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Investigative Analyst (Criminal Analyst)

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

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 at 243 duty locations throughout the country to include the Headquarters National Capitol Region.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/10/2026 to 02/12/2026
Salary
$61,722 to - $100,315 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Birmingham, AL
Huntsville, AL
Mobile, AL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - Travel may be required to attend training.
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-12870526-DHA-JG
Control number
857118000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupation and is open to all U.S. citizens.

Duties

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As an Investigative Analyst (Criminal Analyst), at the full performance level, you will perform the following duties:

  • Support law enforcement operations and contribute to strategies to protect the homeland from criminals exploiting the customs and immigration laws of the United States.
  • Analyze and report on criminals, criminal conspiracies, and criminal networks.
  • Apply all-source research, collections, analysis, and reports to support complex criminal investigations by illuminating criminal networks.
  • Collaborate with fellow criminal analysts, criminal investigators, and inter-agency partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.
  • Mentor lower-grade criminal analysts on critical research, collections, and analytical processes and procedures.
  • Teach and enhance the Framework for Criminal Analysis.

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 background investigation.
  • 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.
  • Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Overtime work may be required to meet mission objectives.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
  • Mobility - May be subject to reassignment geographically or organizationally.
  • Travel may be required on occasions.

Qualifications

Limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Do not copy and paste the duties, selective placement factor, specialized experience, competencies, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

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

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-7 grade level or equivalent performing the following duties under the guidance and instruction of a higher-grade Investigative Analyst (Criminal Analyst) or equivalent:

  • Researching, compiling, and summarizing information and data, and drafting reports of analysis;
  • Researching and drafting graphics, charts, tables, matrices, maps, infographics and other illustrative devices;
  • Acquiring and applying knowledge of a broad variety of instructional materials, guides, and manuals to support collection and analysis of criminal intelligence information; and
  • Developing proficiency with law enforcement indices and/or internet-based open source, deep web, social media, and darknet sources of publicly available information.
Selective Placement Factor: Selective placement factors are applied in the same manner as minimum qualification requirements. Relevant selective placement factor experience must be well documented in your resume. Failure to meet a selective placement factor will result in you not receiving further consideration. In addition to the minimum qualifications described above, you must meet the following selective placement factor:
  • Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing information and data to conduct analysis of crime (crime analysis/analytics), criminals, criminal conspiracies, or criminal networks in direct support of civilian law enforcement criminal investigators or police detectives, that led to a criminal arrest, indictment, or other investigative action.
OR

Education:I possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an L.L.B./J.D., if related. 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: I have a combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience as described in the vacancy announcement. Combinations are computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Only graduate education beyond the first year may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-09 for the combination. Graduate education must be from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Training: You will be required to complete the Homeland Security Investigations Criminal Analyst Training (HSICAT), which is hosted by HSI Office of Intelligence. The course is designed for ICE Criminal Analysts (CAs), providing them with the basic skills necessary to be an effective and successful CA while supporting DHS and ICE missions. This agency specific CA training must be completed according to the standards of HSI Office of Intelligence. Failure to do so will be grounds for mandatory removal from position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures.

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.

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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, quarter and semester hours earned, the institution's full name, and your full name. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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 of your application.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in loss of consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

***Prior to the final job offer, an official transcript will be required.***

Additional information

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.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

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.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

To ensure the SPF, specialized experience, and competency requirements listed for this job are met, applicant resumes and supporting documentation will be reviewed and evaluated by a trained panel of subject matter experts (SMEs).

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials may result in your removal from consideration. Copying and pasting, restating, or rephrasing the duties, selective placement factor, specialized experience, competencies, or occupational assessment questionnaire will not be considered as demonstration of requirements, and will result in your removal from consideration.

Applicants who meet qualification requirements will have their application materials assessed for relevant work experience demonstrating the following competencies:

  • Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to accurately generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
  • Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
  • Technology Application: Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.
Results of the competency evaluation will be used to determine the final pass/fail status of each applicant. Passing applicants must demonstrate possession of all four critical competencies.

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

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). Staffing Policy View information on veterans' preference.

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