This position is located in the Office of Inspector General (OIG), an independent office within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is an independent Federal agency established in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act, which governs labor relations in the private sector and activities affecting interstate commerce. NLRB jurisdiction includes the U.S. Postal Service, but excludes other government entities, railroads, and airlines.
Summary
This position is located in the Office of Inspector General (OIG), an independent office within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is an independent Federal agency established in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act, which governs labor relations in the private sector and activities affecting interstate commerce. NLRB jurisdiction includes the U.S. Postal Service, but excludes other government entities, railroads, and airlines.
As a Investigator (Senior Investigator), GS-1810-14, your typical work assignments may include:
Serving as the Senior Investigator by organizing investigative activities in alignment with program needs, the OIG's strategic plan, priorities, and initiatives, while keeping the Counsel to the Inspector General/Assistant Inspector General for Investigations fully and currently informed of significant developments and actual or potential issues affecting the overall investigative program.
Evaluating complaints, information, or allegations received through the OIG Hotline or referred through other means to determine whether they fall within the OIG's jurisdiction under the Inspector General Act, applicable laws, regulations, and judicial opinions, and assessing whether the matters warrant further investigation or potential criminal, civil, or administrative action.
Initiating, independently developing, and analyzing data to establish complex proactive program initiatives, while independently planning, coordinating, and monitoring comprehensive criminal and civil investigations to ensure timely completion and the cost-effective and efficient use of investigative resources.
Preparing investigative reports that demonstrate clear writing, logical organization, accuracy, conciseness, completeness, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and CIGIE Quality Standards for Investigations, while ensuring findings are supported by clear and convincing evidence.
Conducting in-depth and complex investigations involving false statements, misappropriation of Government funds, theft of Government property, embezzlement, bribery, contract and procurement fraud, conspiracy, and other potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement schemes.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
This is not a remote position.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
This position is in the Competitive Service.
This position is not part of the Bargaining Unit.
You may be required to complete as applicable, a new one-year probationary period or two-year trial period if appointed.
If you are a current status federal employee, you may be required to complete another one-year probationary period if selected.
Subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.
Submit complete application package online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
Qualifications
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate is a highly experienced investigative professional with demonstrated expertise independently planning, leading, and conducting complex criminal, civil, or administrative investigations involving fraud, waste, abuse, employee misconduct, or misuse of government resources. They possess strong analytical and investigative judgment and are skilled at evaluating allegations, determining investigative merit and jurisdiction, and developing effective investigative strategies in sensitive and complex environments.
The ideal candidate has experience analyzing investigative evidence from interviews, financial records, electronic data, contracts, and other documentary sources to develop legally supportable findings and recommendations. They are an exceptional communicator capable of preparing clear, concise investigative reports and presenting findings to senior leadership, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders.
They demonstrate professionalism, integrity, discretion, and the ability to build collaborative relationships while contributing to investigative program improvements, policies, and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the Investigator (Senior Investigator) GS-14 grade level.
Specialized experience includes:
Experience independently planning, leading, and conducting complex criminal, civil, or administrative investigations involving fraud, waste, abuse, employee misconduct, procurement fraud, or misuse of government funds or resources; and
Experience evaluating allegations, complaints, or investigative referrals to determine jurisdiction, investigative merit, potential violations of Federal laws or regulations, and appropriate investigative or administrative actions; and
Experience obtaining, analyzing, and synthesizing investigative evidence from interviews, financial records, contracts, electronic data, payroll records, or other documentary evidence to develop legally supportable findings and recommendations; and
Experience preparing comprehensive investigative reports and supporting documentation that clearly present investigative findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations in compliance with established investigative standards and legal requirements; and
Experience coordinating investigative activities and maintaining liaison with Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies, attorneys, management officials, or other stakeholders regarding investigative matters, case development, or corrective actions.
This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the specialized experience from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
For more detailed information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website here.
NOTE: 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.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for this position.
Additional information
SUPPLEMENTARY VACANCIES
Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The National Labor Relations Board is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.
Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Agency's Selective Placement Coordinator by email here. NLRB offers a wide array of reasonable accommodations and programs for individuals with disabilities. (Note: for additional information for job seekers with disabilities, please click on the following website here.)
PLACEMENT POLICY
The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by Promotion. The position may be filled by Reassignment, Change to Lower Grade, Transfer, Appointment, or Reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
PROBATIONARY/TRIAL PERIOD
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period, or 2-year 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; and
The needs and interests of the agency; and
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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
The National Labor Relations Board offers career opportunities that feature competitive starting salaries and the potential for performance-based increases, flexible hours, and the ability to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. You will enjoy a range of comprehensive and competitive employment benefits that include Work/Life Balance Programs (Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Employee Assistance Program, and the Child Care Subsidy Program), the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and the Transit Benefit Program.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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 well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Critical Thinking (OIG)
Investigative Analysis (OIG)
Investigative Techniques (OIG)
Problem Solving (OIG)
Written Communication (OIG)
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12960088
Optional Four Essay Questions
At the time of application, applicants will be provided with four short, free-response essay questions designed to ascertain their dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee) to review. Responses are not required and will not be scored. If applicants choose to provide a response to the essay questions, they will be required to certify that they are using their own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
For evaluating the quality of applicants for referral to the selecting official, a four-phased process will be used.
Phase 1: Applicants resume and supporting documents are reviewed by Human Resources (HR) to ensure they meet the minimum qualification requirements.
Phase 2: Applicants who are minimally qualified will be advanced to a Structured Resume Review assessment conducted by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. SMEs will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience.
Phase 3: Applicants passing the Structured Resume Review assessment will be advanced to a Structured Interview conducted by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. SMEs will assess your ability to perform the required competencies.
Phase 4: A final score which combines the scores from all assessments will be determined. The scores will be used to identify the top-rated applicants. The top-rated applicants will be referred to the selecting official for consideration and may be required to participate in one or more interviews as part of the hiring process.
The Rule of Many
The NLRB uses the Rule of Many which ranks job applicants numerically and allows for selection from a broader, top-ranked pool. Applications will be evaluated and rated using the Rule of Many procedures under 5 C.F.R. §332.402 based on a set number, score or percentage of highest ranked eligibles. Preference eligibles will receive 5 or 10 points added to their score based on the adjudicated preference. All eligibles at or above the pre-determined number, score or percentage, including any preference eligibles with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more, at any score, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.
For this job opportunity announcement applicants will be referred to the selecting official using the Rule of Many under 5 C.F.R. §332.402 based on a predetermined score.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Please submit the supporting documents outlined below for your claimed eligibility status.
RESUME
In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement. If the two-page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met, candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information: Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 -08/2022 or present)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
OTHER DOCUMENTS (if applicable).For more information, please click on the applicable link.
Most Recent Performance Appraisal. (Current or Former Federal Employees).If performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months or if you are unable to provide a performance appraisal, an explanation why must be provided. Please include a document in your application package explaining why the performance appraisal is not available.
Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) (Current or Previous Federal Employee)
Most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Performance Award, Realignment/Reassignment, Name Change and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure. If you are applying for a higher grade, provide an SF-50 or SF-50s which show the length of time in the current/highest grade (i.e., Promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year) to support meeting time-in-grade requirements. As a current or previous Career or Career Conditional employee in the Competitive Service, you may determine your current status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "1". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.
Transcripts
An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient for this application package. The unofficial transcripts must be verifiable; contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses (with grades), semester hours, and GPA. If the position has a positive education requirement (i.e., LL. B. or J.D.), as indicated under the "Education" section, the unofficial transcripts must show type of degree and degree date received (conferred). If selected, an official copy of the transcripts is required and must be received before employment.
Disabled Veterans: DD-214, SF-15 and VA letter dated 1991 or later (indicating % disability)
Certain Military Spouses: Copy of service member's PCS order authorizing the spouse to accompany the service member AND Proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof the service member was released or discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability AND documentation of the service member's 100% disability AND proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof of the service member's death while on active duty AND proof of marriage to the service member.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).
If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting the minimum requirements for the position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
Your most recent performance appraisal; AND
Proof of eligibility letter from the Agency; AND
Your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Uploading documents to USAJOBS does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
All materials must be received by 05/20/2026 to be considered for this announcement.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Resume; and
Assessment Questionnaire; and
Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the Required Documents section).
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin the process, click the APPLY ONLINE button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the SUBMIT MY ANSWERS button at the end of the process.
If you have never applied through USAJOBS for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USAJOBS account.
To change or update your application, simply reapply through My USAJOBS, before the closing date. New or updated resumes are considered "incomplete" applications until the required virus scan is cleared.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
1015 Half St SE
Washington, DC 20570-0042
US
Next steps
Once your application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application, and a final notice once a selection has been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please submit the supporting documents outlined below for your claimed eligibility status.
RESUME
In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement. If the two-page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met, candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information: Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 -08/2022 or present)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
OTHER DOCUMENTS (if applicable).For more information, please click on the applicable link.
Most Recent Performance Appraisal. (Current or Former Federal Employees).If performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months or if you are unable to provide a performance appraisal, an explanation why must be provided. Please include a document in your application package explaining why the performance appraisal is not available.
Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) (Current or Previous Federal Employee)
Most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Performance Award, Realignment/Reassignment, Name Change and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure. If you are applying for a higher grade, provide an SF-50 or SF-50s which show the length of time in the current/highest grade (i.e., Promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year) to support meeting time-in-grade requirements. As a current or previous Career or Career Conditional employee in the Competitive Service, you may determine your current status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "1". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.
Transcripts
An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient for this application package. The unofficial transcripts must be verifiable; contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses (with grades), semester hours, and GPA. If the position has a positive education requirement (i.e., LL. B. or J.D.), as indicated under the "Education" section, the unofficial transcripts must show type of degree and degree date received (conferred). If selected, an official copy of the transcripts is required and must be received before employment.
Disabled Veterans: DD-214, SF-15 and VA letter dated 1991 or later (indicating % disability)
Certain Military Spouses: Copy of service member's PCS order authorizing the spouse to accompany the service member AND Proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof the service member was released or discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability AND documentation of the service member's 100% disability AND proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof of the service member's death while on active duty AND proof of marriage to the service member.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).
If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting the minimum requirements for the position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
Your most recent performance appraisal; AND
Proof of eligibility letter from the Agency; AND
Your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Uploading documents to USAJOBS does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
All materials must be received by 05/20/2026 to be considered for this announcement.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Resume; and
Assessment Questionnaire; and
Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the Required Documents section).
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin the process, click the APPLY ONLINE button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the SUBMIT MY ANSWERS button at the end of the process.
If you have never applied through USAJOBS for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USAJOBS account.
To change or update your application, simply reapply through My USAJOBS, before the closing date. New or updated resumes are considered "incomplete" applications until the required virus scan is cleared.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
1015 Half St SE
Washington, DC 20570-0042
US
Next steps
Once your application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application, and a final notice once a selection has been made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
