Criminal Investigator

Clarification from the agency

DOI-Wide: Open to current Department of Interior employees serving under a Career or Career-Conditional appointment, Land Management eligibles, CTAP.

The Criminal Investigator conducts complex, high-risk investigations to protect wildlife resources and enforce Federal conservation laws. The role involves leading multiagency efforts, using advanced investigative technologies, and addressing sophisticated criminal activity affecting domestic and international wildlife trade. At the full performance level major duties include:

• Conducts investigations that may involve largescale undercover operations to infiltrate criminal networks, the development and use of confidential informants, and the collection and analysis of intelligence from multiple sources.

• Leads, organizes, and serves on multifunction teams to carry out extremely complex investigations and address significant conservation issues involving violations of Federal wildlife laws and related statutes.

• Performs a wide range of law enforcement activities on the most complex and sensitive cases, including executing raids, interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, making arrests, developing evidence for prosecution, testifying in court and before grand juries, and preparing detailed investigative reports.

• Creates and maintains strong working relationships with high level enforcement partners, including State law enforcement chiefs, U.S. Attorney personnel, Federal enforcement agents and supervisors, and local police chiefs and sheriffs.

• Builds partnerships with foreign, Federal, State, and local enforcement authorities, media representatives, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and private industry to obtain, exchange, and secure critical information and testimony.

Physical Demands: The work requires frequent walking, stooping, bending, climbing, and extended periods of stationary surveillance. Duties may involve lifting moderately heavy items such as boxes or cargo containers.

Work Environment: Work is performed in both office and outdoor settings with regular exposure to adverse weather, dust, noise, and similar moderate risks and discomforts. Surveillance duties may involve the use of aircraft, boats, and motorized vehicles. The incumbent is responsible for minimizing risk to self and others during assignments.

Duty Station Locations: This position requires on-site presence. The selected applicant will be expected to report to one of the following Agency's offices, with the specific workstation to be determined by the Agency upon selection. A total of twenty-four (24) candidates may be selected - one (1) for each of the following locations:

• Albuquerque, NM
• Amherst, NY
• Anchorage, AK
• Atlanta, GA
• Billings, MT
• Bismarck, ND
• Brownsville, TX
• El Paso, TX
• Fremont, NE
• Hardeeville, SC
• Honolulu, HI
• Lander, WY
• Laredo, TX
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN
• Miami, FL
• Minneapolis, MN
• Pinetop, AZ
• Richmond, VA
• Sacramento, CA
• San Diego, CA
• Seattle, WA
• St. Peters, MO
• Sterling, VA

Salaries will be set based on the geographic locality pay for the assigned duty station. Locality pay tables are available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/. Questions related to duty station placement should be addressed during the interview process.

Promotion Potential: Promotion is at the supervisor's discretion and depends on satisfactory performance, the availability of higher-level work, and funding. The selectee may be promoted without further competition once all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• Suitability for employment will be determined through a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Critical Sensitive clearance or higher.
• Drug testing position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
• Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
• Position requires firearm use: Applicants are ineligible for this position if ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon
• A condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
• Law Enforcement Retirement: The incumbent of this position performs primary law enforcement work and is eligible for coverage under the law enforcement retirement provisions of Title 5. U.S.C. Part 841 or 842.
• Age Requirement: The maximum entry-age for this position is 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or are a preference-eligible veteran.
• Position requires irregular and unscheduled hours, personal risks, arduous exertion under adverse environmental conditions, and overnight travel on a regular and recurring basis.
• Mobility agreement required, which states that the candidate is completely mobile, will accept reassignments to any location, and that the candidate has no personal or family reasons which limit mobility in the future.
• Criminal Investigators must, on an annual basis, work an average of two (2) hours of unscheduled duty in excess of each regular workday to be eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is 25% of the annual base pay.
• Psychological examination: Must pass a psychological examination prior to employment.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 07/29/2026 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualifications.

Minimum Qualification GS-12:
One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-11) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes: 1) Applying standard investigative principles involving criminal and civil violations, to gather information, analyze facts, and conduct investigations involving possible violations of Federal wildlife laws; 2) Analyzing information to identify relevant facts, inconsistencies, and credibility issues; 3) Using established investigative techniques to interview subjects and witnesses, follow leads, work with informants, and review investigative or administrative records; 4) Conducting undercover activities and surveillance to obtain factual information and evidence, including situations involving multiagency coordination; 5) Preparing accurate investigative reports and properly collecting and preserving evidence.

Minimum Qualification GS-13:
One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-12) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes: 1) Independently planning and leading complex investigations, applying advanced criminal and civil investigative principles to cases involving multi-jurisdictional challenges and multi-agency task force operations; 2) Evaluating and synthesizing complex evidence to establish facts, identify discrepancies, and determine investigative direction in sophisticated wildlife related or multiagency cases; 3) Conducting or directing the full range of investigative techniques, including high risk interviews, informant development, and examination of complex records; 4) Executing or overseeing undercover and surveillance operations to gather admissible evidence in sensitive or sophisticated cases, including those involving large or multiorganizational investigative targets; 5) Preparing comprehensive investigative reports and ensuring proper documentation, preservation, and presentation of evidence.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 or GS-13 grade level.

Experience refers to 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.

Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically,
i. Area of Consideration.
ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.
iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the accomplishment record evaluation, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"

Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for eligible non-foreign areas limited to Alaska and Hawaii, as determined by the Office of Personnel Management (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates). This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and potential rate decrease.

Positions that require the use of a Firearm: Applicants are ineligible for this position if ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon.

Probation/Trial Period Con't:The probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will 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.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

How you will be evaluated

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

Resumes must not exceed two (2) single-sided pages and resumes longer than two (2) pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are minimally qualified for this job, HR will complete a review of your resume and supporting documentation.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirement(s), the best qualified candidates will be identified through a structured resume review panel that will result in issuing a ranking referral list to the hiring manager. The panel will measure the specialized experience and critical competencies and/or job elements listed below that are required to successfully perform in the position.

• Skill in applying a variety of federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to those related to natural resources, import/export requirements, smuggling, conspiracy, money laundering, or mail fraud.
• Knowledge of investigative, compliance, and legal principles such as: search and seizure; analytical and surveillance techniques; evidence handling and documentation; management of sensitive law enforcement information; prosecutorial process; and complex case management.
• Skill in initiating, managing, and completing complex federal criminal investigations.
• Skill in applying effective written communication techniques to convey complex information clearly, organize messages logically, and reports to diverse audiences.
• Skill in oral communication to present findings in clear, concise, and accurate briefings and presentations to varied audiences.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:
1. Resume: You may only submit one (1) resume. Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

• Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
  • 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.

2. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.

If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

3. Applicants applying under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act must submit documentation verifying eligibility. Required documentation includes: First and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (block 34, code 1-Competitive Service), AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each appointment, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period. Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration. Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility.

4. Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last five (5) years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Additional Documentation if applicable:
1. Cover Letter

2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

3. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

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