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Criminal Investigator

Department of Transportation
Office of Inspector General

Summary

This office works within DOT to detect and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG reports to the Secretary and Congress and carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, and management advisories with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance. It conducts investigations into whether Federal laws and regulations were followed and reports suspected civil and criminal violations to the Attorney General. 

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/11/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 11, 2026
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for situational telework. Telework approval will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$81,186 - $126,502 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position
Travel Required
25% or less - Travel required at least 25% of the time.
Appointment type
Permanent - This is a permanent position
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
Yes - OGE 450 is required for this position.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
Reg 3-2026-0003
Control number
870876000

Duties

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GS 11- Major Duties 

  • Prepares investigative case plans identifying allegation type, subjects/targets, evidence requirements, information sources, coordination needs, and investigative strategies; modifies plans as new information emerges.
  • Assists management in determining the depth and scope of investigations.
  • Prepares a variety of written products which are grammatically correct and in the correct format such as investigative summaries, periodic reports, reports of investigation, subpoenas, affidavits, memorandums of activity, surveillance reports; and interview summaries.
  • Coordinates investigative activities with a variety of law enforcement bodies.
  • Interviews and interrogates witnesses and targets of investigations. 
  • Assists in serving subpoenas and conducting searches and seizures.

 GS-12 Major Duties 

  • Independently plans and conducts criminal, civil, and administrative investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and other violations affecting Department of Transportation (DOT) programs and operations.
  • Establishes and documents DOT nexus, jurisdiction, and program impact of alleged violations.
  • Develops investigative case plans identifying allegation type, subjects/targets, evidence requirements, information sources, coordination needs, and investigative strategies; modifies plans as new information emerges.
  • Coordinates investigative activities with supervisors and appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agencies to ensure effective case development.
  • Collects, analyzes, and evaluates evidence from multiple sources, including financial and business records, to determine relevance, reliability, and admissibility.
  • Conducts interviews and interrogations of witnesses and subjects; develops investigative leads through document analysis, intelligence gathering, and surveillance.
  • Conducts authorized electronic and physical surveillance; serves subpoenas and executes searches, seizures, and arrests in accordance with applicable legal authorities.
  • Documents investigative actions and maintains accurate, timely records within the official case management system.
  • Prepares clear, concise, and legally sufficient written products, including reports of investigation, summaries, affidavits, subpoenas, memoranda, surveillance reports, and interview summaries.
  • Prepares investigative cases for presentation to prosecutors and management officials and provides testimony in judicial or administrative proceedings as required.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Pre-employment drug testing and physical examination are required
  • You must meet the specialized experience to qualify
  • Successful completion of a background security investigation
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state DL to operate a motor vehicle
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Selectee must relocate and fully reside within 65 miles from the regional office by the official start date.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • PRE-EMPLOYMENT/PRE-APPOINTMENT DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it’s still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
  • TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. 

(continued under 'Other Information')

Qualifications

GS-11: To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:

  • experience conducting investigations and research;
  • conducting subject-matter expert interviews;
  • gathering documents and background information;
  • conducting sophisticated document reviews;
  • experience utilizing various investigative techniques to establish interrelationships of facts or evidence

OR, Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field,

OR, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

You can also qualify based on a combination of education and experience.

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes:

  • Securing facts and developing evidence in support of ongoing investigations
  • Conducting interviews,
  • gathering, reviewing and discerning evidence for use in charging defendants criminally
  • preparing fact-based written summaries in fraud and/or safety cases, with defendants having been charged or civil fines or penalties having been levied.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

GS-11

  1. Knowledge of Investigative Principles and Case Development
  2. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
  3. Written Communication Skills
  4. Research and Information Gathering
  5. Interviewing and Investigative Support Skills

GS:12

  1. Investigative Planning & Case Management- Develops comprehensive investigative plans that clearly identify allegations, targets, legal posture, and investigative strategy.
  2. Investigative Evidence Collection & Analysis- Correlates evidence from multiple sources to substantiate or refute allegations
  3. Interviewing, Testimony & Interpersonal Skills- Conducts structured and effective interviews to elicit accurate and relevant information.
  4. Written Communication- Produces well-organized, grammatically correct, and professionally formatted documents
  5. Law Enforcement Operations & Compliance- Demonstrates knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and investigative authorities.

NOTE: All applicants who do not currently or have in the past worked as a GS-1811 Criminal Investigator in a federal OIG office must clearly demonstrate in their on-line application, possession of the experience. Applicants who fail to clearly and specifically address this factor in their on-line application will not receive further consideration for the announcement.

Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment Continued:

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS- The duties of this position in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying

Applicants must not turn 37 years of age before 30 days after the closing date of this announcement. If you are age 37 through 56 you must be eligible to retire at age 57 with 20 years of covered law enforcement service. All qualified veterans preference eligibles may apply and be considered for this vacancy regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C 3307.

You will be required to satisfactorily complete the criminal investigator training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center if selected and not yet completed.

You will be required to qualify and maintain qualification to carry and use government-owned firearms. You are ineligible for this position if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless the conviction was expunged, set aside, or you received a pardon. In most jurisdictions, you must be at least 21 years of age to carry a firearm.

This position is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.

This is a primary position that meets the early law enforcement retirement provisions of both the Civil Service and the Federal Employees Retirement Systems.

Best qualified candidates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel expenses in conjunction with any required interviews, unless they are already employed by the Office of Inspector General at the U. S. Department of Transportation.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, careers@oig.dot.gov

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.

All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases to determine how you move forward in the hiring process.

Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed.

Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents). Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.

Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements for merit promotion consideration.  TIG is the 52-week requirement Federal employees in competitive service, General Schedule (GS) positions at GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).

NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.

Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed below, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Office of Inspector General

Agency contact information

Karen Muller
Phone
202-366-1490
Fax
571-258-4052
Email
Karen.Muller@oig.dot.gov
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Office of Inspector General, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.oig.dot.gov/about-oig/careers

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