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.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions and locations not listed on the JOA within for up to 240 days.
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.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions and locations not listed on the JOA within for up to 240 days.
Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution; Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation but are within six years from the date on which the requirements for their degree/academic course of study were completed.
This is a Recent Graduate appointment in the Pathways Program. Selected individuals are placed in a dynamic two-year development program in the excepted service designed to lead to a competitive civil service career in the Federal government. At the successful conclusion of this program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term (position lasting 1-4 years with an extension up to 120 days) or permanent position within the competitive service. Conversion to a Federal competitive service position will be at the discretion of the agency and is neither guaranteed nor implied.
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Field Operations.
Limiting Number of Applicants: It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration as this announcement will close on4/1/2024 at 11:59 p.m.ET or on the day we receive 1,000 applicants (whichever comes first.)
This position starts at a salary of $ $39,576.00 (GS-5, Step 1) to $63,733.00 (GS- 7, Step 10) with promotion potential to $134,435 (GS-13 Step 10).
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 an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) trainee performing the below duties:
Conducting investigations of firearms licensees and explosives licensees/permittees; investigations/inspections involving analyzing records, and referring leads identified involving firearms & explosives thefts to ATF Special Agents for further investigation.
Documenting and reporting discrepancies revealed from examining records and inventories; including evidence of falsification of records and inventories, suspicious purchases or potential trafficking uncovered in firearm transaction records reviewed.
Preparing reports detailing the facts found to document firearms licensee or explosives licensee/permittee is operating in accordance with the laws/regulations and making recommendations for further necessary action.
Verifying inventories utilizing intelligence databases to analyze records and examine business operations.
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).
Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain a Top-Secret clearance for this position.
Pass the below assessment hurdles:
Occupational Questionnaire
USA Hire Assessment
Structured Interview
Pass the below pre-employment requirements:
Drug Test
Background Investigation
Attend and successfully pass the below training:
IOI Basic Training Program
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.
Physical Requirement: Be able to lift up to 55lbs.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
GS-5: You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you havethree years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-04 performing duties such as:
Analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data, and recognizing solutions
Communicating effectively orally and in writing
OR
A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in ANY FIELD leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
GS-7: You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Examining documents, records for falsification, discrepancies
Reviewing laws and regulations pertaining to firearms, ammunition, and explosives
Utilizing databases to retrieve information, inventories and reports to assist in inspections
OR
Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university in a major such as: Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; Public Administration and/or Policy; Political Science. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours.
OR
A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science; Public Administration and/or Policy; Political Science with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). To qualify for SAA, you must meet one of the following:
A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in the applicant's major field of study, or those courses in the applicant's major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
NOTE: Your resume must indicate how you meet the qualifications above, otherwise, you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
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%.
Drug Testing: You must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. More information on the ATF Drug Policy can be found here.
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.
Residency: The Department of Justice (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.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Additional information
Conversion: At the successful conclusion of this program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. Conversion to a Federal competitive service position will be at the discretion of the agency and is neither guaranteed nor implied.
To be eligible for conversion, a Recent Graduate must: (1) complete at least two years of continuous service; (2) be a U.S. citizen; (3) demonstrate successful job performance (4) meet the qualification standards for the position to which converted; (5) receive a recommendation for conversion from the first-level supervisor; and (6) meet agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
IOI Basic Training: Industry Operations Investigators must complete and pass the 10-week IOI Basic Training program at the ATF National Academy. This program will prepare you with skills, aptitudes and competencies required to serve as an Industry Operations Investigator. More information on this program can be found here.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
Telework may be available on a regular recurring or situational basis.
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.
Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Ethical Obligations
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants.
Hurdle 1 - Occupational Questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position.
Hurdle 2 - USA Hire Assessment.
Hurdle 3 - Structured Interview rated by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule.
The structured interview will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.
The occupational assessment will be used to assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Oral Communication
Planning and Evaluating
Writing
The USA Hire Assessment will be used to assess the following competencies:
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10 point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify.
The initial occupational assessment and USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score on the occupational questionnaire will be invited to take the USA Hire Assessment and subsequently the Structured Interview. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use responses you provide on the occupational questionnaire, USA Hire assessments and Structured Interview required for this position to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training.
Your rating in the structured interview will be used to place you in one of the following categories:
Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF's and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
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
Your transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution with confer date listed. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of some accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
Five Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
Ten Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
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.
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.
Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements at the time of application.
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.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/01/2024.
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."
Federal Regulations state no ATF employee, his/her spouse, or his/her minor child shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest, including compensated employment, stock, or proprietary interest in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries. You should be aware that you may be asked to relinquish any ownership of or interests in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries before a determination can be made whether access to ATF information, information technology systems, and/or facilities can be authorized.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
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 and cut score from the occupational questionnaire will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:
Phase I (Assessment)
USA Hire Assessment
Structured Interview/Writing Sample
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.
Drug Test
Background Investigation
Phase IV (Enter on Duty)
Receive 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. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.
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
Your transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution with confer date listed. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of some accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
Five Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
Ten Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
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.
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.
Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements at the time of application.
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.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/01/2024.
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."
Federal Regulations state no ATF employee, his/her spouse, or his/her minor child shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest, including compensated employment, stock, or proprietary interest in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries. You should be aware that you may be asked to relinquish any ownership of or interests in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries before a determination can be made whether access to ATF information, information technology systems, and/or facilities can be authorized.
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
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 and cut score from the occupational questionnaire will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:
Phase I (Assessment)
USA Hire Assessment
Structured Interview/Writing Sample
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.
Drug Test
Background Investigation
Phase IV (Enter on Duty)
Receive 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. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
