This position is located in the Office of Investigations (INV). INV has broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and administrative investigations of alleged violations of Federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to Department of State (Department) and U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) programs and operations, such as: procurement fraud, grant fraud, false claims, public corruption, conflicts of interest, trafficking in persons, and employee misconduct or serious wrong doing.
Summary
This position is located in the Office of Investigations (INV). INV has broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and administrative investigations of alleged violations of Federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to Department of State (Department) and U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) programs and operations, such as: procurement fraud, grant fraud, false claims, public corruption, conflicts of interest, trafficking in persons, and employee misconduct or serious wrong doing.
Status Candidates, Non-competitive, Former Federal Employees with Reinstatement Eligibility, Land & base management, VEOA, Individuals with Disabilities, Military Spouses, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Vista, Eligible Family Member, Special authorities, ICTAP, and CTAP.
Must be a U.S. Citizen. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
You may be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
All employees will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
You will be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal Employment, at the time requested by agency.
You will be required to meet the criteria for use of a firearm as established in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, Section 812) and meet training requirements in accordance with the State OIG Special Agent’s Manual.
This position receives Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).
Must have a law enforcement medical examination.
Financial Disclosure: OGE Form 450 is required annually and prior to entry.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-in-grade documentation: If you are applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the 1-year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements, such as your step increase SF-50. (examples of appropriate SF-50s include: Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.
All applicants MUST meet all of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position:
Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Experience planning, organizing, and conducting routine criminal investigations with minimal supervision.
Experience in assisting with interviewing witnesses.
Experience in assisting with the development of informants
Experience in assisting in conducting surveillance.
Experience testifying in court and/or administrative hearings.
Experience writing detailed reports of findings.
Experience in assisting with evaluating information provided by informants.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
AGE REQUIREMENT: All applicants, except preference-eligible veterans, MUST be no more than 37years of age upon entry into this position. If you are 37 or older, or will reach your 37th birthday, but have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position which may exempt you from this age restriction, you must submit a copy of the SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that you received in that position. If you are a preference-eligible veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 verifying your veterans preference eligibility.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the incumbent to have successfully completed a law enforcement medical examination. 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.
TRAINING: Complete/previously completed the Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) course(s) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). As an alternative, this training requirement may be satisfied by certification of completion of a comparable course of instruction, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy New Agent Training, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Basic Agent Training, or U.S. Army (Criminal Investigation Division) CID Special Agent Course.
FIREARM QUALIFICATION: Requires the incumbent to meet the criteria for use of a firearm as established in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, Section 812) and meet training requirements in accordance with the State OIG Special Agent's Manual.
LAUTENBERG AMENDMENTS: This position authorizes the incumbent 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. Sec.922(g)(91}.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AVAILABILITY PAY (LEAP): This position is authorized to receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) at the rate of 25% of the incumbent's salary (including locality pay) paid in addition to the salary. The receipt of LEAP is not optional and requires the incumbent to work an average of two or more LEAP hours per scheduled workday, which may include evenings, nights and weekends. The hours worked will vary depending on the nature of the assignment. Incumbents will receive LEAP during Basic Special Agent (BSAC) training.
MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION: Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
Education
There are no education requirements for this job.
Additional information
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to complete pre-employment requirements within established timeframes, or failing to meet any pre-employment requirements, including failure to timely schedule and report to any of the scheduled appointments.
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.
DOS/OIG 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.
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.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/???????
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): This program applies to DOS employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must
Meet CTAP eligibility criteria
Be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
Submit the appropriate documentation to support CTAP eligibility
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement: Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DOS/OIG to share your application with others in DOS/OIG for similar positions.
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.
Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental 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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the hiring process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, an online assessment is required. This assessment evaluates the critical general competencies necessary for successful job performance.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment.
Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.
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.
Agency Career and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) candidates must be considered well-qualified for the position and submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement to receive consideration for selection priority. To be considered well-qualified, in addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.
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.
Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental 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.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy.
2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional
Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees. We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). In addition submit a copy of your current (or last) performance rating of record which must be at least fully successful or equivalent and submit all required documents listed above that apply to you (e.g., resume, transcripts, etc.).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required. Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.
DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) certificate from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or documentation of a comparable course of instruction.
USA Jobs offers a Help Page with information to assist you USA Jobs Help Center with a variety of topics.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date 06/01/2026
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about three (3) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
US Department of State - Office of Inspector General
N/A
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews in approximately two weeks after the announcement closes. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
1. Upon receipt of your application: Application Received.
2. Upon minimum qualification determination and the certificate issued to selecting official: Notice of Results and Notice of Referral
3. After final selection is made: Outcome of your Referral.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy.
2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional
Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees. We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). In addition submit a copy of your current (or last) performance rating of record which must be at least fully successful or equivalent and submit all required documents listed above that apply to you (e.g., resume, transcripts, etc.).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required. Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.
DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your Criminal Investigation Training Program (CITP) certificate from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or documentation of a comparable course of instruction.
USA Jobs offers a Help Page with information to assist you USA Jobs Help Center with a variety of topics.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date 06/01/2026
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about three (3) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
US Department of State - Office of Inspector General
N/A
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews in approximately two weeks after the announcement closes. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
1. Upon receipt of your application: Application Received.
2. Upon minimum qualification determination and the certificate issued to selecting official: Notice of Results and Notice of Referral
3. After final selection is made: Outcome of your Referral.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
