The USPS OIG is seeking highly qualified applicants to fill our Criminal Investigator positions within the Office of Investigations, Contract Fraud Investigations Division (CFID) located nationwide USPS OIG Area Field Office (to be determined based upon selectee).
The successful candidate must have experience in planning, conducting and/or leading complex federal criminal, civil and administrative investigations.
Summary
The USPS OIG is seeking highly qualified applicants to fill our Criminal Investigator positions within the Office of Investigations, Contract Fraud Investigations Division (CFID) located nationwide USPS OIG Area Field Office (to be determined based upon selectee).
The successful candidate must have experience in planning, conducting and/or leading complex federal criminal, civil and administrative investigations.
Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) - Current career United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and Postal Regulatory Commission Employees will not be considered or selected from this vacancy announcement.
The successful candidate must be highly motivated and exhibit a high degree of character and demonstrate experience planning, conducting and/or leading complex Federal criminal, civil and administrative investigations.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:
Plans, conducts and/or coordinates criminal, civil and administrative investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of Federal laws committed by or against Postal Service personnel or Postal Service contractors.
Obtains and evaluates information to support all criminal and civil investigations.
Applies for and serves warrants for arrests, searches and seizures as appropriate and provided by law.
Prepares requests and/or reviews/approves requests for subpoenas, consensual monitoring, and other requests requiring higher authority.
Assists Government attorneys in the preparation of grand jury presentations and court cases; serves as a witness in grand juries, criminal and civil courts and administrative forums.
Maintains liaison with other offices, agencies, and appropriate organizations as needed.
Conducts investigations using various techniques such as surveillance, interviewing and interrogating, examining files and records, obtaining physical and documentary evidence and undercover assignments.
Collects, evaluates and preserves physical and documentary evidence. Utilizing cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment to gather evidence.
The duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The preceding description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.
Compensation: The USPS OIG is an Excepted Service agency and uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale.
This position is being advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-11 to GS-13. The salary range for this position is $74,678.00 - $172,980.00. The salary figures include locality pay. For locality table specifics, visit: OPM's General Schedule (GS).
The posted salary range does not include the authorized Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) under the 1811 Series.
The job also provides coverage as a primary position under law enforcement retirement.
Must currently be a Federal Law Enforcement Officer classified as an 1811 series Criminal Investigator.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (Tier-5) clearance.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card.
Selectee subject to random drug screenings.
Required to successfully complete a twelve (12) month probationary period.
Must be able to pass a drug screening and physical examination.
Qualifications
Position Minimum Qualification Requirements
You must meet all the minimum qualifications listed below.
You must currently be an 1811 criminal investigator or military equivalent and have at least one or more years of experience as a criminal investigator at a GS-11 or above equivalent grade level in the 1811 occupation series. NON-QUALIFYING experience includes security details, intelligence analysis, corrections or guard duty, physical security, and military/security police officer.
Eligibility & Experience Requirements
Completed Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or its equivalent.
Currently serve as a federal law enforcement officer classified as an 1811 series Criminal Investigator or Military equivalent.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
At least one (1) or more years of experience equivalent at the GS-11 level or higher grade.
Received at least a "met expectation" rating on your two most recent performance appraisals (FY 2024 and FY 2025).
In accordance with applicable laws, the applicant selected for this position must:
Maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles
Must be at least 21 years of age and not have reached 37th birthday at the time of initial appointment to law enforcement position
Qualify and maintain authorization to carry firearms, including no current or previous domestic violence convictions
Maintain physical, mental and emotional standards and requirements necessary to perform law enforcement assignments
Work unscheduled irregular hours with the possibility of personal risk
Must be willing to relocate at the direction of management
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of Postal Service structure, processes, operations, etc.
Advanced academic degree or 8 years of related professional experience
Evaluation Factors | How You Will Be Evaluated:
You must have the experience, knowledge, and skills as listed in each of the evaluation factors listed below. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements and factors in your resume. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0), an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration.
Demonstrative ability to define problems, analyze alternatives and recommend solutions to difficult problems or issues.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing facts and circumstances of investigations and analysis which are understandable to management officials.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here: www.ed.gov.
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
About the OIG | What We Do
America's Postal Service is one of the government's most trusted entities. The US Postal Service Office of Inspector General, an independent agency within the Postal Service, employs over 800 auditors, criminal investigators, and professional support personnel stationed in over ninety locations. The OIG plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of America's Postal Service, its revenue and assets, and its employees.
Our mission is to investigate internal crimes and frauds against the Postal Service. These efforts contribute to safeguarding the Postal Service's revenue and assets and help deter postal crimes, ultimately helping maintain a stable and sound Postal Service. Special agents conduct investigations in mail fraud, financial fraud, contract fraud, healthcare fraud, and official misconduct.
Executive Order 14074 directed the Attorney General to establish the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) as a centralized repository of official records documenting certain instances of law enforcement officer misconduct. The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General utilizes the information in the NLEAD, in accordance with applicable laws, for the hiring, job assignment, and promotion of federal law enforcement officers.
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodation available for applicants with disabilities
Submit requests to jobs@uspsoig.gov; decisions made case-by-case
Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) status: Exempt. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; exempt employees are not
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.
Position Level & Compensation
USPS OIG is an Excepted Service agency and uses a Pay Banding system equivalent to the Federal GS scale.
This position is at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-11 to GS-13.
Salary range for this position is $74,678.00 - $172,980.00, including locality pay for all announced locations. For locality table specifics, visit: OPM's General Schedule (GS).
The posted range does not include the authorized Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) under the 1811 Series.
The job provides coverage as a primary position under law enforcement retirement.
Comprehensive Benefits
USPS and OIG employees transitioned from Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 01, 2025.
Health, dental, vision, life, long-term care insurance, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are available.
Three-tiered retirement benefits plan under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Basic Benefit Plan, and Social Security.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be assessed on:
Minimum qualifications
Evaluation factors
Quality of resume and supporting documents
Interview performance (if recommended/selected)
Important Application Rules (Disqualification Triggers)
You will not be considered if you:
Fail to attach all required documents
Submit a resume exceeding two pages
Submit materials showing you do not meet minimum qualifications
Receive a zero rating on any evaluation factor
Use AI tools during the interview (except approved accessibility tools)
Fail to qualify during the interview
Top-rated applicants will be referred to an interview panel or selecting official for the required interview. Ratings may be further adjusted or determined as ineligible by the interview panel or the selecting official based on interview performance. Applicants may be interviewed one or more times as part of the hiring process. Once all applicant scores are finalized, the selecting official will make a final decision.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications or virtual assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) is prohibited during interviews. An exception for accessibility tools must be submitted through reasonable accommodation. Applicants who fail to follow these rules will be disqualified from the hiring process.
NOTE: This announcement may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates for future hiring needs. Applicants may be considered for positions in other directorates within the Office of Investigations.
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.
Position Level & Compensation
USPS OIG is an Excepted Service agency and uses a Pay Banding system equivalent to the Federal GS scale.
This position is at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-11 to GS-13.
Salary range for this position is $74,678.00 - $172,980.00, including locality pay for all announced locations. For locality table specifics, visit: OPM's General Schedule (GS).
The posted range does not include the authorized Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) under the 1811 Series.
The job provides coverage as a primary position under law enforcement retirement.
Comprehensive Benefits
USPS and OIG employees transitioned from Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 01, 2025.
Health, dental, vision, life, long-term care insurance, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are available.
Three-tiered retirement benefits plan under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Basic Benefit Plan, and Social Security.
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 must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 13018030, by closing date 08/10/2026.
Important Note: Make sure you submit all required documents with your application. Failure to do so will result in your disqualification.
1. Resume (Mandatory)
Must not exceed two (2) pages
0.5" margins; recommended fonts: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Roboto, Noto Sans
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 08/10/2026, to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account: https://secure.login.gov/, select the Application Status link, and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.
OI - DAIGI 3 - Contract Fraud Investigations Div
1735 N. Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire has been received you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail that your submission was successful. After a review of your application package has been completed, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the Selecting Official.
If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other locations or positions in other directorates in the USPS OIG.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 13018030, by closing date 08/10/2026.
Important Note: Make sure you submit all required documents with your application. Failure to do so will result in your disqualification.
1. Resume (Mandatory)
Must not exceed two (2) pages
0.5" margins; recommended fonts: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Roboto, Noto Sans
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 08/10/2026, to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account: https://secure.login.gov/, select the Application Status link, and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.
OI - DAIGI 3 - Contract Fraud Investigations Div
1735 N. Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire has been received you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail that your submission was successful. After a review of your application package has been completed, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the Selecting Official.
If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other locations or positions in other directorates in the USPS OIG.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
