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Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in multiple locations.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
03/07/2025 to 03/18/2025
Salary
$63,148 to - $144,031 per year
Pay scale & grade
GL 9 - 12
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
HSI-12703914-MP-CAC
Control number
833384800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current Federal employees in the competitive service who hold or previously held a non-temporary career or career-conditional appointment who are eligible for non-competitive appointment; Persons eligible for reinstatement, and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).

Duties

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As a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent), you will perform the following duties:

  • Serve as a Special Agent for interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations.
  • Conduct investigations of marked difficulty and responsibility associated with trade, travel, finance, and immigration for combatting illicit activities associated with individuals, businesses, employers, criminal organizations or criminal conspiracies, and cyber systems and networks.
  • Utilize a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities.
  • Apply knowledge of the trends, laws, and investigative case development, independently or in coordination with other law enforcement officers (LEOs) or agencies to accomplish work.
  • Prepare written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations.

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

At the 9 grade level salary will reflect GL pay scale.

At the 11-12 grade level salary will reflect GS pay scale.

You have the opportunity to identify two location preferences Special Agent in Charge (SAC) office area of responsibility. Note that multiple duty locations fall within the area of responsibility (AOR) of each SAC office. Please view the duty locations within each SAC AOR here. Your location preferences are NOT guaranteed. The duty locations offered will be based on the needs of the agency. If you decline the duty locations offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration.

This announcement is open until September 08, 2025. Applicant lists will be pulled 30 days after the opening date. Additional applicant lists will be issued based on the needs of the agency.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Time in Grade: Time in grade restrictions must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of service equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position to be filled
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • This position requires the selectee 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 022 (g)(9)).
  • Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
  • Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation which may include a polygraph examination.
  • If referred for a polygraph, you would be required to travel at your expense to take a polygraph exam.
  • Travel: You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice.
  • Medical Requirements: You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally able to perform the duties of the position. You must comply with ICE's policies, procedures and applicable law related to such medical and fitness standards.
  • Proof of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility required.
  • The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection consideration (certain exclusions apply).
  • You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station.
  • You will be required to testify at court. Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment.
  • ICE Criminal Investigators may use deadly force when necessary, in accordance with the law and agency policy.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

  • Conducting investigations, with close guidance and oversight of a supervisor, in one or more investigative specialties such as narcotics, bulk cash smuggling, money laundering, financial crimes, human trafficking, fraud, international trade, or general criminal investigations.
  • Performing a variety of federal, state, and local database queries for the purpose of gathering information on criminal histories.
  • Assisting higher graded agents or specialists with obtaining evidence.
  • Conducting interviews with suspects and witnesses.
  • Assisting in the preparation of investigative reports for prosecution or administrative action.
OR
Education: A master's (or equivalent graduate degree such as a L.L.B/J.D.) or 2 academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Assisting in conducting investigations such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, production of, and distribution of child pornography, and/or child sex tourism and high technology crimes. Assisting in conducting investigations such as those involving computers, networks, and servers to identify potential transnational criminal activities, commercial fraud, intellectual property theft, illegal trade practices, transnational criminal gangs, VISA security programs, identity and benefit fraud, human rights violations and war crimes, cultural property/arts and antiquities, and worksite enforcement. Developing and enhancing inter-agency cooperation with other governmental and private sector entities. Conducting interviews and interrogations of suspects, witnesses, and informants with guidance.
OR
Education: Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or LL.M if related, or possess three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience as described in A above that totals at least one year. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Conducting investigations such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, production of, and distribution of child pornography, and/or child sex tourism high technology crimes.
  • Conducting investigations such as those involving computers, networks, and servers to identify potential transnational criminal activities, commercial fraud, intellectual property theft, illegal trade practices, transnational criminal gangs, VISA security programs, identity and benefit fraud, human rights violations and war crimes, cultural property/arts and antiquities, and worksite enforcement.
  • Increasing and enhancing inter-agency cooperation with other governmental and private sector entities.
  • Conducting interviews and interrogations of suspects, witnesses, and informants.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience):
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.

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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations. Pay retention and automatic re-promotion will not apply. You will be required to complete 52 weeks at each grade level prior to being eligible for promotion or re-promotion. Current ICE 1811s will not be considered for change to lower grade, promotion, or reassignment from this announcement.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Education

HSI Special Agent Basic Training: A mandatory component of continued employment is the successful completion of Basic Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the HSI Special Agent Training Program (HSISAT). The training is approximately 22 weeks in total. You may be temporarily reassigned to a non-law enforcement position if you fail to complete basic training.

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): A pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) will be administered. A passing score is required. If you have failed a PFT, you are not eligible for consideration for 12 months from the closing date of the announcement in which you applied that required the PFT. Additionally, a PFT will also be administered at FLETC during Basic Training. Every trainee must pass the PFT during training.

Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing which you may be required to submit to and successfully complete as a pre-employment requirement. If referred for polygraph testing, you will be required to travel to a testing location at your own expense. If you previously had an unsuccessful polygraph examination administered by ICE within the last 365 days, ICE will use those results which will remove you from continuing in the hiring process.

Medical Requirements: Click here for information about the medical process. You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position.

Applicants currently serving in the ICE Criminal Investigator position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion, or transfer purposes. Applicants who are hired as Criminal Investigators with ICE after the closing date of the announcement will be removed from further consideration under this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date of this announcement. Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a Criminal Investigator position with the Department of Homeland Security. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection consideration. to the Criminal Investigator position (DHS Directive 253-03). However, the age restriction may not apply to individuals who are qualified preference-eligible veterans or who are currently or have previously served in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

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. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Conscientiousness
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Decision Making
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Oral Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Writing

Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

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