Criminal Investigator

Clarification from the agency

Agency Employee - You may apply if you are a current, permanent, competitive service employees of the United States Marshals Service or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) eligible.

As a Criminal Investigator at the GS-1811- 11/12/13 level, some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Performs comprehensive criminal investigations to apprehend wanted Federal fugitives;
• Develops facts and evidence by using a wide range of investigative techniques;
• Performs law enforcement duties to include protection of high-ranking government officials, transportation of prisoners, judicial and witness protection, and court security;
• Participates on joint task forces which are composed of USMS, Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel; and
• Prepares investigative reports.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.

Conditions of employment

• This position is a Testing Designated Position and is subject to random drug testing.
• Selectees for initial appointment to supervisory or managerial positions will be required to serve a probationary period in accordance with the provision of 5 CFR §§315.901-909, unless exempt from its provisions.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. Verify Registration here.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Must successfully pass periodic background reinvestigations.
• Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of selection.
• Must undergo periodic or as needed medical examination and continue to meet the medical requirements for the position.
• Must complete a bi-annual fitness test.
• Must carry a handgun and must qualify twice a year in the use of multiple firearms.

Qualifications

GS-11 TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GL-09 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 grade level. (Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted to verify time-in-grade).You may qualify at the GS-1811-11 level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

• A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-09 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability:
  • Working knowledge of foundational criminal law enforcement principles, theories, practices and techniques;
  • Preparing written documentation related to criminal investigative functions or security operations. (NOTE: Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

OR

• B. Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.M. degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position, examples of qualifying fields include Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Intelligence Studies, or Law. This list is not all inclusive.(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

OR

• C. Combination of education and experience: A combination of education and experience as listed above, that when combined equals 100% of the total requirement. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

GS-12 TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 grade level. (Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted to verify time-in-grade).You may qualify at the GS-1811-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability:
  • Independently applying criminal law enforcement principles, theories, practices and techniques to gather evidence and conduct criminal investigations;
  • Preparing comprehensive reports on criminal investigative functions or security operations. (NOTE: Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

GS-13 TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 grade level. (Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted to verify time-in-grade).You may qualify at the GS-1811-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability:
  • Independently applying criminal law enforcement principles, theories, practices and techniques to gather evidence; plan, conduct, and manage complex criminal investigations; and resolve investigative issues;
  • Planning and coordinating investigative and fugitive operations with other law enforcement partners;
  • Independently preparing comprehensive investigative reports and written products that analyze complex evidence and supports enforcement or prosecutive actions. (NOTE: Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

Applicants may not qualify for this position based on education in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-12 and GS-13 grade levels.

No waivers for unfulfilled service time commitments will be accepted.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE CANNOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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.

The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, and running over rough, rocky, uneven, and hazardous terrain; crawling in restrictive areas; and climbing fences and walls. The incumbent must also be prepared to protect self or others from physical attacks at any time and without warning, and to use firearms, and/or other lethal weapons. The work requires working long hours outside of normal duty hours including nights, holidays, and weekends.

The work involves exposure to people with contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, or HIN1. The work also involves high-risk exposure to potentially dangerous and stressful situations and involvement in physical altercations or the use of lethal weapons while attempting to subdue and arrest combative suspects, execute court or executive orders, or provide personal protection. The work is performed in all types of weather. During emergency operations, the incumbent may be required to work in areas with a lack of resources.

This position requires you to carry a firearm and is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess any firearm or ammunition. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term 'convicted' as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition.

Special Retirement Provisions for Law Enforcement/Maximum Entry Age: The Deputy U.S. Marshal is a Primary/Rigorous position covered by the retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336{c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412{d). Persons making their first entry into a law enforcement position under these authorities must be between the ages of 21 and 36 years of age. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a law enforcement officer or firefighter position as defined in title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20)(21) or in 5 U.S.C. 8401(14)(17). This age restriction does not apply to those who have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement or firefighter position, or to qualified Veterans' preference eligibles regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307, unless the hiring agency has determined age is essential to the duties of the job. All applications will be screened for date of birth at the time of initial application.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and assessment questionnaire.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two pages of your resume, starting at your work experience. SMEs will not review any additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter). Applicants who pass the structured resume review will be added to the list of qualified candidates.

Structured Panel Interview: SMEs will complete a structured interview process to evaluate applicants. Qualified candidates who successfully complete the structured interview will be referred for consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Reasoning
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Influencing//Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Criminal Investigation
• Written Communication

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. Failure to select the correct eligibility criteria will result in an automated rating of ineligible, and your application will not receive further consideration.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13077888

If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and incentive awards submitted with your application will be available to the selecting official for review and consideration.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed. If more than two (2) pages are submitted, only the first two (2) pages of work experience will be reviewed to determine your qualifications.

2. Other supporting documents (Applicants should ensure that their personally identifiable information (PII) is protected.):

• College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
• SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade permanently held
• Copy of most recent performance appraisal (USM-540) with supervisor's signature showing the official final rating of record. In cases where the performance appraisal is incomplete or unavailable, applicants may provide an explanation of the reasons
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
• Cover Letter, optional
• USM-280C, Disclosure of Relatives Employed at DOJ, optional

Failure to submit a resume and/or supporting documentation will result in elimination from further consideration.

Next steps