Duties

Summary

As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America's borders and enable legitimate trade and travel. Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority. Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, Investigative Operations Division in Washington, DC (Headquarters).

The incumbent of this position serves as a Criminal Investigator in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Professional Responsibility, Investigative Operations Division (IOD). The purpose of this position is to apply the full range of investigative knowledge, skills, and abilities to a variety of complex, difficult, and sensitive criminal, civil and administrative investigations concerning alleged or suspected violations of the United States Code, and/or Department and agency policies, procedures and directives by CBP employees, in order to maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity and suitability of CBP employees.

This position starts at a salary of $121,316.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $157,709.00 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $157,709 (GS-14 Step 10). In this position, you will be performing the below duties:

• Serving as a Criminal Investigator assigned to the Office of Professional Responsibility, Investigative Operations Division. Investigative Operations Division (IOD) has several openings to include: Cyber Investigations, Operations Managers and Policy Team. Investigators within IOD work independently and collaboratively with leadership on a variety of assignments to accomplish the IOD mission;
• Incumbents assigned to Cyber Investigations are responsible for conducting criminal and administrative investigations involving digital evidence and computer networks. Cyber agents are responsible for identifying, collecting, examining, and preserving evidence using controlled and documented forensic techniques in dead box, mobile, and network environments;
• Incumbents assigned as Operations Managers are responsible for receiving, managing, and assigning criminal cases to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Offices for investigation. Operations Managers are responsible for collaborating with local SAC Offices to develop reports of investigative activity of high profile cases for senior leadership. Operations Managers brief senior leadership on high profile cases and a variety of topics; and
• Incumbents assigned to the Policy Team are responsible for researching, developing, and drafting policies and procedures in support of IOD's mission to safeguard and promote the integrity and security of the CBP workforce. Investigators assigned to the Policy Team are considered subject matter experts and collectively review regulatory and legislative changes impacting the CBP mission and law enforcement authority.

You will be required to select one (1) specialty for which you wish to be considered. (Cyber Investigations, Operations Manager, Inspections and Policy)

Travel Required

50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service

Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day to be referred for selection consideration. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are a preference-eligible veteran or if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d).

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.

Firearms: Criminal investigators are required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is mandatory.

Medical Examination: Individuals must meet the established medical standards and/or physical requirement for the position, proving they are medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently. A medical examination will be conducted. Any disease or condition that may potentially interfere with the safe and efficient performance of the job's duties or training may constitute grounds for medical disqualification. Medical qualification determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. If additional medical information is recommended beyond that provided at the pre-employment examination, it is provided at the expense of the tentative selectee.

Drug Testing: This job has been identified as "testing designated" under our Drug-Free Workplace Program. Therefore, you must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. The agency will schedule, provide and pay for the drug test. Once on board, you will be subject to random drug testing.

Qualifications

Quality Ranking Factor: You will be asked the question below as part of the online self-assessment questionnaire. Candidates will receive a higher score based upon their responses to the following: Have you attended the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or other equivalent (i.e. FBI, DEA, or Postal Inspection)?

AND

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Preparing and executing search and arrest warrants, or other judicial processes (e.g., document subpoenas, electronic surveillance orders);
• Developing facts and evidence gathered during interrogations and polygraph examinations and making arrests and conducting searches and seizures;
• Conducting criminal or civil asset forfeiture investigations/operations in order to deprive corrupt employees and/or criminal organizations; and
• Preparing detailed Reports of Investigations and briefings regarding ongoing non-criminal and special-inquiry investigations and inspections for senior level management and other federal, state and local enforcement agencies.

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.

Criminal Investigator Training Program: Criminal Investigators must complete an initial course of basic training, specifically the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia, or an Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) approved equivalent course of instruction and the OPR Special Agent Training Program at the Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, as well as additional training throughout their careers. Both basic and advanced training programs are designed to prepare law enforcement personnel with the skills, aptitudes, and competencies required to serve as a Criminal Investigator.

You must:

• Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 10/22/2020.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. . For more information visit this link .

Polygraph Examination: The Criminal Investigator position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination .

Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.

Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information

Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Financial Disclosure is required.

Mobility Agreement: Selectees will be required to sign a mobility agreement upon acceptance of this position. The selectee may be required to relocate to another duty location in accordance with applicable law, regulation and Agency policy, to a different geographic location, at any time during your employment with CBP.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): As a law enforcement officer you will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. These positions require substantial overtime to include holidays, weekends and nights. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is calculated at a flat rate of 25 percent of base salary.

Federal Law Enforcement Retirement Coverage 12(d): Criminal Investigators are covered under the provisions of both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) 6 (c) or the Federal Employees Retirement System and 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer are eligible for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the Federal government) are eligible for law enforcement retirement at any age with at least 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least 20 years of service as law enforcement officers are subject to mandatory retirement under both retirement systems. If you are a preference eligible veteran additional opportunities may be available to you; you may find additional information at the following website: http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp

Special Appointing Authority: Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click on the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the CBP Hiring Center via the contact information listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.

• Veterans
• Military spouses Effective until August 12, 2023, any spouse of a member on active duty may be eligible
• Individuals with Disabilities The proof of disability documentation must specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation. For more information visit this link .
• Peace Corps/VISTA
• O ther miscellaneous hiring authorities

Telework may be available on a regular recurring or situational basis.

DHS 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.

Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10934306

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

Applicants will be evaluated based on information in their resumes that reflects seven competencies: Leading Others, Team Building, Performance and Results Management, Decision Making and Problem Solving, Creativity and Innovation, Integrity, and Technical Credibility. Applicants should strive to include information in their resumes to reflect each of the competencies and resumes should not exceed 5 pages.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

• Skill in applying, theories, concepts, principles, practices, laws, regulations, and methods of criminal investigations including constitutional, international, and statutory laws; investigations procedures and techniques; and specialized investigative and business accounting techniques
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and local law enforcement agency functions and jurisdictions; as well as comprehensive knowledge of the relationships between federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement agencies and the need for coordination with them or with other governmental agencies that have a mutual interest in select investigations
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence, criminal procedures, and court decisions concerning admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure, apprehension and detention of suspects, and related investigative and law enforcement matters

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10934306

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

• Your resume : A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link.
• Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10934306
• Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate Sf-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
• Special Appointing Authority: See "Other Information" to determine what documentation you need to submit as proof of eligibility for a Special Appointing Authority.
• Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 . If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your rank, expected character of service and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD-214 upon separation from the military. To learn more click here .
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  • Position title
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
  • Agency
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment
• You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.