Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open for 14 days OR to the first 100 applicants who apply. If 100 applicants apply prior to the closing date, the vacancy will be closed the day the number of applicants is reached.

This position is located within the Investigative Technology and Analytics Division (ITAD) and support the mission of the Office of Investigations.  The incumbent serves as the Director of the Digital Forensics Lab and has some of the various duties that may include:

• Plan, organize, supervise, and conduct difficult and complex criminal investigations of alleged violations of Title 18, U.S. Code, such as fraud against the government, bribery, conflict of interest, improper and false claims, collusion, misuse of funds, conversion of government property, embezzlement, kickbacks, and other Federal statutes covering fraudulent activities; and the effects on the operations of the Department/USAGM.

• Act independently, under the general direction of the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (AIGI) and Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (DAIGI), Investigative Technology and Analytics Division (ITAD) to independently plan, organize, supervise, and conduct complicated criminal investigations that often concern senior career and appointed U.S. Government officials, as well as foreign citizens, both here and abroad. Accordingly, the incumbent must use tact and discretion, as these investigations are very frequently difficult to do and may be without precedence and may be in hostile environments.

• Evaluate information reported through developed or reported leads to identify the issues involved and the types of evidence that are needed to prove or disprove the allegation. Perform record searches, review, and analyze contracts and business records, interview witnesses, develop informants, and conduct surveillances to establish the truth of the facts and facilitate the detection, identification, and prosecution of persons who violated or are attempting to violate the law. Coordinate investigative and prosecutive activities with Federal, State, and local agencies, as necessary. Write detailed reports of findings to be used in criminal, administrative, or civil proceedings. Testify to investigative findings, as necessary, and assist authorities in the development and execution of judicial and/or administrative plans.

• Due to the digital forensics specialty of this position, the incumbent will supervise INV operational technology support by evaluating overall ITAD work load, staff workload and the importance of the support request. The incumbent then makes time sensitive assignments and follows up with staff to ensure the work is proceeding in a timely manner. The incumbent will conduct reviews verifying the integrity of staff work product and provide immediate feedback to ensure an error-free final work product.

• Prepare written performance appraisals on subordinate employees. Review applications for vacancies, interview candidates, and make selections. Determine the need for personnel actions. Hear and resolve internal grievances and complaints. Determine and initiate required disciplinary actions. Approve leave. Provide advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on administrative and work matters. Ensure a continuing affirmative application of Department/USAGM policies concerning equal opportunity.

• Further Equal Employment Opportunity by demonstrating fairness in recommendations for appointment and sensitivity to the development needs of all employees. Incumbent recognizes employees' achievements and demonstrates fair treatment of all individuals.

Conditions of employment

• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Must pass a pre-employment medical examination
• New supervisors must serve a 1-year probationary period
• Travel: Occasional Domestic and International travel may be required, 25%.
• Financial Disclosure Required: Annual OGE Form 450.
• Certification Required: CFCE, EnCE, ACE OR MiCFE. (description documents)
• Incumbent must possess & maintain a valid driver's license.

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement.  Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications.

Certifications Required: Must possess at least one of the following certifications:
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists, Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CFCE)
• Guidance Software, Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
• AccessData, AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
• BlackBag, Mac and iOS Certified Forensic Examiner (MiCFE)

Incumbent is required to successfully complete/previously completed one of the following:  the Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) course(s) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). As an alternative, this training requirement may be satisfied by certification of completion of a comparable course of instruction, such as the FBI Academy New Agent Training, DEA Basic Agent Training, or U.S. Army CID Special Agent Course.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent 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 922(g)(91)).

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement.

If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.  Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:  

• Experience planning, organizing, supervising and conducting complex Title 18 criminal investigations.  
• Experience evaluating information reported through developed or reported leads.
• Experience developing digital forensic policy and procedures.
• Experience coordinating investigative and prosecutive activities with Federal, state and local agencies.
• Experience writing affidavits and detailed reports of findings.
• Experience testifying to investigative findings.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

In addition, applicant's experience must also demonstrate that the candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Ability to assign, review, and supervise the work of others;
• Objectivity and fairness in judging people on their ability, and situations on the facts and circumstances;
• Ability to adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress;
• Willingness to consider new ideas or divergent points of view; and
• Capacity to "see the job through."

AGE REQUIREMENT: All applicants, except preference-eligible veterans, MUST be no more than 37 years of age upon entry into this position.  If you are 37 or older, or will reach your 37th birthday, but have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement position which may exempt you from this age restriction, you must submit a copy of the SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that you received in that position. If you are a preference-eligible veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or eligibility letter verifying your veteran's preference eligibility.

Candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications.  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 922(g)(9).

This position requires the incumbent to work an average of two or more Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) hours per scheduled workday, which may include evenings, nights and weekends.  The hours worked will vary depending on the nature of the assignment.

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 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. Average loss of no more than 30 dB in each ear at 500, 1000, and 2000 HZ.  Loss of no more than 40 dB at 2000 HZ. Test performed without hearing aids.  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.  The incumbent must pass periodic physical examinations, meet physical standards set by the Agency for the position, and otherwise fulfill the requirements for law enforcement positions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c).

Prior to appointment, the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and pass a medical examination reviewed by an authorized government physician.

TRAINING: Must successfully complete OR have successfully completed the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA; or equivalent training AND the Inspector General Investigator Training Program (IG-ITP) at the Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy.  Candidates will be required to sign a Training Agreement attesting to their understanding that failure to successfully complete the training will result in removal.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) and other characteristics that are relevant to the duties of this position and must be fully supported by information in your resume:

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of criminal and/or civil investigations, laws of evidence, rules of criminal procedure and precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agency regulations and related laws, requirements, procedures, and precedent court decisions.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing information in order to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information or evidence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in applying digital forensic investigative techniques and resources.
• Ability to lead and teach others.
• Demonstrated skill in the preparation of reports and other complex technical material; 

Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. 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). Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. For assistance with creating a resume, please click here.

Qualified candidates are assigned a score between 70 and 100.  Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) candidates must be rated "Well Qualified" for the position and earn a score of at least 85 (when applicants are rated in a range of 70 to 100) to receive consideration for special priority.

If, after reviewing your resume and self-assessment questionnaire responses and a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, a score will be manually determined that reflects your documented experience.  This may result in a lower score, which may also eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements and submit any required supporting documentation by the closing date of this job opportunity. Your application package must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview.