Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

About ATF

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, 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. www.atf.gov

Responsibilities

• Conduct full‑range expert‑level criminal investigations, including complex cases involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Recognize patterns of illegal operations to anticipate and influence events while maintaining awareness of relevant court decisions across jurisdictions.
• Establish and develop leads from known criminal activities and initiate wide‑scope, complex investigations that intersect with legitimate business pursuits.
• Plan and coordinate to resolve complex jurisdictional problems involving Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
• Serve as key coordinator for surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.
• Perform duties reflective of promotion potential, with specific duties varying based on grade level.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or national.
• Selective Service registration (or approved exemption) for males born on or after December 31, 1959.
• One‑year probationary period may be required.
• Pass drug screening and be subject to random drug testing.
• Pass a background investigation and be suitable for Federal employment.
• Maintain required firearms proficiency.
• Pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
• Successfully complete a polygraph examination (reciprocity may be provided).
• Current and valid automobile operator’s license.
• Successfully complete Special Agent Basic Training (SABT); failure may result in removal.
• Pass the standardized Physical Task Test (PTT) for Special Agents.
• Attend and pass required training: Occupational Questionnaire, SME Resume Review, Structured Interview, SABT, Law Enforcement Training.
• Successfully complete Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or an equivalent recognized program and upload certification.
• Sign a mobility agreement as part of ATF’s mobility policy; refusal results in removal from the hiring process.

Qualifications

• GS‑11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL‑9 level (or graduate education as described) performing full‑range criminal investigations, obtaining leads, participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, arrests, reviewing evidence, and preparing case reports.
• GS‑12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑11 level performing more complex investigations, serving as lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, arrests, reviewing evidence, and preparing case reports.
• GS‑13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑12 level applying a wide range of investigative laws and regulations, identifying information sources, detecting illegal activity, preparing reports and briefings, and communicating findings. Education substitution is not permitted at this level.

Benefits

• Relocation incentive (eligible current Federal employees only) up to $25,000 total (not to exceed 25 % of total salary, including locality pay), paid as $12,500 annually over two years, subject to taxes.

Career Transition Programs

• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) – eligible surplus or displaced DOJ employees receive selection priority if they meet eligibility, score 85 + on ranking criteria, and provide required documentation.
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) – eligible displaced Federal competitive‑service employees receive selection priority under the same conditions as CTAP.
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) – honorably separated veterans who are preference‑eligible or have three or more years of continuous active service may apply; VRA applicants may be placed at the GS‑11 level.