Duties

Summary

This vacancy is for a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) open-continuous position in the Office of Investigations, located at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of Inspector General (OIG). The Office of Investigations conducts investigations into alleged violations of laws, regulations, and other irregularities by employees, grantees, loan recipients or contractors, reports the results with recommendations for corrective action to Department Officials.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

You will serve as a Special Agent within the Office of Investigations. The Special Agent is called upon to spearhead the largest, most complex, and most sensitive criminal (and occasionally non-criminal) investigations which come under the jurisdiction of the DOC OIG. The Special Agent must accordingly possess unusual originality, resourcefulness, and expertise to enable him/her to function in this troubleshooter role.

The individual selected for this position will:

*Major Duty 1: Exercise expert knowledge of applicable criminal laws, Federal rules of evidence, criminal procedures, and relevant constitutional and statutory laws.

*Major Duty 2: Plan and conduct investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations, and DOC regulations which will include the following: question subjects and third-party witnesses (formally and informally) and secure evidence from other sources to determine the nature and extent of violations; apprehend and arrest persons violating U.S. laws and conduct searches and seizures incident to the arrest when appropriate or by warrant; confer with and assist U.S. Attorneys in preparing information and evidence for trials; serve Grand Jury subpoenas when directed by the courts.

*Major Duty 3: Take sworn statements, depositions and affidavits from witnesses and others as may be required to develop information and secure admission evidence; prepare reports of complex investigations; testifiy as a government witness before Grand Juries, in courts, and at administrative hearings.

*Major Duty 4: Prepares reports of complex investigations. Testifies as a government witness before Grand Juries and in the courts, and at administrative hearings.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - As condition of employment, the selectee may be subject to a geographic relocation within the United States in order to meet agency needs and must be willing to sign a mobility agreement. Travel is required.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must be suitable for Federal employment.
• You must be registered with Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing of the announcement
• Drug Testing is Required
• If your resume is incomplete, you will not be considered for this vacancy.

The selectee will receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and must work an average of two extra hours per day as described in Title 5 U.S.C. § 5545A(d)(1).

The selectee will be required to complete a confidential financial disclosure statement upon entrance and on an annual basis thereafter.

The selectee must be able to obtain and retain a TOP SECRET security clearance.

The selectee is required to test negative for the presence of illegal drugs before placement in this position and will be subject to random drug testing thereafter.

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements, including the following, by the closing date:

1. The date immediately preceding an individuals 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position within the OIG as a law enforcement officer

Please note:

(a) This requirement does not apply to preference-eligible veterans;

(b) An individual who is 37 years of age or older may be reemployed as a law enforcement officer in the OIG if the individual has prior coverage under the special law enforcement retirement plan. (If you are 37 years of age or older and have been previously covered under the special law enforcement retirement plan, please submit a SF-50 which reflects this coverage.)

The selectee must pass a pre-employment physical examination as well as periodic physical examinations throughout employment.

The selectee must have satisfactory completed the Basic Criminal Investigative training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, if an equivalent training course has not already been completed.

The selectee will be required to carry a firearm and conduct full law enforcement activities Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition, (Lautenberg Amendment, Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)).

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Entry Requirement for All Grade Levels:
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including the following, by the closing date:

Medical Requirements: 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 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 are permitted, must be sufficient to read printed materials the size of pre written characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, 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 him/her, or others is disqualifying.

GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to meeting the Basic Entry Requirements above, applicants must have the experience listed below.

For the GS-11: Fifty-two weeks of experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Plans and conducts investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations, questions subjects and third party witnesses and secures evidence, takes sworn statements, depositions and affidavits from witnesses and others, apprehends and arrests persons violating U.S. laws and conducts searches and seizures, and prepares reports of complex investigations.

For the GS-12: Fifty-two weeks of experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Investigate situations, individuals, and/or groups; application of generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to administrative and criminal investigative functions; identification, development and presentation of evidence that reconstructs events; and in person and written communications related to results of investigations.

For the GS-13: Fifty-two weeks of experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Coordination with other law enforcement agencies nationwide as required to further investigate situations, individuals, and/or groups; application of generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to administrative and criminal investigative functions; identification, development and presentation of evidence that reconstructs events; and in person and written communications related to results of investigations.

**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

Successfully completed the Basic Criminal Investigator course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or Federally recognized equivalent course.

Additional information

THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. THE CUT OFF DATES ARE AS BELOW.

06/12/19

06/26/19

07/10/19

07/24/19

08/07/19

08/28/19

The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that do not fall under competitive examining procedures; however, they may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for non-competitive appointment

• VRA - https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav
• VEOA - https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav
• 30% or more disabled veteran - https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav
• Persons with disabilities - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment
• CTAP - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition
• ICTAP - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation (transcripts if applicable) to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire that you completed as part of the application. However, your resume or optional cover letter must support your responses to the occupational questions, or your score will be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

KSA 1. Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures.

KSA 2. Ability to recognize, develop and present evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time elements and establishes relationships, legal liabilities, conflicts of interest, in a manner that meets requirements for presentation in various hearings and other proceedings.

KSA 3. Skill in oral communications in order to communicate clearly and accurately the results of investigations.

KSA 4. Skill in written communications, to include a thorough knowledge of accepted standards of writing, use of proper grammar and the preparation of investigative reports in a clear, concise and professional manner.

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

Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3),during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

A complete application consists of the following:

• Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume should list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
• SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility.
• Include your most recent Performance Appraisal.
• Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.
• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
• Education. If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStd04.asp for more information.
• Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc.)

You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website http://www.ed.gov/intemational/usnei/us/workreco_g.doc. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

CTAP and ICTAP candidates:

CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of85 out of I 00. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap.

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

1. A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action ".noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.

(When the area of consideration includes applicants from outside of the Department's workforce)

ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

I . A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work­ related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
2. A copy of your SF-50 ..Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

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.