This position is a Criminal Investigator Special Agent, GS- 1811-12/13 for the R9-Chief-Office of Law Enforcement.
As a Criminal Investigator Special Agent you will be responsible for serving as an investigator responsible for planning, directing, and independently conducting complex and highly sensitive investigations regarding laws, rules, regulations, and treaties administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Summary
This position is a Criminal Investigator Special Agent, GS- 1811-12/13 for the R9-Chief-Office of Law Enforcement.
As a Criminal Investigator Special Agent you will be responsible for serving as an investigator responsible for planning, directing, and independently conducting complex and highly sensitive investigations regarding laws, rules, regulations, and treaties administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
FWS- wide: Open to current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees serving under a Career or Career-Conditional appointment, Land Management eligibles, CTAP.
As a Criminal Investigator your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Conducts investigations that may involve large scale undercover operations to infiltrate the criminal network; the development and use of confidential informants; the use of intelligence information from multiple sources.
Leads, organizes and serves on multi-function teams to conduct extremely complex investigations and to address complex conservation issues with associated violations of federal wildlife laws and other federal states.
Performs a wide variety of other law enforcement activities on the most complex and sensitive cases such as raids, interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, making arrests, developing evidence for presentation, testifying in court, testifying before the grand jury and preparing detailed investigative reports.
Creates and maintains strong working relationships with high level enforcement counterparts including State law enforcement Chiefs, U.S. Attorney personnel, Federal enforcement agents and supervisors, and local police department Chiefs and Sheriffs.
Builds partnerships with foreign, Federal, state and local enforcement authorities, media representatives, NGO's, and private industry to obtain, secure, and exchange information and testimony.
Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Drug testing position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
Driver’s License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement or firefighter experience to be retirement eligible by the age of 57.
Mobility agreement required, which states that the candidate is completely mobile, will accept reassignments to any location, and that the candidate has no personal or family reasons which limit mobility in the future.
Criminal Investigators must, on an annual basis, work an average of 2 hours of unscheduled duty in excess of each regular workday to be eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is 25% of the annual base pay.
Position requires irregular and unscheduled hours, personal risks, arduous exertion under adverse environmental conditions, and overnight travel on a regular and recurring basis.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Critical Sensitive background clearance or higher.
Only experience and education obtained by 08/21/2024 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess Minimum Qualification.
Minimum Qualification GS-12
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates knowledge of the principles of criminal and/or civil investigations, laws of evidence, rules of criminal procedure and precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence; analyzing information in order to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information or evidence, to detect discrepancies in information or evidence, to detect discrepancies in information. I also have experience applying investigative techniques in order to interview suspects and witnesses, follow leads, develop and use informants, examine records, perform under-cover work, conduct surveillance, and establish facts or obtain evidence that will prove or disprove allegations; preparing reports; and collecting evidence.
Minimum Qualification GS-13
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the principles of criminal and/or civil investigations, laws of evidence, rules of criminal procedure and precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence; analyzing information in order to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information or evidence, to detect discrepancies in information or evidence, establish facts or obtain evidence that will prove or disprove allegations; and to plan and conduct investigations; experience must have also included applying investigative techniques in order to interview suspects and witnesses, follow leads, develop and use informants, examine records, perform under cover work, conduct surveillance, and prepare reports and other complex technical material that deal with the collection, protection and recording of evidence, the presentation of testimony and the retention of informational materials concerning illegal activities and practices.
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). 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.
Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"
Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.
The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).
Current appointees:
Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
Must have performed at an acceptable level.
Former appointees:
Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
Must apply for position within 2 years after separation;
Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
Must have performed at an acceptable level.
PCS INFORMATION:
No PCS entitlements authorized
Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.
Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Conditions of Employment:
DRUG TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required prior to appointment to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. Incumbent(s) will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized 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)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
37th BIRTHDAY: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form DD214 (DD-214) along with a Standard Form 15(if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. You must indicate your date of birth on your application/resume due to the age requirement of the position convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18 U.S.C., Section 1001).
Mobility Agreement: Candidates for this position must sign a mobility agreement. The agreement states that the candidate is completely mobile, will accept reassignments to any location, and that the candidate has no personal or family reasons which limit mobility or accept reassignments in the future.
Firearms: Qualify to carry and use firearms. Maintain a minimum 80% proficiency with assigned firearms throughout tenure.
Driver's License: Possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure. Required to operate motor vehicles and boats.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): Maintain requirements set forth in the Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) Act of 1994 and related Service policies. Criminal Investigators must, on an annual basis, work an average of 2 hours of unscheduled duty in excess of each regular workday to be eligible for LEAP, which is 25% of the annual base pay.
Travel: Be aware that the position often requires irregular and unscheduled hours, personal risks, arduous exertion under adverse environmental conditions, and requires overnight travel on a regular and recurring basis in order to accomplish the duties.
Applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon.
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.
All applicants must be performing at a fully successful level or higher in order to be considered for this position. Applicants must provide a current rating of record dated within the past 18 months at the fully successful or higher level. Applicants who do not have a current rating of record available must provide a reason and certify that their performance is acceptable, and they have not been advised that their performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications for this position. This vacancy utilizes a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle consists of applicants completing an online occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle consists of verification that your performance in your current position is acceptable, and you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Skill in applying fish and wildlife laws, rules, and regulations, including those dealing with import and export and search and seizure. This includes knowledge of wildlife statutes and corresponding case law such as the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Endangered Species Act, among others; and violations of federal laws that address smuggling, conspiracy, money laundering, and mail fraud.
Comprehensive knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of complex investigative, inspection, compliance, and/or protection principles, concepts, and practices; criminal and case law precedents; administrative and legal procedures; legal jurisdictions; a broad range of advanced investigative techniques, research methodologies, and statistical and financial analyses; and business practices common to regulated entities and parties.
Skill in written communication to establish the interrelationship of facts and evidence and to organize reports and presentations.
Skill in oral communication to present findings in clear, concise, and accurate briefings and presentations to a variety of audiences.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials may result in your removal from consideration.
Performance rating of record review: All applicants must provide a copy of their current performance rating dated within the past 18 months verifying their performance is at a fully successful level or higher. Applicants who do not have a current rating of record available must provide a reason and certify that their performance is acceptable, and they have not been advised that their performance is currently at an unacceptable level. Applicants who have an unsuccessful performance rating, or who have certified that their performance is not at an acceptable level will not be eligible for hiring consideration.
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.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.
If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
3. Performance Appraisal: Submit a copy of your most recent completed Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP) dated within the past 18 months. If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must provide a reason and certify that your performance is acceptable, and that you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible.
4. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 08/21/2024 , 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.
Required Documents:
1. Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Note: Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
2. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.
If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
3. Performance Appraisal: Submit a copy of your most recent completed Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP) dated within the past 18 months. If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must provide a reason and certify that your performance is acceptable, and that you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level.
Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter
2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.
3. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible.
4. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below: The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 08/21/2024 , 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
