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This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

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

Duties

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GS-07 Major Duties

Assists in developing cases for criminal, civil and administrative investigations by gathering evidence to establish violations of fraud, waste, abuse, and/or other suspected violations.

Drafts investigative case plans which includes: identifying the primary nature of the allegations (criminal, civil, administrative), specifying the focus of the investigation (subject/targets), considering coordination of investigative efforts with other authorities, projecting the type of evidence that will be required, determining possible sources of information and how to obtain the required facts, and projecting the investigative steps and strategies that should be employed. Works with senior criminal investigators to revise case plan as needed to reflect significant changes in focus or direction.

Documents the details and progress of all investigations and ensures the information is kept current and maintained in the case management system.

Prepares drafts for a variety of written products which are grammatically correct and in the correct format such as investigative summaries, periodic reports, reports of investigation, subpoenas, affidavits, memorandums of activity, surveillance reports, and interview summaries.

Distinguishes pertinent facts from hearsay and other inadmissible or unreliable information.

Develops leads through a variety of means.

Participates in interviews and interrogations of witnesses and targets of investigations with senior special agents.

Assists in serving subpoenas and conducting searches, seizures, and arrests.

Participates in electronic or physical surveillance in order to gather intelligence to either refute or substantiate allegations.

Analyzes evidence collected from a variety of sources including financial and business transactions.

GS-09 Major Duties

Develops cases for criminal, civil, and administrative investigations by gathering evidence to establish violations of fraud, waste, abuse, and/or other suspected violations. Reviews allegations to assess DOT nexus and impact.

Prepares investigative case plans which includes: identifying the primary nature of the allegations (criminal, civil, administrative), specifying the focus of the investigation (subject/targets), considering coordination of investigative efforts with other authorities, projecting the type of evidence that will be required, determining possible sources of information and how to obtain the required facts, and projecting the investigative steps and strategies that should be employed. Revises case plan as needed to reflect significant changes in focus or direction.

Assists management in determining the depth and scope of investigations.

Documents the details and progress of all investigations and ensures the information is kept current and maintained in the case management system.

Assists in preparing cases for presentation to prosecutors or management officials.

Prepares drafts for a variety of written products which are grammatically correct and in the correct format such as investigative summaries, periodic reports, reports of investigation, subpoenas, affidavits, memorandums of activity, surveillance reports, and interview summaries.

Distinguishes pertinent facts from hearsay and other inadmissible or unreliable information.

Develops leads through a variety of means.

Participates in interviews and interrogations of witnesses and targets of investigations.

Assists in serving subpoenas and conducting searches, seizures, and arrests.

Participates in electronic or physical surveillance in order to gather intelligence to either refute or purport allegations.

Analyzes evidence collected from a variety of sources including financial and business transactions.

GS 11- Major Duties

Prepares investigative case plans which includes: identifying the primary nature of the allegations (criminal, civil, administrative); specifying the focus of the investigation (subject/targets); considering coordination of investigative efforts with other authorities; projecting the type of evidence that will be required; determining possible sources of information and how to obtain the required facts; and projecting the investigative steps and strategies that should be employed. Revises case plan as needed to reflect significant changes in focus or direction.

Assists management in determining the depth and scope of investigations.

Prepares a variety of written products which are grammatically correct and in the correct format such as investigative summaries, periodic reports, reports of investigation, subpoenas, affidavits, memorandums of activity, surveillance reports; and interview summaries.

Coordinates investigative activities with a variety of law enforcement bodies.

Interviews and interrogates witnesses and targets of investigations.

Assists in serving subpoenas and conducting searches and seizures.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizen
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 65 miles from the duty 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-07 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

work in a trainee capacity or other position where knowledge of basic investigative or analytical techniques and methods was applied to determine case resolution.

Education: Completed one full academic year of graduate education (Master's level) (18 credits) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position such as public policy, law, political science, business administration, finance, or public administration.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Applicants that possess a percentage of the required specialized experience and a percentage of the required graduate level education such that, when the percentages of the required graduate education and specialized experience are added together, they equal 100%. (Only graduate education and only professional experience equivalent to the GS-5 or higher is creditable.)

OR

Superior Academic Achievement: You possess a BACHELOR'S DEGREE that is qualifying for this position that meets the criteria for eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement provision through one of the following methods. No more than 10% of academic credit can be based on pass/fail or similar non-traditional grading systems.

TO CLAIM SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (S.A.A): YOU MUST HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. THE DEGREE MUST BE CONFERRED. YOU CAN NOT CLAIM S.A.A WHILE STILL PURSUING A BACHELOR'S DEGREE UNLESS YOU HAVE OBTAINED A BACHELOR'S DEGREE ALREADY. THEREFORE, TO CLAIM S.A.A AND ALSO BE A PATHWAYS ELIGIBLE, YOU MUST HAVE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE WITH A 3.0 GPA OR HIGHER CONFERRED AND PURSUING A POST-GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE OR ANOTHER DEGREE SUCH AS AN ASSOCIATE'S, BACHELOR'S, MASTER'S OR DOCTORATE.

* 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum

* 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

(Grade-point averages will be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9)

* Upper 1/3 ranking in graduating class (you must submit proof with your application)

* National Scholastic Honor Society. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. (You must submit proof with your application)

To qualify at the GS-09 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:

experience with document reviews, interviews, preparing written materials and reports;
experience with researching legal documents and/or interviewing witnesses to verify facts and obtain specific pieces of information;
securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence;
completing case reports for case records

OR, a Masters or equivalent graduate degree in a related field,

OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B or J.D., if related.

You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience.

GS-11: To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:

experience conducting investigations and research;
conducting subject-matter expert interviews;
gathering documents and background information;
conducting sophisticated document reviews;
experience utilizing various investigative techniques to establish interrelationships of facts or evidence

OR, Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field,

OR, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

You can also qualify based on a combination of education and experience.

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.

Your questionnaire will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

Knowledge of Investigative Principles and Case Development
Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
Written Communication Skills
Research and Information Gathering
Interviewing and Investigative Support Skills

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.

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 responses to the announcement questionnaire and 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.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

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Resume (required) -

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.

For additional information see:

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:

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.

Help

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.

Agency contact information

Karen Muller

Phone: 202-366-1490
Fax: 571-258-4052
Email: Karen.Muller@oig.dot.gov

Address: 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.