Clarification from the agency

Current Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees in the competitive service who hold a non-temporary career or career-conditional appointment only.

This announcement will be used to fill GS-1811-14 supervisory and non-supervisory criminal investigator positions, as listed below, in various locations within the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of Professional Responsibility, and Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

If you are a current and permanent GS-1811-14 Criminal Investigator, you are NOT required to apply to this USAJOBS announcement for consideration for a lateral position.
Please note, a temporary promotion to a GS-14 position is not considered a permanent GS-14 position.

Positions: Supervisory Criminal Investigator roles, including Group Supervisor, Resident Agent in Charge (RAC), OPR Resident Agent in Charge (RAC), Section Chief, OFTP Section Chief, Assistant Attache; Non-supervisory Criminal Investigator roles, including Program Manager, OPR Program Manager/Lead Instructor, OFTP Program Manager/Team Leader/Course Developer, OPR Special Agent. Selections will be based on the needs of the agency and availability of positions and funding.

As a GS-1811-14 Criminal Investigator, at the full performance level, your responsibilities will vary based on the particular position listed above into which you are promoted. You will perform various duties such as:

• Serving as a first-line supervisor and/or overseeing the administration, management, and conducting of investigative activities or special operations within assigned foreign or domestic area of responsibility.
• Establishing guidelines and performance expectations for staff, actively observing and evaluating staff performance, providing feedback, and ensuring staff's adherence to departmental standards and goals.
• Planning and developing national and special investigative programs, making recommendations for the introduction of new programs, conducting pilot programs and accelerating existing programs, collaborating and liaising with related internal and external units, and serving as an authoritative expert in the program area.
• Developing and managing training and programs on topics such as investigative matters, intelligence collection, trend analysis, methods of detecting fraudulent documents, firearms/weapons, investigative or tactical techniques, and similar subjects for presentation to top agency officials and other key stakeholders.
• Conducting, leading, and reporting on investigations regarding criminal misconduct of ICE personnel, their associates, contractors, and any other entity under the investigative jurisdiction of ICE.

By applying to this announcement, you will be considered for both supervisory and non-supervisory positions; you will also be considered for permanent promotions, temporary promotions, and detail positions. Some temporary promotions may be made permanent without further competition.

Secondary Law Enforcement: For approved secondary covered positions under 5 USC 8331 (20) and 5 USC 8401 (17), previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite. Law Enforcement retirement coverage (special law enforcement provisions) is extended only if the secondary covered position immediately follows service in a law enforcement position. FERS applicants must have completed three (3) years of service in a rigorous position (AKA primary) position and transfer directly from a covered position in order to continue Law Enforcement retirement coverage upon selection.

Primary position means a position whose primary duties are:

• Investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States.

Secondary position means a position that:

• (1) Is clearly in the law enforcement field; and
• (2) Is in an organization having a law enforcement mission; and
• (3) Is either -
  • (i) Supervisory; i.e., a position whose primary duties are as a first-level supervisor of law enforcement officers in primary positions; or
  • (ii) Administrative; i.e., an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary law enforcement position, or equivalent experience outside the Federal government, is a prerequisite.

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.
• Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
• This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).
• Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
• Motor Vehicle Operation: A valid motor vehicle license (acceptable to Department of State and the host country as needed for International posts) and the ability to drive an automobile during the performance of duty is required.
• This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.
• Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
• Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.
• Medical Requirements: You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally able to perform the duties of the position. You will be required to complete a physical to the satisfaction of the U.S. State Department.
• Foreign Language: Proficiency of host country language may be required. If language is a requirement, proficiency must be attained through successful completion of language training prior to assignment overseas or providing certification.

Qualifications

This Job Opportunity Announcement is for current and permanent GS-13 (including temporary GS-14) and former GS-14 ICE employees seeking a promotion to a GS-1811-14 Criminal Investigator position.

By applying to this announcement, you will be considered for permanent promotions, temporary promotions, and detail positions. Some temporary promotions may be made permanent without further competition.

Certain positions under this announcement are subject to additional screening requirements (i.e., national security polygraph); additional regulations apply to some positions based on location (i.e., international posts).

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled.

To qualify for the GS-14 grade level, you must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing the following duties:

• Conducting a broad range of investigations and directly associated activities (e.g., enforcement actions, presenting investigative findings, preparing written legal documents) which required making evaluations of situations and complex decisions to combat illicit activities related to trade, travel, finance, and immigration.
• Contributing to investigations with increasing levels of independence, responsibility, and/or authority over the course of tenure as a special agent.
• Collaborating with and/or influencing law enforcement partners while performing assigned investigative activities.
• Holding roles on interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations.
• Demonstrating flexibility by navigating various environments, investigative programs, and/or temporary duty assignments.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

In addition to meeting the eligibility and qualification requirements, candidates must either have a prior passing score for the Supervisory Situational Judgement Test (SSJT) assessment, or complete and pass the SSJT in the specified timeframe as a requirement for placement on a Certificate of Eligibles. Candidates who do not meet the SSJT assessment requirements will be removed from further consideration.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NON-COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES: To be considered non-competitively,former GS-1811-14s must apply to this announcement and meet specialized experience requirements, as determined by a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs). Former or current GS-14s in other job series must apply and complete all assessments.

Please note: The two-part "SA-14 resume" is NOT required. Ensure that your specialized experience is clearly reflected in your standard two-page resume.

Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT)

• This pass/fail online assessment measures critical leadership and interpersonal skills; candidates have two (2) hours to complete it.

• Candidates who passed the SSJT from a prior SA-14 promotional announcement will NOT be required to re-take it.

• Candidates required to complete the SSJT will receive email invitations with a link to take the assessment on or about May 15, 2026.

• Anticipated SSJT timeframe: May 15 - May 26, 2026

A panel of subject matter experts is scheduled to meet in late June to review specialized experience for all candidates with a passing or prior passing SSJT result. Notification of results are anticipated after July.

If you have questions regarding the assessments or assessment process, please email SAPromotion@ice.dhs.gov for further assistance.

All dates listed in this section are subject to change. While every attempt will be made to adhere to the dates listed above, there may be instances in which a change is required. Issues encountered with assessment completion must be reported before the assessment window closes in order to be considered and/or addressed for this promotional cycle.

Overseas Assignments Offer Various Allowances - Special Notes: ICE Assistant Attache

• These are overseas limited term assignments.
• The initial tour for this position may be up to three (3) years as designated by the U.S. Department of State, not to exceed five (5) years or maximum total ten (10) years. Upon completion of the assignment, selectee will return to the U.S. to a similar position and grade as that held prior to this assignment and/or apply to another position.
• This assignment may be terminated or extended at any time depending on the needs of the agency.
• Allowance of Post Hardship Differential Pay, Relocation Incentive Pay, Cost of Living, Danger or Retention pay may be included depending on overseas locations.
• Selectee must successfully complete pre-employment clearance and all phases of the pre-deployment process which include issuance of passport/and or visa (if applicable), medical clearance, mandatory pre-departure (if applicable), and security overseas training.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

All candidates (including non-competitive candidates and those with prior passing results) must clearly demonstrate in their 2-page resume how they meet the specialized experience and will be reviewed to ensure specialized experience requirements listed for this job are met. 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.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Candidates who meet the specialized experience and have a passing score for the SSJT assessment will be placed on a Certificate of Eligibles.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Candidates are solely responsible for the responses and documentation submitted in their online application. Responses cannot be altered once the announcement has closed.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

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.