Investigative Program Specialist (Polygraph Examiner)

About the role

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, Credibility Assessment Division located in:

• Tucson, AZ
• Aliso Viejo, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Portland, ME
• Minneapolis, MN
• Newark, NJ
• Buffalo, NY
• Dallas, TX
• El Paso, TX
• Houston, TX
• McAllen, TX
• San Antonio, TX
• Seattle, WA

Responsibilities

Conducting all types of polygraph examinations in support of OPR and other CBP divisions, other DHS components, and outside Federal, State, and local agencies as directed by management.

Cooking up pretest interviews of individuals to be examined in order to determine their willingness and capability to submit to the examination.

Evaluating physical and psychological suitability for testing in order to make a final determination on whether to conduct the examination.

Preparing accurate, concise, logical, comprehensive, and objective reports of investigations to be used in legal venues, potentially including testifying in court in rare occasions, for adjudication, and to brief managers.

Conducting extended testing to resolve undecided issues, confirm admissions, or locate evidence as necessary.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.

Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).

Qualifications

All Polygraph Examiners hired must be certified by the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA) by attending the Basic Federal Polygraph Training Program.

Individuals who are not currently certified through an official designation of the NCCA under the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment or the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, the NCCA requires candidates to meet the qualification basic requirements detailed below to be admitted into the training program, this will require you to submit your transcripts to establish eligibility to attend the NCCA and meet all the basic requirements listed below in addition to the specialized experience.

Qualifications

• You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
• Selecting appropriate polygraph techniques based on a thorough review and analysis of all available documentation on the investigation.
• Analyzing physiological data collected to determine the results of the polygraph examination.
• Conducting in-depth interrogations in an attempt to elicit admissions or confessions if deception is indicated by test results.
• Identifying criminal or misconduct case issues and evidence needed, based on analysis of charges, complaints, or allegations.
• Preparing accurate, concise, logical, comprehensive, and objective reports of forensic investigations to be used in legal venues, including testifying in court, for adjudication, and to brief managers.
• You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
• Adapting polygraph techniques to the situation, using experience and ability to recognize when administrative cases become criminal investigations.
• Collecting evidence while maintaining all lawful and legal standards throughout the polygraph interview process. (e.g., administering Miranda warnings, obtaining sworn written statements of confession).
• Conducting in-depth interviews and interrogations in an attempt to elicit admissions or confessions if deception is indicated by test results;
• Preparing accurate, concise, logical, comprehensive, and objective reports of forensic investigations to be used in legal venues, including testifying in court, for adjudication, and to brief managers.
• Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the rules of evidence, criminal procedure, constitutional rights, search and seizure protocol, apprehension and detention of suspects, and related investigative matters.

Basic Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• At least two years of investigative experience with a recognized U.S. Government agency or other law enforcement agency;
• Successful completion of a Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) polygraph examination; and
• Be at least 25 years of age

Required Documents

Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Background Investigation

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.

Polygraph Examination

The Investigative Program Specialist (Polygraph Examiner) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.

Polygraph Reciprocity

CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.

Polygraph Waiver

Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period