Clarification from the agency

Current federal civilian employees in the competitive service on permanent career or career-conditional appointments; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current federal employees eligible under Interchange Agreements; and Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities (Schedule A, etc.). If you do not meet one of these categories, you may apply under the concurrently advertised vacancy announcement: OIG-HQ-2026-0006, which is open to all United States Citizens.

Fraud doesn’t stop, and neither do we. We’re the Office of Inspector General, an independent oversight office within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) charged with identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, and ensuring accountability and effectiveness within ED programs. If you want to help fight fraud and make a difference for America’s students, schools, and taxpayers, we may have the career for you! We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for rapid and substantial salary increases and career growth, great benefits, employee recognition programs, and more.

Often referred to as America’s watchdogs, it’s our job to help ensure that the hard-earned tax dollars that fund ED programs and operations are used as intended by law, achieve the desired results, and reach the intended recipients.

The OIG conducts audits and reviews of issues involving Federal student aid, K–12 schools, charter schools, special education, vocational education, adult education, and more. When our work identifies problems, we propose solutions. Our work has resulted in improvements to ED programs and changes to some of the most important Federal education laws in our country.

We conduct criminal and civil investigations into suspected fraudulent activities by schools, colleges, universities, contractors, subcontractors, school officials—any entity or individual that participates in ED programs or receives ED funding. Through our work, we have unraveled multimillion-dollar fraud schemes by people placed in positions of trust to educate our children. We’re also on the cutting edge of cybersecurity, using the latest technology and techniques to discover and defeat current and emerging threats from cyber and economic crime.

We tackle new and emerging issues head-on and continually work to improve our techniques and capabilities. We consistently expand our expertise by training and developing our staff. This dedication has enabled the OIG to become a leader in the Federal government in the areas of audits, investigations, and fighting cybercrime.

Whether you are just entering the workforce or are a seasoned professional, if you’re looking for a career rather than just a job, and shaping the next generation of American’s tackling tomorrow’s challenges, consider joining our team.

As a Criminal Investigator at the GL-7 and GL-9, the incumbent is a trainee who acquires skills by observing a senior investigator perform criminal investigation activities and who provides assistance to that investigator under close and constant supervision. The duties and responsibilities of the positions are developmental.  

• Assists in planning investigations and performs relatively routine aspects of investigations, such as assisting with gathering and obtaining evidence, participating in surveillance operations, interviews, and the drafting of third-party request letters and subpoenas.
• Assists with the examination and verification of records, books, reports, correspondence, and other data of consequence related to transactions, actions, or allegations under investigation.
• Drafts reports of investigative findings for review by senior criminal investigators.
• The incumbent of this developmental position is expected to refer to and comply with all applicable regulatory and procedural guides.

As a Criminal Investigator at the GS-11, the incumbent conducts detailed investigations into allegations of criminal violations related to fraud or corruption in Department of Education programs, often involving high-profile individuals or officials. These investigations involve sensitive issues and circumstantial evidence, requiring careful handling to avoid discrediting the Department. The incumbent employs advanced techniques, reviews records, and prepares thorough reports with recommendations. They also assist the Department of Justice in case preparation, testify as witnesses in grand juries and courts on federal violations.

• Plans investigations and performs most aspects of investigations, such gathering and obtaining evidence, participating in surveillance operations, interviews, and the drafting of third-party request letters and subpoenas.
• Examines, verifies, and analyzes records, books, reports, correspondence, and other data of consequence related to transactions, actions, or allegations under investigation.
• Drafts reports of investigative findings for review by management.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• May be required to complete a background clearance and fingerprint check.
• Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service.
• You may be subject to serve a one year of probationary period.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug testing.
• Mobile work is a condition of employment.
• You may be required to attend Special Agent Basic Training.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

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. Special Salary Rate locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

Condition of Employment:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To verify that you meet these requirements, we will review your responses to the core eligibility questions on the occupational questionnaire, as well as your submitted resume and required documents. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY, OR MM/YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week. 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).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements (Education can be substituted for experience.  See Education Requirements Section).

Specialized Experience for the GL-7 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL/GS-5 grade level or equivalent public or private sector experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the following duties or work assignments below:

1. Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
2. Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).  You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

1. Ability to plan, interact, and work effectively with others.
2. Ability to gather information and evidence.
3. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses in writing.
4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to meet essential deadlines.
5. Ability to interact and work effectively with others.
6. Skilled in basic use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines.

Specialized Experience for the GL-9 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL/GS-7 grade level or equivalent public or private sector experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the three (3) following duties or work assignments below:

1. Experience with the techniques, principles, concepts, and practices applicable to criminal law investigations.
2. Experience in conducting investigations or inspections, prepare written summaries and reports, and analyze results and/or findings in line with good investigative report writing techniques.
3. Experience in either the collection, preparation, documentation, analysis and/or preservation of physical and documentary evidence or information pertinent to the Federal government.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).  You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

1. Ability to plan, interact, work effectively with others.
2. Knowledge of and skill in applying investigative approaches and techniques to gather information and evidence.
3. Understanding of federal statutes and regulations.
4. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses in writing.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to meet essential deadlines.
6. Skilled in basic use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines.

Specialized Experience for the GS-11 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL/GS-9 grade level or equivalent public or private sector experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the three (3) following duties or work assignments below:

1. Experience conducting the full range of criminal investigations of average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques.
2. Experience serving as a lead agent or assisting in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests.
3. Experience in reviewing evidence and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).  You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

1. Knowledge of and skill in applying investigative approaches and techniques to gather information and evidence.
2. Understanding of federal statutes and regulations.
3. Ability to plan, interact, work effectively with others.
4. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses in writing.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to meet essential deadlines.
6. Ability to interact and work effectively with others. 
7. Skilled in use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines.

Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR):  Medical Requirements: The duties of positions 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.

Agent Training: Applicant must complete or have satisfactorily completed the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or its equivalent. If you are required to attend CITP, a signed service agreement will be required.

Mobility Plan: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of the mobility policy is to meet the needs of the OIG.

How you will be evaluated

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

We use a multi-step process to review and evaluate applicants:

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this announcement.

Evaluation will be based on your application materials (such as your resume and supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and the results of all required assessments.

Resume Requirement
Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points.  If your resume is more than 2 pages, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for the qualifications determination. 

Minimum Qualification Question
As part of the application process, you must answer a minimum qualification question addressing whether you meet the Specialized Experience required for this position, as described in this announcement.

Your response must be supported by the experience documented in your resume. If your resume does not demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you may be found not qualified.

SME Resume Review
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine whether you meet the required Specialized Experience.

SME Structured Interview
You may be invited to participate in a structured interview with one or more Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assess the required competencies for the position.

Applicants who successfully pass the assessment(s) may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration.

You must complete all required steps in the process, including submitting an application and resume and participating in the structured interview, to be considered for this position.

This is an open continuous announcement to fill current and future vacancies, until 12/31/2026.

Applicant lists will be pulled ever 30-days every month until the closing date. Positions are open until filled, but no later than December 31, 2026. You may only apply to this vacancy once. No updates will be permitted. If you incur changes to your credentials or eligibilities, please continue to review USAJOBS for additional similar vacancies throughout the year. All credentials must be received at the time of application submission.