The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is looking for energetic, innovative, solution-oriented professionals to help the ATF team succeed in our responsibilities to reduce violent crime and protect the public.
Summary
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is looking for energetic, innovative, solution-oriented professionals to help the ATF team succeed in our responsibilities to reduce violent crime and protect the public.
Well-qualified surplus/displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) in the local area and current/former Federal employees in permanent competitive service positions (status candidates). VEOA eligibles and those eligible for non-competitive appointment under a special hiring authority.
Organizational Location: This position is with the Bureau of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Field Operations.
Location is negotiable upon final selection. You will be asked for your location preferences once all pre-employment process have been completed. ATF will have the final determination based on the needs of the agency.
The Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.
In this position you will serve as a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) performing the below duties:
Planning and conducting criminal investigations, operations, searches, seizure, or arrests.
Using undercover operations to purchase contraband, observe illegal activities, or obtain additional intelligence.
Assisting in enforcing criminal violations within the scope of ATF's enforcement activities.
Participating in public relations activities.
Obtaining evidence sufficient to justify probable cause of issuing a warrant.
Observing suspects habits and movements to determine the source of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, explosives, bombs, or component parts.
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day for selection consideration. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are a preference-eligible veteran or if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). (After subtracting the years/months of prior Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, applicants must be less than 37 years of age).
Must have completed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Criminal Investigator Training Program or equivalent.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must have a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain a Top-Secret clearance for this position.
You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency.
Mobility Agreement: You must sign a mobility statement and agree to be relocated at any time to any office in the United States, to include U.S. territories. All candidates will be required to perform a minimum of 3-5 years at their initial duty station.
Qualifications
Experience:
You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS/GL-7), performing duties such as:
Serving subpoenas, arrest, and search warrants
Conducting interviews, interrogations of suspects and witnesses
Providing status reports of ongoing criminal investigations to higher level management
OR
You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS/GL-9), performing duties such as:
Preparing and executing subpoenas, arrest, and search warrants
Conducting criminal investigations related to illegal weapons, tobacco, explosives
Preparing case reports from evidence gathered and working with the U.S Attorney Office regarding criminal charges
OR
You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS/GL-11), performing duties such as:
Conducting criminal investigations related to illegal weapons, tobacco, explosives
Serving as an undercover agent observing illegal activities to obtain intelligence for ongoing criminal investigations
Testifying for the government regarding criminal investigations in court or before grand juries
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.
Education Substitution:
GL-9: A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Public Affairs; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science, a J.D. or an LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.
OR
GS-11: A Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Law Enforcement; Criminology; Fire Science; Homeland Security or an LL.M. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.
Combining Experience and Education: To combine your education and experience, you must convert each to a percentage, and then add the percentages. The combined total of your percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100% in order to qualify. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, you must divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by the required number of months of experience. Add your percentages of education and experience. The two percentages must total at least 100%.
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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Drug Testing: You must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. More information on the ATF Drug Policy can be found here.
Medical Examination: Individuals must meet the established medical standards and/or physical requirement for the position, proving they are medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely.
Polygraph Examination: You will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination. Applicants who have significant responses or who manipulate the polygraph process will be removed from the hiring process. Researching polygraph is unnecessary and highly discouraged, as many websites recommend methods that, if employed, may be deemed as a manipulation of the polygraph process.
Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action or removal from Federal Service.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in DOJ with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your DOJ component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position, You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility here
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility here
Additional information
Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): As a law enforcement officer you will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. These positions require substantial overtime to include holidays, weekends and nights. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is calculated at a flat rate of 25 percent of base salary.
Federal Law Enforcement Retirement Coverage 12(d): Criminal Investigators are covered under the provisions of both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) 6 (c) or the Federal Employees Retirement System and 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer are eligible for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the Federal government) are eligible for law enforcement retirement at any age with at least 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least 20 years of service as law enforcement officers are subject to mandatory retirement under both retirement systems. If you are a preference eligible veteran, additional opportunities may be available to you; you may find additional information at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
Residency: DOJ requires that during three of the last five years you have either: resided in the United States, worked for the United States in a foreign country in a Federal, military, or federally sponsored capacity, and/or been a dependent of a Federal or U.S. military employee in a foreign country. You may be asked to provide sufficient documentation to meet this residency requirement.
Background Investigation: You will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to employment. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions, the use of illegal drugs and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Failure to submit a complete application will result in disqualification.
If you are found minimally qualified for the position, you may be invited to move forward in the hiring process.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) - VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
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.
Your resume: A resume is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, will be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link.
Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
Are you a current or former federal employee? If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
Proof of Age/Special Retirement Coverage Documentation, if applicable:
(1) You are required to provide sufficient documentation to determine proof of age.
(2) For reentry into a primary covered position, you must also provide sufficient documentation (SF-50s) to show length of service in a previous covered law enforcement officer position.
Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your rank, expected type of discharge and anticipated date of separation. For more information, please click here.
CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection); a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2023 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other."
You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 09/30/2023.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
We will assess your experience and training based off your resume and/or education to determine those who meet the minimum qualification. Those who are found to meet the minimum qualifications will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:
Phase II (selection). Must pass all assessment requirements to be considered for Phase II.
Selection Panel
Tentative Job Offer
Phase III (Onboarding). Must pass all onboarding requirements before receiving final job offer.
Background Investigation
Polygraph Examination
Drug Screening
Medical Examination
Final Job Offer.
You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed and if you have been referred to the hiring manager for selection. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We do not provide status update via email inquiry from applicant. You may check your status on USAJOBS. We kindly ask that you do not contact our office to inquire about your application status. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.
Special Notes:
-This is an open continuous announcement qualified applicants will be considered every 30-45 days until the closing date.
-This announcement is being used to create an inventory of applicants for Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions and will be used to fill immediate and future needs.
-Your application will remain in the inventory of tentatively qualified applicants. Applicants that are among the best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for consideration as requests to fill vacancies are processed by the Human Resources Office. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume: A resume is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, will be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link.
Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
Are you a current or former federal employee? If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
Proof of Age/Special Retirement Coverage Documentation, if applicable:
(1) You are required to provide sufficient documentation to determine proof of age.
(2) For reentry into a primary covered position, you must also provide sufficient documentation (SF-50s) to show length of service in a previous covered law enforcement officer position.
Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your rank, expected type of discharge and anticipated date of separation. For more information, please click here.
CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection); a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2023 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other."
You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 09/30/2023.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
We will assess your experience and training based off your resume and/or education to determine those who meet the minimum qualification. Those who are found to meet the minimum qualifications will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:
Phase II (selection). Must pass all assessment requirements to be considered for Phase II.
Selection Panel
Tentative Job Offer
Phase III (Onboarding). Must pass all onboarding requirements before receiving final job offer.
Background Investigation
Polygraph Examination
Drug Screening
Medical Examination
Final Job Offer.
You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed and if you have been referred to the hiring manager for selection. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We do not provide status update via email inquiry from applicant. You may check your status on USAJOBS. We kindly ask that you do not contact our office to inquire about your application status. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.
Special Notes:
-This is an open continuous announcement qualified applicants will be considered every 30-45 days until the closing date.
-This announcement is being used to create an inventory of applicants for Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions and will be used to fill immediate and future needs.
-Your application will remain in the inventory of tentatively qualified applicants. Applicants that are among the best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for consideration as requests to fill vacancies are processed by the Human Resources Office. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
