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Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attache')

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Summary

These overseas assignments are within the R9-Chief, Office of Law Enforcement. A Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attaché) builds and strengthens partnerships at international and interagency levels by forming, participating in, and supporting multinational and multi-agency teams engaged in high-impact enforcement efforts. These efforts advance U.S. interests and support global and regional wildlife enforcement networks and other conservation-focused entities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/21/2026 to 05/04/2026
Salary
$110,422 - $143,553 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Locations
Pretoria, South Africa
1 vacancy
Hanoi, Vietnam
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion - Temporary promotion not-to-exceed three (3) years; may extend in one (1)-year increments up to five (5) years total. Assignment may be extended or terminated based on agency needs.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
R9-26-12919059-ALM-IMP
Control number
865947800

Duties

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This is an overseas time-limited assignment. The initial tour of duty is three (3) years, as designated by the Department of State. This assignment may be extended in one (1)-year increments without further competition; however, the total duration may not exceed five (5) years. The assignment may be extended or terminated at any time based on the needs of the agency. Upon completion of the assignment, the selectee will be returned to the United States to their previous position or to a similar position, as determined by the needs of the agency.

The Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attaché) leads complex international investigations enforcing Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and other U.S. wildlife laws while building partnerships with foreign governments, U.S. agencies, and global organizations. The role analyzes intelligence, directs multi-agency teams, and provides training and outreach while representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) in high-impact global enforcement efforts. Major duties include:

  • Leads and coordinates extremely complex, high-risk international criminal investigations involving CITES and other wildlife protection laws, integrating intelligence, specialized technology, and multi-agency resources.
  • Serves as the primary U.S. FWS liaison to foreign governments, U.S. embassy/consulate agencies, and international enforcement partners to resolve jurisdictional challenges and advance cooperative investigative efforts.
  • Designs, develops, and delivers specialized law enforcement training to international investigators, and prepares guidance materials for new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Conducts outreach and compliance education with government officials, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and enforcement networks to prevent wildlife trafficking and strengthen international cooperation.
  • Provides expert advice to leadership on investigative trends, emerging threats, and strategic enforcement priorities, helping shape international wildlife law enforcement policies and practices.

Physical Demands: The work involves significant physical effort, including extended periods of standing and walking over rough or uneven terrain, as well as repeated bending, lifting, and similar activities. Duties require a high degree of agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a foreign country where living and working conditions may be inadequate, and political or economic instability may pose safety risks. Duties occur in both office and outdoor settings and may involve exposure to adverse weather, noisy or dusty environments, and moderate hazards, including during surveillance activities using aircraft, boats, or motorized vehicles.

Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft.

Due to the unpredictable and mission-critical nature of law-enforcement operations, the incumbent may be required to work irregular or extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work may be performed at a primary duty station or across multiple locations in support of operational requirements. Criminal Investigators in this position are covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). To maintain eligibility for LEAP, the incumbent must perform an annual average of two (2) hours of unscheduled duty per day, and LEAP is paid at a rate of 25 percent of the employee's annual base pay.

Overseas pay adjustments will be applied, in accordance with authorized allowances, only after the employee reports for duty at the position's designated overseas duty location. Allowances and differentials for an overseas location (e.g., Post Allowance, Living Quarters Allowance, Post Differential, etc.) can be reviewed on the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) website: https://allowances.state.gov/.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • Requires a federal suitability determination based on a background investigation.
  • Position is designated Top Secret/Special Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain the required clearance.
  • Drug testing position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
  • Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
  • Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
  • The maximum entry age for this position is 37, unless you are a preference-eligible veteran or have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement or firefighter service to reach retirement eligibility by age 57.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 05/04/2026 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification.

Minimum Qualification GS-14:
One (1) year of full-time specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: 1) Applying advanced investigative principles, evidentiary standards, and case law to produce accurate, defensible findings; 2) Analyzing complex investigative data to identify critical facts, resolve inconsistencies, and strengthen case outcomes; 3) Leading complex investigations requiring coordination with prosecutors, law enforcement partners, and subject-matter experts to ensure legally sufficient and defensible case outcomes. 4) Using advanced investigative techniques (i.e., interviews, record reviews, surveillance, informant development, and lead tracking) to uncover key evidence and substantiate findings; 5) Preparing clear, technically sound investigative reports that support criminal and civil investigative actions by documenting evidence collection, preservation, and analysis.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level.

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.

Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically:
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions.

PCS Information: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable.
-In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements MAY be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

Telework: This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. FWS offices in the local commuting area.

Reasonable Accommodation: The U.S. FWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Positions that require the use of a Firearm: Applicants are ineligible for this position if ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/".

Education

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level. Nor does this position have a positive education requirement. See Qualifications section.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment:
Testing Designated Position: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to undergo urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Medical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment medical examination. May be subject to post-employment medical examinations and psychological screening to ensure continued compliance with fitness standards for this position. Required to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if one is not already on file.
Law Enforcement Authority: Must accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority.
Position Sensitivity: This position is designated as Special-Sensitive(SS)/High-risk. The selectee must maintain a favorable background investigation.
Firearms and Defensive Tactics: Must qualify and maintain annual/semiannual firearms certification and safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in daily activities.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Under Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9), individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify they have ever been convicted of such an offense.
Age Requirement: The maximum entry-age for this position is 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or are a preference-eligible veteran.
Law Enforcement Retirement: The incumbent of this position performs primary law enforcement work and is eligible for coverage under the law enforcement retirement provisions of Title 5. U.S.C. Part 841 or 842.
Special Retirement Coverage - Secondary Law Enforcement Position: This is a secondary-administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but still be ineligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under CSRS, employee must transfer directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service exceeding 3 days, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which FERS deductions were not withheld, AND 3) be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for breaks in employment caused by involuntary separation (not for cause). Applicants are responsible for providing this office with sufficient information to determine special retirement status and prevent any loss of benefits. This typically includes submitting your work history or other documentation that demonstrates service in approved covered positions. You must also inform this office if you are currently serving in a Primary position.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are minimally qualified for this job, Human Resources will complete a review of your resume and supporting documentation.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirement(s), the best qualified candidates will be identified through a structured resume review panel that will result in issuing a ranking referral list to the hiring manager. The panel will measure the specialized experience and critical competencies and/or job elements listed below that are required to successfully perform in the position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Knowledge of criminal investigative principles and techniques, rules of evidence and criminal procedure, key Federal court decisions on admissibility and constitutional protections, and the roles and jurisdictions of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.
  • Ability to plan, organize, conduct, and evaluate highly complex and sensitive investigations, applying new methods and techniques as needed.
  • Ability to work and communicate effectively with domestic and international prosecutors to plan, prepare, and execute complex cross-border criminal investigations that support successful prosecutions inside and outside the United States.
  • Knowledge of fish and wildlife laws, rules, and regulations, including import and export requirements and search and seizure authorities.
  • Skill in producing clear, well-organized written reports, presentations, and guidance materials tailored to diverse audiences.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

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