Summary
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations-Labor Racketeering and Fraud.
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Land and base management
Current or former employees of a base management agency.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
Clarification from the agency
Current/former Federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility; ICTAP/CTAP eligibles in local commuting area; Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act eligibles; individuals eligible for these non-competitive authorities, 30% or > compensable disabled vets; individuals w/disabilities; present/former Peace Corps (PC) personnel & former PC volunteers.
Duties
The incumbent will conduct difficult and complex investigations, as a team member or lead agent, apprehending or detaining individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States. The incumbent will protect the personal safety of United States officials.
Major Duties For GS-13:
1.Investigates the most significant and complex cases or is lead agent assigned. These investigations involve a wide range of criminal activity that falls under OI's mission. Initiates contacts with Federal, State and local officials, civic and business leaders, officials of lending institutions, medical facilities, societies, and other organizations and individuals related to matters under investigation for the purpose of obtaining facts, signed statements, explanation of actions, or other evidence, etc., to learn sequence of events and background or related information that incumbent determines is required, to determine the sequence of interviews and the extent/scope of investigations. Examines records, books, payrolls, reports, transactions, actions or allegations under investigation. Verifies, corroborates, and establishes relationships of all facts and evidence obtained, presented or alleged in order to establish its accuracy and authenticity.
2.Assists in coordinated investigative efforts with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Establishes and maintains contacts at whatever level required to achieve desired objectives and to promote information exchanges.
3. Elicits information from individuals of diverse backgrounds and develops productive sources of information and informants under adverse and sensitive conditions.
4. Serves as the senior agent on major investigations in conducting interviews, surveillances, and examinations of records and documents. Independently performs sensitive interviews and surveillances as well as complex records examination.
5.Confers with the assigned OIG high ranking official, his/her staff, law enforcement agencies, intelligence activities, and the US State Department on expected travel. Maintains liaison with senior-level officials of federal, state, and municipal governments, military officials, foreign governments, representatives of the news media and private sector individuals. Deals diplomatically and effectively with such persons.
6. Leads assigned protective security surveys and ensures that all activities related to advance security planning and implementation are accomplished for the executive official's local, domestic, and international travel. Provides security at assigned public events, hearings, administrative proceedings, and conferences that are scheduled, conducted or sponsored by the Department/OIG, particularly when they involve controversial or sensitive issues. Coordinates security for these assigned major events with other law enforcement agencies. Completes investigative reports and provides information to law enforcement personnel for affidavits, search warrants, and arrest warrants for protection in the Federal Court system. Arrests or directs the arrest of suspected felons who have threatened the safety of United States officials. The performance of these duties requires rigorous physical and mental exertion.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Minimum AGE Requirements: An applicant must enter a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) law enforcement covered position or a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) law enforcement covered position not one day later than his/her 37th birthday.
Please note: Applicants appointed to Criminal Investigator positions in the Federal service must not have reached their 37th birthday upon appointment to the position unless they previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement. This requirement may be waived only for veterans. However, the primary duties of these positions are classified as rigorous, and a waiver may be authorized by the head of the agency only in unusual situations .Please note: An age requirement waiver is not automatic. An individual who has passed the maximum entry age limit but previously served in a covered position, may be eligible for consideration and reinstatement of coverage if he/she will be able to complete a total of 20 yrs of covered law enforcement service by the time he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 57. See OPM Retirement Handbook for further details. The Max Entry Age requirement (See Max Entry may be waived for applicants eligible for veterans' preference.)
Incumbents are required to be able to perform the following duties:
A. Firearm Use. All OIG criminal investigators are required to qualify with the U.S. DOL-issued firearms and to accept assignments where firearms are required. In the exercise of OIG's statutory law enforcement authority, there is the potential that the use of the firearm may be justified and necessary.B. Arrests. OIG criminal investigators make arrests, with or without a warrant, according to the circumstances. C. Search &Seizure OIG criminal investigators execute warrants for search of premises or seizure of evidence.D. Surveillances In conducting investigations, criminal investigators may establish and maintain surveillances of suspected criminal acts.E. Undercover Assignments From time to time, criminal investigators assume undercover roles.F. Review of Records & Other Evidence Many cases under investigation involve the review of a tremendous amount of records which the agent takes control of and transports for copying.
CONTINUTATION IN QUALIFICATION TAB
Qualifications
You must meet the Basic Requirements listed in the Education Requirements section and the Specialized Experience to qualify for the Criminal Investigator, as described below.
For Criminal Investigator, GS-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower GS-11 grade level, in the Federal service.
For Criminal Investigator, GS-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower GS-12 grade level, in the Federal Service.
Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Qualifying specialized experience for Criminal Investigator, GS-12 is defined as experience in performing protective surveys and protective operations; developing criminal investigative reports upon completion of assignments facilitating the determination of appropriate actions and final decisions; researching and providing evidence and data in the preparation for adjudication of criminal cases; and providing assistance to senior agents regarding research, policies, procedures, or readiness plans.
Qualifying specialized experience for Criminal Investigator, GS-13 is defined as experience in demonstrating, and skill in, applying laws, regulations, executive orders, advanced principles, concepts, as well as investigative techniques associated with operational law enforcement intelligence collection; obtaining and evaluating information from many diverse sources including alleged criminals and reluctant witnesses; surveillance planning, including those surveillance activities involving multiple parties, the latest technology, and methods that are subject to changing legal admissibility; and collecting data concerning the safety and security of personnel.
- No Relocation Incentives will be offered.
- No Permanent Change of Station Incentives will be offered.
- This position is outside the Bargaining Unit.
- This position will not be filled until the Department's Placement Assistance Programs have been fully utilized
Higher grade level 1811s may receive biweekly and annual premium pay caps (refer to OPM website).
CONTINUATION FROM REQUIREMENT TAB
Basic Law Enforcement Training. As a condition of employment, newly-hired OIG criminal investigators must have successfully completed the basic criminal investigator training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC ), unless waived by OIG because of proof of comparable special agent or law enforcement officer training.
G. Travel. Many criminal investigators travel frequently -- up to 50% of the time. Much of the travel is performed by automobile driven by the agent from 8-10 hrs at a time to reach the destination.H. Maintain Top Secret Clearance.
Education
There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience at the GS-12 and GS-13 level.
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.
If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position.
Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Requires a valid driver's license.
Subject to financial disclosure requirements.
Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
Subject to a drug test and medical test prior to appointment.
Must be 21 years old.
Additional information
The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high-quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Click here for Career Ladder Promotion Information
Non-Supervisory Financial Disclosure (if applicable): This position is subject to the confidential financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). Therefore, if selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest(s) and your prospective position with DOL. This information will be required annually.
| Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy. |
The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process
Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act.
Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions.
All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to the appointment.
All Department of Labor employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.
CONTINUATION FROM REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TAB
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; -whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your 1 year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Knowledge and Conduct of Investigations: Knowledge and application of principles, practices, and techniques for conducting civil, criminal, and administrative investigations and documenting findings and conclusions in an efficient, accurate, and timely manner.
Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of applicable Federal rules of criminal and civil procedures; agency and government laws, regulations, and policies; and executive orders.
Technology Application: Uses machines, tools, and technical investigative equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to obtain, analyze, and communicate information in the appropriate format.
Security: Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents.
Oral Communication: Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial).
Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Self Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
Click here for Evaluation details.
You may preview questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12884061
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your paid, unpaid, and volunteer, as it demonstrates the competencies or skills required for the position to be filled. Your evaluation may include an interview, reference checks, or other assessment conducted by HR specialists, subject matter experts, or panel members and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc.).
The examining Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the OHR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) will be considered well-qualified if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review the eligibility questions to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.
Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date.
The following documents are required from all applicants (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
STATUS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: If applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service, please provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your SF-50 must identify the highest grade you held on a permanent basis, Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series, Grade/Pay Band, and career status. Multiple SF-50 may be submitted to demonstrate your highest previous rate and eligibility.
*WARNING: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step, and competitive status. For current DOL employees, an award SF-50 DOES NOT indicate grade and step.
- Resumes are required - provide a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one from your computer and USAJOBS profile. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please list the month, year, and number of work hours worked for the experience listed on your resume. We also suggest that you preview the vacancy questions and confirm that your resume supports your question responses.
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. *In most cases, ICTAP/CTAP applicants must submit this document - please see ICTAP/CTAP links below for more details.
The following documents are required (if applicable):
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents - Only required if requesting priority consideration under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Eligibility. Click/Review these ICTAP/CTAP links to confirm what must be submitted as proof that the requirement has been met.
- DD-214 - verifying military service, eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), and showing the character of discharge (ex. Member Copy 4 and 2 are acceptable vs. Copy 1 which is not acceptable to adjudicate veteran's preference)
Special/Non-Competitive Appointing Authority Documents
- Applicants who are eligible for consideration, and wish to be considered, under one of the following non-competitive hiring authorities must submit appropriate documentation (click on the links below to see the documentation requirements): (a) Persons with Severe Disabilities (SCHEDULE A) (b) 30% or More Compensable Disabled Veterans (DAV) (c) Former Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) OR AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers OR Current or Former Peace Corps Employees (PCE) (d) Military Spouses (MISP) (e) Other
- Land Management Eligible(s): a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) proving your eligibility for appointment under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act. This service must have been performed in competitive service, under a time-limited appointment in a Land Management Agency, as defined by P.L. 114-328. For more information, click here.
- Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - If you are using education as a basis for qualifying for this position, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, Ph.D., etc.). If specific coursework is required to qualify, you must supply an unofficial transcript from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit. You may upload your unofficial transcript(s) as one document with a maximum size limit of 5 MB.
NOTE: The OFFICIAL Transcript(s) MUST BE RECEIVED if you are selected, and prior to receiving the firm offer with a start date.
Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience but may be submitted.
Reference the Education Section for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
Do not upload password-protected documents.
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, including submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration.
Application Limits 100: Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the date the application limit was reached or the vacancy closing date, whichever occurs first, to receive consideration.
Important - Save your information before the 30-minute system timeout! For help, go to the USAJOBS Help Center.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents. For each employment period, include start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week) otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
NOTE: In alignment with the Presidential Memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, applicants may only submit a resume limited to two (2) pages. Only the résumé uploaded under the 'Resume" document type in USAJOBS will be reviewed. If the resume submitted exceeds two (2) pages, the application will be deemed ineligible for further consideration.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS).Once you have identified a job on USAJOBS that you wish to apply for, click on the job title and then click the Apply button. For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Proceed through the steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. In the final step, once you have certified your application, click the Continue to agency site button.
STEP 3 - Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL). On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click Apply to this vacancy. Continue through the progress steps at the top of the DOL page. The 2nd progress step is where you answer the vacancy-specific questions. The 3rd progress step Documents is where you submit the required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.
STEP 4 - On the Review and Submit step, verify each section of your application is complete and correct.In order to submit your application, you must have a check mark next to each section listed. If there is an X, return to the appropriate section and follow the prompts. When it is ready for submission, certify your application and click the Submit Application button.
STEP 5 - Edit Application by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy then Update Application. If the vacancy closes on the date the application limit is reached, applicants will no longer be able to edit their applications.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
For more detailed information on applying for positions with DOL
click here to view the U.S. Department of Labor How to Apply website.
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days of the issuance date of the certificate.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to USAJOBS Help Guide.
USAJOBS will no longer send status alert email notifications. You can check your application status in the TAS by logging into USAJOBS and in the Applicant Dashboard, click the hiring agency Talent Acquisition System (TAS). If the TAS does not provide application tracking information, contact the agency's point of contact on the job announcement.
To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.