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 storage and use of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. The agency partners with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, and technology.

Duties

This is an Open Continuous Announcement used to fill multiple Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) vacancies for the Homeland Security Task Force. The primary purpose is to prevent, detect, and investigate substantive and conspiracy-type violations of laws administered and enforced by ATF. Typical work assignments include:

• Conducting complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Recognizing patterns of illegal operations to anticipate and influence events while maintaining awareness of court decisions across jurisdictions.
• Establishing and developing leads from known criminal activities and initiating wide-scope investigations involving criminal conduct interwoven with legitimate business pursuits.
• Utilizing elaborate planning and coordination to resolve complex jurisdictional problems involving Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
• Serving as key person or coordinator for surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.

Relocation Incentive

May be paid to eligible current federal employees only, 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)

Requirements

Conditions of employment must be met at the time of application:

• U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration required for males born on or after December 31, 1959 (those not registered must have an approved exemption)
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug tests
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by background investigation
• Meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements
• Display and maintain required proficiency with firearms
• Pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements
• Pass 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
• Pass a standardized Physical Task Test (PTT) to meet eligibility requirements
• May be required to attend and successfully pass Occupational Questionnaire, SME Resume Review, Structured Interview, SABT, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator training program (CITP) or equivalent
• 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 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

• 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
• OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree
• OR LL.M. if related
• OR specialized experience as described above but less than one year with some graduate education as described above but less than the required one year (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 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 and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations
• Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and exchange information

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