Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office

About the role

This is the trainee level in the area of criminal investigation within the Office of Investigations, Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO), in Buffalo, NY. The successful candidate must demonstrate the potential to conduct federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.

Work assignments are selected to provide training in the analytical and evaluative aspects of the work and in the appropriate use of investigative methods. Training emphasizes developing an understanding of the concepts underlying the specialty area, recognizing incipient needs or problems, and identifying, analyzing, and solving problems. Assignments combine productive work with supervised on-the-job training in both judgmental and methodological aspects, including observing senior agents conducting investigations.

Participates in approximately 14 weeks of basic formal classroom training. This is a primary criminal investigator position.

Responsibilities

• Learn and develop investigative abilities through pre-selected assignments and observation of senior agents.
• Participate in formal classroom training (approximately 14 weeks).
• Conduct federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations as part of training and development.
• Work unscheduled irregular hours, including overtime, holidays, weekends, and nights, with the possibility of personal risk.
• Maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles and carry firearms.
• Successfully complete the 12-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP).
• Relocate at the direction of management if required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least two (2) or more years of experience with a law enforcement agency.
• Demonstrated potential to conduct federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.
• Received at least a "met expectation" rating on your most recent performance appraisals (FY 2025).
• Student Cooperatives must submit a management recommendation letter from current supervisor.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not have reached your 37th birthday at the time of initial appointment to the law enforcement position.
• No current or previous domestic violence convictions.
• Maintain physical, mental, and emotional standards necessary to perform law enforcement assignments.

Evaluation Factors

You must demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, and skills in your resume. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible status.

• Demonstrated knowledge of various law enforcement/investigative techniques and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information, both orally and in writing, to convey ideas and concepts regarding complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team and develop and maintain effective working relationships with others from within and outside an organization.

Pay

This position is being advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-07 to GS-09. The salary range is $52,766.00 - $83,911.00, including locality pay. For specifics, visit OPM's General Schedule (GS).

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) of 25 percent of base salary will be added after successful completion of the 12-week training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or equivalent federal law enforcement academy.

This position qualifies for law enforcement retirement benefits.