legacy by embarking on new and exciting missions, both on Earth and beyond and we're looking for fresh ideas to help us get there. Do you have a passion for exploration? Do you want your work to leave an enduring impact? Join us in a career that can take you farther than you can imagine. At NASA, our work is more than just a profession-it's a lifelong pursuit, a passion, and a chance to change the world. NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians and many other kinds of people working together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Explore the extraordinary, every day; explore a career at NASA!

Agency contact information

NASA OIG HR Office
Email
hq-oighr@mail.nasa.gov
Address
NASA Office of Inspector General
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
US

Visit our careers page

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

https://www.nasa.gov/careers

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.