Clarification from the agency

FWS-wide: Open to current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees serving under a Career or Career-Conditional appointment, Land Management eligibles, CTAP.

This is an overseas time-limited assignment. The initial tour of duty is three (3) years, as designated by the Department of State. This assignment may be extended in one (1)-year increments without further competition; however, the total duration may not exceed five (5) years. The assignment may be extended or terminated at any time based on the needs of the agency. Upon completion of the assignment, the selectee will be returned to the United States to their previous position or to a similar position, as determined by the needs of the agency.

The Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attaché) leads complex international investigations enforcing Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and other U.S. wildlife laws while building partnerships with foreign governments, U.S. agencies, and global organizations. The role analyzes intelligence, directs multi-agency teams, and provides training and outreach while representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) in high-impact global enforcement efforts. Major duties include:

• Leads and coordinates extremely complex, high-risk international criminal investigations involving CITES and other wildlife protection laws, integrating intelligence, specialized technology, and multi-agency resources.
• Serves as the primary U.S. FWS liaison to foreign governments, U.S. embassy/consulate agencies, and international enforcement partners to resolve jurisdictional challenges and advance cooperative investigative efforts.
• Designs, develops, and delivers specialized law enforcement training to international investigators, and prepares guidance materials for new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements.
• Conducts outreach and compliance education with government officials, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and enforcement networks to prevent wildlife trafficking and strengthen international cooperation.
• Provides expert advice to leadership on investigative trends, emerging threats, and strategic enforcement priorities, helping shape international wildlife law enforcement policies and practices.

Physical Demands: The work involves significant physical effort, including extended periods of standing and walking over rough or uneven terrain, as well as repeated bending, lifting, and similar activities. Duties require a high degree of agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a foreign country where living and working conditions may be inadequate, and political or economic instability may pose safety risks. Duties occur in both office and outdoor settings and may involve exposure to adverse weather, noisy or dusty environments, and moderate hazards, including during surveillance activities using aircraft, boats, or motorized vehicles.

Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft.

Due to the unpredictable and mission-critical nature of law-enforcement operations, the incumbent may be required to work irregular or extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work may be performed at a primary duty station or across multiple locations in support of operational requirements. Criminal Investigators in this position are covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). To maintain eligibility for LEAP, the incumbent must perform an annual average of two (2) hours of unscheduled duty per day, and LEAP is paid at a rate of 25 percent of the employee's annual base pay.

Overseas pay adjustments will be applied, in accordance with authorized allowances, only after the employee reports for duty at the position's designated overseas duty location. Allowances and differentials for an overseas location (e.g., Post Allowance, Living Quarters Allowance, Post Differential, etc.) can be reviewed on the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) website: https://allowances.state.gov/.

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.
• Requires a federal suitability determination based on a background investigation.
• Position is designated Top Secret/Special Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain the required clearance.
• 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.
• Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
• 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
• The maximum entry age for this position is 37, unless you are a preference-eligible veteran or have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement or firefighter service to reach retirement eligibility by age 57.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 05/04/2026 will be considered.

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

Minimum Qualification GS-14:
One (1) year of full-time specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes: 1) Applying advanced investigative principles, evidentiary standards, and case law to produce accurate, defensible findings; 2) Analyzing complex investigative data to identify critical facts, resolve inconsistencies, and strengthen case outcomes; 3) Leading complex investigations requiring coordination with prosecutors, law enforcement partners, and subject-matter experts to ensure legally sufficient and defensible case outcomes. 4) Using advanced investigative techniques (i.e., interviews, record reviews, surveillance, informant development, and lead tracking) to uncover key evidence and substantiate findings; 5) Preparing clear, technically sound investigative reports that support criminal and civil investigative actions by documenting evidence collection, preservation, and analysis.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 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.

PCS Information: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable.
-In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements MAY be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

Telework: This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster.

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

Reasonable Accommodation: The U.S. FWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

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.

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 assessment questionnaire, 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/".

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 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, Human Resources 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.

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

• Knowledge of criminal investigative principles and techniques, rules of evidence and criminal procedure, key Federal court decisions on admissibility and constitutional protections, and the roles and jurisdictions of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to plan, organize, conduct, and evaluate highly complex and sensitive investigations, applying new methods and techniques as needed.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with domestic and international prosecutors to plan, prepare, and execute complex cross-border criminal investigations that support successful prosecutions inside and outside the United States.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife laws, rules, and regulations, including import and export requirements and search and seizure authorities.
• Skill in producing clear, well-organized written reports, presentations, and guidance materials tailored to diverse 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. If experience is for a career ladder position, please ensure to clearly distinguish the job duties for each grade level and how long you were working in each grade level.

• 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. 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.

3. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

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.

Next steps