Criminal Investigator (GS-15 Special Agent Promotional Opportunity) Job in Location Negotiable After Selection

Vacancy No. HSI-12753668-IMP-CC Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $125,133.00 to $162,672.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/8/2025 Close Date 7/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Location Negotiable After Selection


Summary

This Job Opportunity Announcement is for current and permanent GS-14 (including temporary GS-15), and former GS-15 ICE employees seeking a promotion to a GS-15 Criminal Investigator position.

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), and Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs (OFTP).

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Duties

This announcement will be used to fill GS-1811-15 supervisory and non-supervisory criminal investigator positions, as listed below, in various locations within the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of Professional Responsibility, and Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

If you are a current permanent GS-1811-15 Criminal Investigator, you are not required to apply to this USAJOBS announcement for consideration for a lateral position.

Positions: Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC); Unit Chief; ICE Deputy Attache; Liaison Officer (Non-Supervisory); Operations Chief - International; Operations Chief - Domestic.

As a GS-1811-15 criminal investigator, your responsibilities will vary based on the position (e.g., ASAC, Unit Chief) into which you are promoted. You will perform various duties such as:

  • Serving as a principal assistant and advisor to the Deputy Special Agent in Charge and Special Agent in Charge, or other senior official, with respect to all operational and administrative activities within an area of responsibility.

  • Directing and coordinating through subordinate supervisors the administrative, technical, and clerical work of employees engaged in national and international investigative programs and liaison activities.

  • Determining the effectiveness of investigative techniques, recommending improvements, and developing and initiating procedures designed to improve processes and procedures.

  • Providing administrative oversight, such as budget allocation, to an area of responsibility or other programmatic area.

  • Establishing and maintaining liaison with other federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement and governmental agencies.

  • Managing and overseeing complex national and international criminal investigations, resolving complex issues related to investigative activity, ensuring compliance with necessary policies, procedures, and legal frameworks.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • You must successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. The incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.
  • Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).
  • Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
  • Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.

Qualifications



This Job Opportunity Announcement is for current and permanent GS-14 and former GS-15 ICE employees seeking a promotion to a GS-15 Criminal Investigator position.

By applying to this announcement, you will be considered for permanent promotions, temporary promotions, and detail positions. Some temporary promotions may be made permanent without further competition.

Certain positions under this announcement are subject to additional screening requirements (i.e., national security polygraph); additional regulations apply to some positions based on location (i.e., international posts).

You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Serving as a first line supervisor responsible for the administration, management, and execution of criminal investigative activities and personnel assigned to the field office or geographic location.
  • Serving as a program manager for a Headquarters, HQ components, or field office program providing investigative input on national security and/or criminal investigations.
  • Developing training and/or programs on criminal investigative techniques, methods and programmatic areas for presentation to employees, agency leadership, or other key stakeholders.
  • Conducting and/or leading investigations regarding misconduct (criminal or administrative) of ICE personnel, their associates, contractors, and any other entity under ICE's investigative jurisdiction.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

In addition to meeting the eligibility and qualification requirements, completing and/or passing each assessment phase below in the specified timeframe is required for placement on a Certificate of Eligibles. Candidates who do not meet the below assessment requirements will be removed from further consideration.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NON-COMPETITIVE CANDIATES: To be considered non-competitively, former GS-1811-15s must apply to this announcement and meet specialized experience requirements, to include any assessments used in the determination of whether a candidate meets those requirements. Former or current GS-15s in other job series must apply and complete all assessments.

Phase I. Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT)
  • This pass/fail online assessment measures critical leadership and interpersonal skills; candidates have two (2) hours to complete it.
  • Candidates who passed the SSJT from a prior SA-15 or SA-14 promotional announcement will NOT be required to re-take it. Candidates exempted from re-taking the SSJT will be notified via email after the announcement has closed and advance to the Phase II Experience Narrative Submission.
  • Candidates required to complete the SSJT will receive email invitations on or about July 28, 2025.
  • Anticipated SSJT timeframe: July 28, 2025 - August 05, 2025.
Phase II. Narrative Submission
  • Candidates passing the SSJT will be required to submit the SA-15 Experience Narratives. Instructions on how to prepare and submit the Narratives will be sent to candidates via email on or about August 12, 2025.
  • Experience Narratives must follow the Challenge-Context-Action-Results (CCAR) model to provide sufficient detail demonstrating how candidates' experiences convey the essential competencies.
  • Candidates from the 2023 or 2024 promotional announcements who passed the Experience Narrative Review and were identified as Best Qualified will NOT be required to submit narrative responses; these candidates will be notified via email of their prior passing status.
  • Anticipated submission timeframe: August 12, 2025 - August 25, 2025.
Phase III. Narrative Review
  • A centralized panel of supervisory special agents, trained in the SA-15 Narrative Review process, will review and evaluate submitted Narratives for the essential competencies, using established criteria.
  • Results of the Narrative Review will be used to identify Best Qualified (BQ) candidates, who will be placed on a Certificate of Eligibles.
  • Anticipated review timeframe: September 15, 2025 - September 19, 2025.
  • If you have questions regarding the assessments or assessment process, please email SA15Promotion@ice.dhs.gov for further assistance.

All dates listed in this section are subject to change. While every attempt will be made to adhere to the dates listed above, there may be instances in which a change is required.

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
These are non-bargaining unit positions.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Promotion Potential: These positions are at the full performance level.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Supervisory Probationary Period: This is a supervisory position. Under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

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.

Candidate resumes submitted at the time of application must clearly demonstrate how they meet the specialized experience and will be reviewed to ensure specialized experience requirements listed for this job are met. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Candidates who pass the SSJT and meet the specialized experience listed for this job will be assessed on their Narrative Review submissions. The Narrative Review does not produce a numerical score used to rank candidates; rather, results of the Narrative Review will be used to identify the best qualified candidates and establish the Best Qualified (BQ) list.

Candidates must meet the established rating criteria to be considered Best Qualified (BQ) and placed on a Certificate of Eligibles.

As part of the final selection decision, interviews will be conducted by Local Review Panels. Not all candidates will be interviewed.

Please note: Candidates may prioritize up to 10 unique position and location combinations for which they express interest during each Career Opportunities Portal (COP) cycle. Candidates who decline an official job offer (tentative or final) for a position approved by the Criminal Investigator Career Board (CICB) will be held from consideration for one (1) full COP cycle following a declination. Please contact CICB@ice.dhs.gov with any questions about COP cycles.


Applicants are solely responsible for the responses and documentation submitted in their online application. Responses cannot be altered once the announcement and/or Experience Narrative submission windows have closed.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

Required Documents

  1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
  2. Submit a copy of your SF-50. If you are a current career or career-conditional ICE employee you must submit the following by the closing date of this announcement, or you will not receive consideration as such: Submit a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting proof of competitive status, tenure (tenure code 1 (career) or tenure code 2 (career-conditional) in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34, position title, occupational series, grade level and step. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade. If you have promotion potential in any of your positions, please provide an SF-50 stating your highest full performance level to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointment/conversion, within grade/range increases and promotion actions. Note: Award and Pay Adjustment SF-50s are NOT acceptable.
  3. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
  4. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the online SSJT Assessment, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
  5. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/17/2025.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of required assessments or the outcome of your application. Prior to submitting your application, you are expected to carefully review all materials related to the SA-15 Promotional Process on the HSI Career Center on HSI Net. The application process is as follows:

1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

Email Addresses:

  • Throughout the assessment process, the email address associated with your USAJOBS.gov profile is used for all official notifications concerning your application.
  • It is your responsibility to proactively search for communications in email (including spam or junk folders), and on USAJOBS.gov, to ensure assessment deadlines, scheduling instructions, or document submissions are not missed.
  • Please check the email address on your USAJOBS.gov profile to be sure it is current (e.g., does not have an outdated personal email or dhs.gov address). Outdated email addresses must be removed and replaced with a new email address prior to submitting your application.
  • Update your email address prior to submitting your application. Once your application is submitted and the announcement has closed, that is the email address that will be used for all future communications including instructions and invitations to complete assessments.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.

One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the online SSJT assessment, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation prior to testing. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the SSJT assessment and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online SSJT assessment. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online SSJT assessment. You must complete all assessments within the timeline as specified in your email invitation. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

Agency contact information

Human Resources Operations Center
Address
HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, you will proceed through the phases of the SA-15 Promotional Process as described in the Requirements section. We will notify you by email regarding your status on the SSJT and the Experience Narratives Review. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." View more information on applying for federal employment.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.


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