Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent) Job

Vacancy No. OIG-OI-D-2025-0001 Department Environmental Protection Agency
Salary $124,113.00 to $181,216.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/7/2024 Close Date 11/27/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Denver, COWashington, DCAtlanta, GALenexa, KS


Summary

The EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient & cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, & investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place.

Term NTE 2 years - appointment may be extended non-competitively.

Duties

Please note: This position has a Selective Placement Factor that must be met and supported by your applicant package.

This position is located in the EPA, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The Office of Investigations investigates potential criminal, civil, and administrative violations of law and policy involving EPA programs and operations committed by EPA employees, contractors, grant recipients, and other individuals.  These investigations focus on an array of matters under the purview of EPA including procurement fraud, employee integrity, laboratory fraud, scientific integrity, theft of property or funds, and program integrity.  OI refers its findings to the U.S. Department of Justice for prosecution, EPA, or EPA OIG management for action to promote integrity and accountability within EPA.

Responsibilities

This position is designated as a “Primary Position” pursuant to 5 CFR 842.802. Primary duties mean those duties of a position that: (a) Are paramount in influence or weight; that is, constitute the basic reasons for the existence of the position; (b) Occupy a substantial portion of the individual's working time over a typical work cycle; and (c) Are assigned on a regular and recurring basis.

Law Enforcement Officer (LEO): This position is covered by the special retirement provisions for Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). Candidates without previous LEO service must be under age 37. Employees subject to special retirement coverage for law enforcement officers must retire at age 57 upon completing 20 years of law enforcement service under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers. If these 20 years of service are not attained at age 57, mandatory retirement is required upon completion of 20 years of service. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. Section 8336 (c) provisions and preference eligible veterans.

This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). An additional compensation rate of 25% (subject to statutory limitations) will be added to the locality salary.

The ideal candidate will perform the following duties:  

  • Plan, organize, and conduct complex and sensitive investigations relating to violations of criminal and civil law, and administrative regulations;
  • Perform special investigative projects as assigned relative to agency training and new initiative relating to strategic goals and policy;
  • Provide expert-level investigative guidance to field components regarding EPA programmatic investigations, to include performing analysis of program data and making recommendations concerning investigative case development;
  • Interview witnesses and subjects, administer oaths, provide constitutional rights warnings when necessary, obtain statements, carry firearms in the performance of official duties, make arrests, and execute search and seizure warrants;
  • Work closely with other personnel within the OIG, EPA, law enforcement organizations, and professional business community in investigating and resolving allegations of criminal, civil, and administrative misconduct.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Background Investigation Required.
  • Pre-employment physical is required and periodic physicals thereafter.
  • Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.

The position serves as an Auditor in the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021.

Criminal Investigators - Special Provisions

Medical Requirements for 1811 occupational series may be found here.

Age Requirements: You must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment. In accordance with PL 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirements provisions; therefore, you must be appointed before reaching your 37th birthday unless you presently serve or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position.

Incumbent will be required to carry and use firearms in the performance of their law enforcement duties. Incumbent will be required to participate in firearms training and qualifications, as well as physical standards and training consistent with Departmental law enforcement requirements.

Lautenberg Notice: Title 18 USC, Section 911 (g), automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.

Work Schedule: The hours are long and irregular. You must be available at all times, to include holidays. You may also be sent on extended temporary duty station assignments away from your assigned off ice. You may be reassigned to different duty locations throughout the U.S. based on the needs of the Agency.

Applicants must possess a valid state driver's license or be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.

Incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-14 grade level - All applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

(1) Organize and direct complex and sensitive investigations of financial fraud (i.e., contract or grant fraud), program integrity, and employee misconduct; (2) Utilize criminal investigative techniques such as rules of criminal procedures, laws, precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure, and related issues in the conduct of investigations; (3) Analyze complaints and requests for investigations to prioritize initiatives and scope of assignments based on factors such as jurisdiction, mission impact, and resources; (4) Provide representation to internal and external stakeholders as a financial fraud, program integrity, and employee misconduct subject matter expert; (5) Provide expert-level investigative guidance to field components regarding EPA programmatic investigations, to include performing analysis of program data and making recommendations concerning investigative case development; and (6) Assist developing special investigative projects designed to identify systemic weakness and fraudulent activities.

In addition to the above specialized experience, applicants must also meet the selective placement factor listed below:

Selective Placement Factor: Law Enforcement Training: You must have successfully completed and passed Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigator training program (CITP), OR an equivalent and recognized federal law enforcement training program. Your Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Criminal Investigator training program (CITP), OR an equivalent federal law enforcement training program certificate of completion MUST be provided at the time of application.

Failure to provide the certificate of completion or equivalent at the time of application will result in an incomplete application and will not receive further consideration.

In addition to the above specialized experience, applicants must also demonstrate the competencies listed below:

  • Criminal Investigations
  • Surveillance
  • Seizure
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Writing
  • Oral Communication

Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

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. 

Evidence of the above specialized experience and competencies must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience

Education

This position does not have a mandatory education requirement.

Additional information

The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General schedule locality pay table may be found under, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee?  If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.

EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Although the Service Type indicated above is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.

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.

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options!  Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.  To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA. 

This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager. Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.

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.

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category. NOTE:  Applicants who are referred to the selecting official for consideration and are entitled to veterans’ preference in the hiring process must be selected, or decline further consideration, before applicants who are ineligible for veterans’ preference can be selected (to learn more, visit Veterans' Preference).

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).

NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Required documents to be submitted online:

ALL APPLICANTS

  • Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). PLEASE LIMIT YOUR RESUME TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 PAGES.

APPLICANTS CLAIMING VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:

  • DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)

Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:

  • DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
  • VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
  • SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)--see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter

Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:

  • SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form); and
  • Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15

Active duty service members:

  • Certification from the Armed Forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)

 DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE

  • Most recent performance appraisal
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station

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

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.

To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.

If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.

For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.  Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

    • If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
    • If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office.
    • If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.

The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed.  For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.

Agency contact information

Inspector General Ofc-HR
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
202-566-0000
Email
EPA_OIG_Recruiting@epa.gov
Address
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
MC: 2450T
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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