Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

About the role

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects communities from violent criminals and criminal organizations, illegal use and trafficking of firearms, illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. ATF partners with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, and technology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Recognize patterns of illegal operations to anticipate and/or influence events while maintaining awareness of precedential court decisions across judicial and law enforcement jurisdictions.
• Establish and develop leads from known criminal activities and initiate wide-scope, complex investigations involving criminal conduct interwoven with legitimate business pursuits.
• Utilize elaborate planning and coordination to resolve and overcome complex jurisdictional problems involving Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
• Serve as key person or coordinator for duties such as surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959 (those not registered must have an approved exemption on file).
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and be subject to random drug tests.
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by background investigation.
• Meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements at the time of application.
• Display and maintain required proficiency with firearms.
• Take and pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
• Take and successfully complete a polygraph examination (reciprocity may be provided).
• Possess a current and valid automobile operator’s license.
• Successfully complete Special Agent Basic Training (SABT); failure to pass may result in removal from the position.
• Pass a standardized Physical Task Test (PTT) to meet eligibility requirements for the special agent position.
• May be required to attend and successfully pass Occupational Questionnaire, SME Resume Review, Structured Interview, SABT, and other law enforcement training.
• Must have successfully completed and passed FLETC’s Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or an equivalent recognized federal law enforcement training program (certification must be uploaded).
• New employees must sign a mobility agreement to facilitate career development and mission effectiveness.

Qualifications

GS-11

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level performing all of the following:

• Conducting the full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques.
• Obtaining investigative leads and factual data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports.

OR

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science.
• Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
• LL.M., if related.

OR

Less than one year of specialized experience as described above with some graduate education as described above, but less than the required one year; the percentage of requirements must total at least 100%.

GS-12

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level performing all of the following:

• Conducting the full range of criminal investigations of greater than average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques.
• Serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests.
• Reviewing evidence and preparing case reports.

GS-13

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level performing all of the following:

• Applying a wide range of criminal investigative, enforcement laws, regulations, guidelines, and precedent decisions.
• Identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity, document issues or probable cause, and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred.
• Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.

Relocation Incentive

• May be paid to eligible current federal employees only and subject to successful completion of required Special Agent Basic Training at FLETC-Glynco, GA.
• Total Amount: $25,000 (may not exceed 25% of total salary, including locality pay).
• Annual Amount: $12,500 over two years (subject to federal taxes and any applicable state/local taxes).