Criminal Investigator

Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General employees serving under competitive, permanent appointments. Current U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General employees serving under temporary appointments with reinstatement eligibility.

The OIG conducts audits and reviews of issues involving Federal student aid, K-12 schools, charter schools, special education, career and technical education, adult education, and more. When our work identifies problems, we propose solutions. Our work has resulted in improvements to ED programs and changes to some of the most important Federal education laws in our country.

The OIG also conducts criminal and civil investigations into suspected fraudulent activities by schools, colleges, universities, contractors, subcontractors, school officials-any entity or individual that participates in ED programs or receives ED funding. Through our work, we have unraveled multimillion-dollar fraud schemes by people placed in positions of trust to educate our children. We're also on the cutting edge of cybersecurity, using the latest technology and techniques to discover and defeat current and emerging threats from cyber and economic crime.

We tackle new and emerging issues head-on and continually work to improve our techniques and capabilities. We consistently expand our expertise by training and developing our staff. This dedication has enabled the OIG to become a leader in the Federal government in the areas of audits, investigations, and fighting cybercrime.

Whether you're just entering the workforce or are a seasoned professional, if you're looking for a career rather than just a job, and interested in shaping the next generation of Americans tackling tomorrow's challenges, consider joining our team.


As a Criminal Investigator (Operations Officer), GS-1811-14, you will be responsible for the following:

Serves as an advocate for the assigned region, exercising independent initiative and coordination of initial and ongoing criminal, civil and administrative investigations in communicating approaches, benefits and results of pursuing actions with management. Incumbent prepares regional performance reports to assess adequacy of resources, timeliness of investigations, and results obtained. Works to initiate changes in policies and procedures relative to investigative activates and program areas. he incumbent manages the review and analysis of investigative activity request, such as consensual monitoring and undercover requests submitted by their regions. Initiates discussion with Special Agents (SA), Assistant Special Agents in Charge (ASAC), and Special Agents in Charge (SAC), to clarify or resolve inconsistencies in the requests. Presents view on the merits of proposals and issues raised.

Manages the review and analysis of investigative activity request, such as consensual monitoring and undercover requests submitted by their regions. Initiates discussion with Special Agents (SA), Assistant Special Agents in Charge (ASAC), and Special Agents in Charge (SAC), to clarify or resolve inconsistencies in the requests. Presents view on the merits of proposals and issues raised.

Identifies plans, directs, coordinates and conducts extensive internal and external training and outreach relative to program areas and investigative activities. In addition, develops and assists in the management of new initiative, programs or special projects.

Develops polices criteria, and procedures for investigations; conducts special projects and analyses in support of Investigations Services; and develops and implements training strategies to promote the professional development of Criminal Investigators. Incumbent coordinates national level, multiregional or highly sensitive investigations where coordination of efforts and staffing may be necessary for overall outcome of investigative activities. Incumbents are responsible for reviewing investigative files to determine if such files accurately and definitively document the investigative activities taken during the course of the investigation prior to final closure.

Provides leadership and oversight necessary to plan and conduct special studies or analysis of ED operations to determine effectiveness and proprietary in terms of program delivery, regularity requirements and policy compliance. Develops and directs the development of innovative ways to improve program operations, management methods or investigative procedures to correct identified problems. As necessary, works to recommended changes to legislation, polices and other guidance affecting ED responsibilities and program delivery.

Responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing one or more enterprise-level programs that support the agency's mission, strategic objectives, and statutory mandates. The incumbent applies advanced leadership, planning, and organizational management skills to direct the execution of ongoing programs and associated projects, ensuring alignment with agency priorities, resource constraints, and performance expectations. In addition to managing programs, the incumbent also oversees discrete projects within those programs.

Conditions of employment

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To verify that you meet these requirements, we will review your responses to the core eligibility questions on the occupational questionnaire, as well as your submitted resume and required documents. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY, OR MM/YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week.

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).

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial 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.

Key Requirement - Relocation will not be paid.

Key Requirement - Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service.

Key Requirement - Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Key Requirement - Must be a US Citizen

Key Requirement - A valid state's driver license is required.

Key Requirement - Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Qualifications

You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14, if you possess the specialize experience.

Specialized Experience for the GS-14. One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing duties or work assignments:

1. Planning and conducting complex criminal, civil, and administrative investigations; managing cases through all stages of the investigative process; and preparing comprehensive reports.

2. Leading and executing the implementation of a non-investigative effort, such as a training event, program, or project, that required a) cross-component or multi-office coordination, b) communication, and c) leadership, or comparable experience that would prepare the candidate to serve and complete training as a certified program/project manager.

3. Briefing management and senior leaders on key findings and special projects while fostering strong relationships with multiple entities and components.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) - The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

1. Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, methods, and procedures in order to conduct difficult, complex, and highly sensitive investigations.

2. Ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize, and conduct complex investigations and reviews.

3. Skill in oral and written communications.

4. Must be able to work independently or collaborate with others in establishing plans for the execution of most unique, complex and sensitive projects relating to the criminal investigative programs of Investigation Services.

5. Balance technical and non-technical competencies, such as: Project planning and execution, Risk management, Communication and stakeholder engagement, Analytical thinking and decision-making Leadership and collaboration.

Applicants must be a minimum age of 21 and not have reached their 37th birthday prior to the opening date of this vacancy announcement. If an applicant reaches his/her 37th birthday during the open period of this vacancy announcement, the application will be considered. Applicants who reach their 37th birthday prior to the opening date of this vacancy announcement will not be considered. Applicants who are currently or previously have been employed under a law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(C) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(D) and applicants with documented veteran's preference are not restricted from applying regardless of age.

Law Enforcement Availability: Applicants must agree to work an average of two hours extra per day to meet the requirements of law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) as described in Title 5 U.S.C. § 5545A(d)(1).
Applicants may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination by an Agency designated physician to determine if they are physically and medically qualified to perform the full duties of the position. Any physical condition which could hinder an individual's full, efficient and safe performance of his/her duties as a criminal investigator, or failure to meet any of the required physical or medical qualifications, will usually be considered disqualifying for employment, except when sufficient evidence is presented that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job efficiently and without hazard to themselves and others.

Medical Requirement: The duties of positions in this series require moderate 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, feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Applicant must be able to pass an Audiometer test. Hearing loss exceeding a 30-decibel average in either ear in the conversational and speech range (500, 1000, 2000 cycles) is disqualifying. Applicant should possess uncorrected visual acuity of no less than 20/100 in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other eye. Ability to read, without strain, printed material the size of typewritten characters is required. Glasses are permitted. Normal depth perception: depth perception to the correctable standard of 80 seconds of ARC is permitted.

Firearms Requirement: Applicants for this position are required to qualify with and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and to maintain such qualifications. Because of an amendment to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), which became effective September 30, 1996, and is referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment, applicants are ineligible for this position if at 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 received a pardon.

Agent Training: Applicant must have satisfactorily completed the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or its equivalent.

How you will be evaluated

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

You must submit (REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS):
- A resume demonstrating your education, experience, training, and accomplishments as it relates to the qualifications for this position and substantiating your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points. If your resume is more than 2 pages, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for the qualifications determination.

• If you are a current or former federal employee (including current U.S. Department of Education employees), you must also submit: - A Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which demonstrates your competitive status eligibility. To verify your eligibility, we will review your SF-50 to determine your tenure (block 24) and position occupied (block 34). Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments, promotions, within-grade increases, and pay adjustments. If you currently hold or previously held a federal position at or above the highest grade of this position or you have/had promotion potential at or above the highest grade of this position, you must also submit an SF-50 documenting your highest grade level held or promotion potential. Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments and promotions. - A Copy of your most recent Performance Appraisal and Awards, as applicable. Your performance appraisal and awards are requested to further assess the quality of your experience should your application be referred to the selecting official.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP)?
  • If you are a current or former Federal employee who was displaced (for example, due to a Reduction-in-Force) and want priority consideration, you must submit the documents listed below.
    • Required documents for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration (All are required): 1. Proof that you were displaced, such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notice or notice of proposed removal.
      • SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) showing:
        • RIF as the Nature of Action (Box 5B)
        • Career or career-conditional status (Box 24 must be 1 or 2)
        • Competitive status (Box 34 must be 1)
        • Promotion potential or full performance level of the position from which you were or are being displaced. This is likely your appointment SF-50 for that position.
        • Duty location
      • Your most recent performance appraisal showing a rating of Fully Successful or higher.
  • Your Federal position at the time you were displaced must be within the local commuting area for a location listed in this announcement. The definition of local commuting area varies based on duty location and hiring agency policy. To receive priority consideration, you must also be found well-qualified, which means you score 75 or higher based on this announcement's assessment rating criteria.

Next steps