Summary The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations. Responsibilities The Office of Investigations is responsible for investigating the appropriate criminal and civil justice system those individuals and organizations involved in financial, professional, civil, or criminal misconduct relating to Department of Homeland Security programs and operations.The position serves as a Criminal Investigator responsible for the most difficult, sensitive and complex investigative matters. Case assignments involve matters of extreme sensitivity, scope and complexity; a wide range and variety of interrelated activities; a wide number of separate investigative matters that grow from the original assignments; exceptional difficulty in establishing the interrelationships of fact or evidence; and require extensive and critical jurisdictional problems involved in completing the investigations. Typical assignments include: Planning, organizing and personally conducting investigations with regard to a wide variety of allegations received by the Office of Inspector General which typically involve extremely complex, difficult or sensitive criminal or administrative investigations of major importance and high-level interest and misconduct allegations involving high ranking officials of the Department of Homeland Security. Performing special assignments where investigative matters cover a wide range of U.S. codes and administrative laws. Performing portions of large extremely complex and sensitive investigations requiring inquiry into activities in various geographical locations. Coordinating major multi-agent cases or investigations, which involve multiple subjects. Drafting and preparing concise, logical reports of investigations and summaries, including recommendations for prospective and corrective action for the Office of Investigations. Maintaining liaison with other law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and national levels for purpose of obtaining their cooperation in furnishing information concerning illegal activities involving violations of criminal law related to DHS personnel in the private sector which could assist in ferreting out violations. Performing other DHS office activities, such as answering correspondence inquiries and counseling office visitors in matters relating to their rights, nature of action that can be taken and the procedures involved, status of cases, etc. Serving as a witness at civil hearings or criminal court trials and testify before grand juries concerning evidence developed during criminal investigation. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You will qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the second lower grade or equivalent (GS-07) performing the following: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes:1. Understanding and utilizing techniques, methods, and equipment in conducting a full life cycle criminal investigation to include drafting and preparing concise, logical reports of investigations and summaries.2. Assisting in presenting evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time element to establish relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflict.3. Comprehension of principles, techniques, methods, equipment and procedures to perform the full range of investigative activities and demonstrated knowledge of investigation techniques. You will qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the second lower grade or equivalent (GS-09) performing the following: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes:1. Familiar with the investigation process and skills in fact-finding, analysis, and reporting to perform difficult and complex assignments2. Presenting evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time element to establish relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflict.3. Comprehension of principles, techniques, methods, equipment and procedures to perform the full range of investigative activities and demonstrated knowledge of investigation techniques. You will qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-11) performing the following: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes:1. Understanding and utilizing techniques, methods, and equipment in conducting a full life cycle criminal investigation to include drafting and preparing concise, logical reports of investigations and summaries2. Assisting in presenting evidence that reconstructs events, sequences, and time element to establish relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflict.3. Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies for purpose of obtaining their cooperation in furnishing information concerning illegal activities involving violations of criminal law. Additional Requirements: Training Requirement: Upon Selection, this position requires that you complete the basic criminal investigator course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA or an approved comparable course 1) Federal Bureau of Investigation, Basic Special Agent Academy; 2) Drug Enforcement Administration, Basic Special Agent Academy; 3) U.S. Postal Inspector Basic Inspection Training Program; 4) United States Army Military Police School, CID Special Agent Course; and 5) U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Special Investigators Course). However, if you already have your CITP or its equivalent certificate and/or transcript, please upload and list on your resume. Firearm Requirement: This position requires you to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Therefore, it is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) (9) and you will be required to verify that you have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Age Requirement: This position is covered by the law enforcement officer retirement provisions, 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), and as such is covered by a mandatory age requirement. There is a maximum entry age of the day before your 37th birthday for original appointment into law enforcement officer positions as defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331(21) or 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). This age restriction does not apply to those who have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement position, or to qualified Veterans' preference eligible regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307. Medical Requirement: This position requires you to maintain physical fitness standards set by the agency. The duties of Criminal Investigators 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. 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. Additionally, the duties of this position involve activities under trying conditions, as such, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. This position may require the completion of a Medical Examination that will include testing of your vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities by an authorized Government physician. If a medical examination is required, you must be cleared by the authorized Government physician in order to be determined physically fit to perform the arduous physical exertion required of this position. Drug Test Requirement: This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position (TDP); therefore, you are subject to drug testing under OIG's Drug-Free Workplace policy. Refusal to be randomly tested may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. 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. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date 05/09/2025 of this announcement. 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. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you may qualify if your education meets the definitions below. (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your college transcripts.) GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position that would otherwise substitute for specialized experience. GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or completed 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. from an accredited college or university in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position that would otherwise substitute for specialized experience. Combining Education and Experience: GS-09: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. GS-11: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. For the GS-12 position, you must meet the qualification requirements using experience alone- no substitution of education for experience is permitted. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; and uniform allowance. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). 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. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with the application or selection process, please email us at Applicant.Inquiries@oig.dhs.gov. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. 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. 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. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons 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 for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.