This office works within DOT to detect and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG reports to the Secretary and Congress and carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, and management advisories with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance. It conducts investigations into whether Federal laws and regulations were followed and reports suspected civil and criminal violations to the Attorney General.
Summary
This office works within DOT to detect and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG reports to the Secretary and Congress and carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, and management advisories with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance. It conducts investigations into whether Federal laws and regulations were followed and reports suspected civil and criminal violations to the Attorney General.
This job will close when we have received 200 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$111,896 to - $172,980 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
Phoenix, AZ
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for situational telework. Telework approval will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
Travel Required
25% or less - Travel required at least 25% of the time
Current Federal employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service; applicants with reinstatement eligibility; applicants eligible for appointment under special appointing authorities; special selection priority consideration under either the Career Transition Assistance Program or Interagency Transition Assistance Program for well-qualified displaced or surplus candidates
Independently plans and conducts criminal, civil, and administrative investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and other violations affecting Department of Transportation (DOT) programs and operations.
Establishes and documents DOT nexus, jurisdiction, and program impact of alleged violations.
Develops investigative case plans identifying allegation type, subjects/targets, evidence requirements, information sources, coordination needs, and investigative strategies; modifies plans as new information emerges.
Coordinates investigative activities with supervisors and appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agencies to ensure effective case development.
Collects, analyzes, and evaluates evidence from multiple sources, including financial and business records, to determine relevance, reliability, and admissibility.
Conducts interviews and interrogations of witnesses and subjects; develops investigative leads through document analysis, intelligence gathering, and surveillance.
Conducts authorized electronic and physical surveillance; serves subpoenas and executes searches, seizures, and arrests in accordance with applicable legal authorities.
Documents investigative actions and maintains accurate, timely records within the official case management system.
Prepares clear, concise, and legally sufficient written products, including reports of investigation, summaries, affidavits, subpoenas, memoranda, surveillance reports, and interview summaries.
Prepares investigative cases for presentation to prosecutors and management officials and provides testimony in judicial or administrative proceedings as required.
Performs frequent travel in support of investigative activities.
GS-13 Major Duties
Reviews allegations to determine criminal jurisdiction, Department of Transportation (DOT) nexus, and programmatic or financial impact; advises management on investigative merit and appropriate criminal enforcement action.
Plans, develops, and conducts complex and sensitive criminal investigations involving fraud, waste, abuse, and other violations; gathers, evaluates, and analyzes evidence to establish probable cause and support criminal prosecution.
Determines and articulates DOT nexus and criminal jurisdiction throughout the investigative process.
Develops, implements, and revises comprehensive investigative case plans, identifying the nature of criminal allegations; subjects and targets; coordination requirements with prosecutors and law enforcement partners; projected evidence needs; sources of information; and investigative steps, strategies, and timelines.
Exercises significant independence in determining investigative scope, depth, and priorities while coordinating with supervisory personnel regarding resource utilization and case direction.
Conducts or oversees advanced investigative techniques, including electronic and physical surveillance, undercover operations, execution of search and arrest warrants, and service of subpoenas.
Leads and coordinates criminal investigative activities with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and other prosecutorial authorities.
Independently conducts interviews and interrogations of witnesses, confidential sources, cooperating defendants, and subjects of investigations.
Analyzes complex financial, tax, accounting, and banking records to identify, document, and prove fraudulent schemes and related criminal activity.
Evaluates information to distinguish admissible evidence from hearsay or unreliable data and applies advanced analytical methods to identify criminal patterns and violations.
Documents investigative actions, findings, and evidence in accordance with criminal investigative standards and maintains accurate, timely records within the official case management system.
Prepares and reviews legally sufficient investigative reports, affidavits, and case packages for presentation to prosecutors and senior management.
Provides expert testimony before grand juries, courts, and administrative forums as required.
Performs frequent travel in support of criminal investigative operations.
Pre-employment drug testing and physical examination are required
You must meet the specialized experience to qualify
Successful completion of a background security investigation
Must possess and maintain a valid state DL to operate a motor vehicle
Required documents must be submitted by the closing date
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Selectee must relocate and fully reside within 60 miles from the regional office by the official start date.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT/PRE-APPOINTMENT DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it’s still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
(continued under 'Other Information')
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:
Securing facts and developing evidence in support of ongoing investigations
Conducting interviews,
gathering, reviewing and discerning evidence for use in charging defendants criminally
preparing fact-based written summaries in fraud and/or safety cases, with defendants having been charged or civil fines or penalties having been levied.
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:
Conducting interviews,
gathering, reviewing and discerning evidence for use in charging defendants criminally
preparing fact-based written summaries in fraud and/or safety cases, with defendants having been charged or civil fines or penalties having been levied.
Securing facts and developing evidence – independent of supervisor or prosecutor direction
Consistent record of defendants charged criminally or civil adjudications based upon lone or individual fraud cases or primarily as the lead in multiple fraud investigations.
Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:
GS:12
1. Investigative Planning & Case Management- Develops comprehensive investigative plans that clearly identify allegations, targets, legal posture, and investigative strategy.
2. Investigative Evidence Collection & Analysis- Correlates evidence from multiple sources to substantiate or refute allegations
3. Interviewing, Testimony & Interpersonal Skills- Conducts structured and effective interviews to elicit accurate and relevant information.
4. Written Communication- Produces well-organized, grammatically correct, and professionally formatted documents
5. Law Enforcement Operations & Compliance- Demonstrates knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and investigative authorities.
GS-13
1. Investigative and Analytical Skills- Analyzes complex evidence to determine probable cause or support findings.
2. Case Management and Organizational Skills- Prepares and maintains detailed case plans outlining scope, objectives, and evidence collection steps.
3. Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)- Produces grammatically correct, clear, and organized reports, affidavits, subpoenas, and summaries.
4. Coordination and Collaboration- Establishes productive working relationships with law enforcement partners and internal teams.
5. Judgment, Decision-Making, and Adaptability- Makes timely and sound operational decisions during fieldwork (e.g., surveillance, searches, arrests).
NOTE: All applicants who do not currently, or have in the past worked as a GS-1811 Criminal Investigator in a federal OIG office must clearly demonstrate in their on-line application, possession of the experience. Applicants who fail to clearly and specifically address this factor in their on-line application will not receive further consideration for the announcement.
Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information
Conditions of Employment Continued:
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS- The duties of this position in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying
Applicants must not turn 37 years of age before 30 days after the closing date of this announcement. If you are age 37 through 56 you must be eligible to retire at age 57 with 20 years of covered law enforcement service. All qualified veterans preference eligibles may apply and be considered for this vacancy regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C 3307.
You will be required to satisfactorily complete the criminal investigator training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center if selected and not yet completed.
You will be required to qualify and maintain qualification to carry and use government-owned firearms. You are ineligible for this position if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless the conviction was expunged, set aside, or you received a pardon. In most jurisdictions, you must be at least 21 years of age to carry a firearm.
This position is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.
This is a primary position that meets the early law enforcement retirement provisions of both the Civil Service and the Federal Employees Retirement Systems.
Best qualified candidates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel expenses in conjunction with any required interviews, unless they are already employed by the Office of Inspector General at the U. S. Department of Transportation.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases to determine how you move forward in the hiring process.
Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.
Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements for merit promotion consideration. TIG is the 52-week requirement Federal employees in competitive service, General Schedule (GS) positions at GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.
Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed below, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for 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 must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section).**Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed: job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation (documented within the last 18 months of employment) and 2) a list of any awards (e.g., superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last three years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is unavailable and indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at a satisfactory or above level.
Transcripts Verifying Basic Education Requirement (if applicable) - You must submit unofficial or official transcripts verifying you meet the Basic Education Requirement. Ensure that the degree awarded and confer date are clearly stated on the transcript(s).
Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held. All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.
Non-competitive eligibles - must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., SF-50 documenting the full performance level of a position held on a permanent basis).
DD-214 and/or Vet Letter/SF-15 - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04) and Vet letter. The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
VEOA - Preference Eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing an initial three-year term may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). All veterans applying under the VEOA authority must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the CTAP or ICTAP, a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors
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.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section).**Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed: job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation (documented within the last 18 months of employment) and 2) a list of any awards (e.g., superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last three years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is unavailable and indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at a satisfactory or above level.
Transcripts Verifying Basic Education Requirement (if applicable) - You must submit unofficial or official transcripts verifying you meet the Basic Education Requirement. Ensure that the degree awarded and confer date are clearly stated on the transcript(s).
Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held. All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.
Non-competitive eligibles - must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., SF-50 documenting the full performance level of a position held on a permanent basis).
DD-214 and/or Vet Letter/SF-15 - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04) and Vet letter. The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
VEOA - Preference Eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing an initial three-year term may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). All veterans applying under the VEOA authority must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the CTAP or ICTAP, a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors
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.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
