Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Law Enforcement Specialist

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Enforcement and Removal Operations

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, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), in Williston, Vermont.These are non-bargaining unit positions.


Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/11/2026 to 03/17/2026
Salary
$41,567 to - $81,882 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Location
Williston, VT
Many vacancies
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
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
ERO-12897728-DHA-JFB
Control number
860604000

This job is open to

Help

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. Due to high volume of applicants, the first 50 applicants will receive first consideration. Additional applicants, beyond the first 50, may be considered, upon management's request.

Duties

Help

This position is located in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility, specifically the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC), in Williston, Vermont. The LESC serves as a national operations center by providing timely immigration status and identity information to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on aliens suspected, arrested or convicted of criminal activity. Apply for this exciting opportunity in furthering public safety and national security.

Note: This position is NOT a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), or law enforcement retirement covered position.

As a Law Enforcement Specialist, at the full performance level you will perform the following duties:

  • Collect and analyze precise, accurate information pertaining to aliens status and develop reports for dissemination;
  • Conduct and coordinate analytical assignments and/or research projects in support of investigations;
  • Evaluate and interpret findings for submission to engage in data analysis;
  • Analyze the impact of new regulations and directives on local operations and prepare complete and comprehensive written reports; AND
  • Represent the agency in outreach programs with various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

Help

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.

Qualifications

Please 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, specialized experience, 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-05 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to the GS-04 grade level that demonstrates the ability to:

  • Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions;
  • Plan and organize work; and
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing; OR
Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours;

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-05 grade level. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.

You qualify for the GS-07 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Determining which automated systems to search based on the nature of an inquiry;
  • Searching various databases to analyze and review information as requested;
  • Receiving and interpreting incoming telephone electronic and written inquiries to submit for higher level review;
  • Preparing written reports of findings; extracting information from files and flawlessly entering them into various databases and/or systems; and
  • Responding to phone calls by triaging and prioritizing time sensitive issues;
OR

Education: One (1) full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university in a field of study which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a GS-7 Law Enforcement Specialist. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement;

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-07 grade level. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent;

OR

A Bachelor's Degree with Superior Academic Achievement: The bachelor's degree must be in a field of study which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a GS-7 Law Enforcement Specialist from an accredited university or college. Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
  1. Class standing -- Must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their 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; or
    • 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 2years of the curriculum.
  1. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
  • Please note: 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.
You qualify for the GS-09 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 interviews, and writing reports from law enforcement case records concerning allegations of violations of the law;
  • Initiating searches from an inquiry and analyzing the information from various automated databases; and
  • Employing a variety of methods and techniques to prepare and complete written reports or findings;
OR

Education: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related to the position. Graduate level education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study;

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education more than one (1) year that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

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.

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

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

Additional information

This announcement is to create an inventory of qualified applicants. The first 50 applicants will receive first consideration. Additional applicants, beyond the first 50, may be considered, upon management 's request. Due to high volume of applicants, not all applicants will be considered.

Training:
Candidates selected will be required to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Specialist Training provided by the agency. If you have previously completed this training or an equivalent, you may submit the certification with your application (Note: Completion of training is subject to verification). This requirement can be met with successful completion of one of the following:

  • ICE ERO Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program; the legacy Immigration Officer Basic Training Course (IOBTC);
  • Border Patrol Academy;
  • Combination of both the legacy Basic Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer Training Course and the ICE ERO Equivalency Training Program (ETP);
  • ICE Special Agent Training Program; the combination of FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program and the ERO Equivalency Training Program for Special Agents (ETPSA) and for legacy US Customs Special Agents;
  • ICE/Customs Special Agent Cross Training Program.
Due to the position requirements no other training will be accepted.

Note: This position will require successful completion of Basic Law Enforcement Specialist Training within 48 months of onboarding

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.

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 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.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

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). This position is not considered scientific/professional. 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.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.