Criminal Investigator Job in Huntsville, AL

Vacancy No. NASA OIG-12658495-DE-25 Department Headquarters, NASA
Salary $92,293.00 to $142,676.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/8/2025 Close Date 1/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Huntsville, AL


Summary

The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts audits, reviews, and investigations of NASA programs and operations to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. The Office of Investigations (OI) investigates allegations of crime, cyber-crime, fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct having impact on NASA programs, projects, operations, and resources.

Duties

As a Criminal Investigator at the GS-1811-12/13 grade level, some of your typical work assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Planning and conducting complex investigations of suspected fraud, waste, and abuse, and mismanagement in NASA programs and investigating violations of NASA Standards of Conduct and government regulations involving NASA employees. Investigations will typically involve grant and procurement fraud, which may include, but is not limited to, cost/labor mischarging, defective pricing, defective parts, false certifications, price fixing, bid rigging, and product substitution.
  • Planning and conducting search warrant operations, undercover and/or surveillance work, and other law enforcement activities for the purpose of obtaining evidence, property, and documents relevant to the investigation.
  • Analyzing and evaluating evidence, to include business and financial records, payrolls, government reports, transactions and actions relevant to allegations under investigation. Verifying, corroborating, and establishing relationships of all facts and evidence, to establish accuracy and authenticity. Based on findings, drafting reports of investigations and summaries, including recommendations for prospective and corrective action and/or to aid in supporting possible prosecution and/or administrative or civil action.
  • Presenting cases and/or evidence, both orally and in writing, to Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the preparation of cases for presentation to Federal Grand Juries. Testifying as a witness before grand juries, trial courts, or administrative hearings on results of completed investigations.
  • Performs a variety of liaison activities in order to develop and maintain relationships internal and external to the agency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
  • Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
  • You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation. This position will be subject to random drug testing after the applicant is hired.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial/probationary period.
  • Must be proficient in the use of assigned firearms/weapons, pass an initial qualification, and must continually qualify in the use of firearms/weapons.
  • Must meet the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.
  • This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid State Driver's License.
  • Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and physical fitness test and continue to successfully pass both requirements annually.
  • This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.
  • This position requires you to satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia, or equivalent federal law enforcement training.
  • This is a primary law enforcement position; Incumbent must not have reached their 37th birthday upon appointment to this position unless there is sufficient prior Federal service in a covered primarily law enforcement or firefighter position.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the experience required for the grade level(s) to which you apply.

Specialized Experience for GS-12: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. You must have at least one year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:

To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:
  • Conducting criminal investigations to determine violations of Federal laws and regulations.
  • Preparing detailed investigative reports summarizing investigative efforts and results, to aid in supporting possible prosecution and/or administrative or civil action.
  • Recognizing, developing, or presenting evidence to reconstruct events, sequences, time elements, relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest to ensure relevancy of investigation.
  • Providing advice and assistance during investigations and prosecutions, particularly regarding matters involving crimes affecting U.S. Government personnel, programs and contracts.
  • Collaborating with a diverse group of individuals to solve time sensitive and complex problems.

Specialized Experience for GS-13: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. You must have at least one year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing the following duties:

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
  • Conducting complex procurement and/or grant fraud investigations and sensitive administrative investigations involving senior personnel.
  • Applying laws, regulations, theories, principles and practices of criminal investigations and investigative procedures and techniques.
  • Knowledge and understanding of contracting regulations and federal procurement, as well as the ability to trace financial or other transactions and conduct detailed examinations of fiscal accounts and records.
  • Applying specialized investigative techniques, devices and procedures, surveillance and undercover work.
  • Collecting and assembling facts, presenting investigative findings to a U.S. Attorney, Judge or jury and assisting them in preparation for a trial or hearing; bringing the investigation to a logical conclusion.


Medical Requirements: The duties of this position requires moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard too himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia, or equivalent federal law enforcement training.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AVAILABILITY PAY (LEAP): LEAP in the amount of 25% has been approved for this position. However, the biweekly maximum earnings limitation for LEO's in 5 U.S.C. 5547(c) applies.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous law enforcement position under the provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 USC 8412(d) (FERS). Thirty-seven (37) years is the maximum entry age for covered primary law enforcement positions to meet the requirement of 20 years of service by the mandatory retirement age of 57. Persons not appointed by the last day of the month in which the individual reaches their 37th birthday shall not be originally appointed or assigned to these positions. Applicants who are age 37 or over may subtract any of their prior federal service that is in approved primary/rigorous positions and that is creditable for retirement from their current age to meet this age requirement. Applicants must provide proof of this creditable service prior to appointment. The maximum entry age may be waived for applicants eligible for veterans' preference.

Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries listed above are an approximation and are subject to duty station locality adjustment.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.

Position will be filled contingent upon funding availability.

If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
- Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
- Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position.
- Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'

For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.


NASA OIG considers paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

NASA OIG will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency-FCCJ@NASA.gov.

Required Documents

A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume. Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package will be disqualified:

  • Classified or government sensitive information.
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
If your resume contains any of the above information, you must redact that information prior to the submission of your application.

The following documents are required:
  • Resume



There may be other supporting documents (licenses, certification, veterans preference, etc.), depending on your answers to the questionnaire and job announcement description, that you may have to submit, please verify your application. Do not submit an OF-306 with your application.

If you are a surplus or displaced employee (CTAP and ICTAP), submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes copies of your agency notice, most recent Performance Rating and most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

Official documents are required at the time of appointment for verification of eligibility and qualifications.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application and have all required information available. We encourage you to provide a complete description of your educational achievements and include both paid and non-paid work in the experience portion of your resume. If you submit a resume that does not contain the required information, you may lose consideration.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

1. To begin the application process, you will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application process. Once logged in to your account, click on the "Apply" link.
2. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. We strongly encourage you to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder when creating your resume. Using the resume builder will help you ensure your resume includes important information related to your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. During the application process you can review, edit, delete and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
3. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the 'Include Personal Information' section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the vacancy questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify all required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
4. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

NASA's online application process provides step by step guidance to ensure you provide all needed information. If you are unable to apply online, please contact NSSC-CONTACTCENTER@MAIL.NASA.GOV for assistance. Be advised - application materials faxed, emailed, and/or mailed to NASA Office of Inspector General will not be accepted for this announcement.

NASA OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

NASA OIG HR Office
Address
NASA Office of Inspector General
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. Throughout the process you will receive regular status updates through USAJOBS. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (Account Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: Application Status.

Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the hiring manager.

If you are selected, you will be notified by phone or email with a tentative job offer. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing a scheduled appointment, we may rescind a tentative job offer.

An official, written job offer will be issued once all requirements have been verified.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements