Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) Job

Vacancy No. HSI-12703914-MP-CAC Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $63,148.00 to $144,031.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/7/2025 Close Date 9/8/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Phoenix, AZLos Angeles, CASan Diego, CASan Francisco, CA


Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in multiple locations.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current Federal employees in the competitive service who hold or previously held a non-temporary career or career-conditional appointment who are eligible for non-competitive appointment; Persons eligible for reinstatement, and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).

Duties

As a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent), you will perform the following duties:

  • Serve as a Special Agent for interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations.
  • Conduct investigations of marked difficulty and responsibility associated with trade, travel, finance, and immigration for combatting illicit activities associated with individuals, businesses, employers, criminal organizations or criminal conspiracies, and cyber systems and networks.
  • Utilize a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities.
  • Apply knowledge of the trends, laws, and investigative case development, independently or in coordination with other law enforcement officers (LEOs) or agencies to accomplish work.
  • Prepare written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations.

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.

At the 9 grade level salary will reflect GL pay scale.

At the 11-12 grade level salary will reflect GS pay scale.

You have the opportunity to identify two location preferences Special Agent in Charge (SAC) office area of responsibility. Note that multiple duty locations fall within the area of responsibility (AOR) of each SAC office. Please view the duty locations within each SAC AOR here. Your location preferences are NOT guaranteed. The duty locations offered will be based on the needs of the agency. If you decline the duty locations offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration.

This announcement is open until September 07, 2025. Applicant lists will be pulled 30 days after the opening date. Additional applicant lists will be issued based on the needs of the agency.

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: Time in grade restrictions must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of service equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position to be filled
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation which may include a polygraph examination.
  • If referred for a polygraph, you would be required to travel at your expense to take a polygraph exam.
  • Travel: You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice.
  • Medical Requirements: You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally able to perform the duties of the position. You must comply with ICE's policies, procedures and applicable law related to such medical and fitness standards.
  • Proof of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility required.
  • The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection consideration (certain exclusions apply).
  • You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station.
  • You will be required to testify at court. Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment.
  • ICE Criminal Investigators may use deadly force when necessary, in accordance with the law and agency policy.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

Qualifications

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.

You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Conducting investigations, with close guidance and oversight of a supervisor, in one or more investigative specialties such as narcotics, bulk cash smuggling, money laundering, financial crimes, human trafficking, fraud, international trade, or general criminal investigations.
  • Performing a variety of federal, state, and local database queries for the purpose of gathering information on criminal histories.
  • Assisting higher graded agents or specialists with obtaining evidence.
  • Conducting interviews with suspects and witnesses.
  • Assisting in the preparation of investigative reports for prosecution or administrative action.
OR
Education: A master's (or equivalent graduate degree such as a L.L.B/J.D.) or 2 academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Assisting in conducting investigations such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, production of, and distribution of child pornography, and/or child sex tourism and high technology crimes. Assisting in conducting investigations such as those involving computers, networks, and servers to identify potential transnational criminal activities, commercial fraud, intellectual property theft, illegal trade practices, transnational criminal gangs, VISA security programs, identity and benefit fraud, human rights violations and war crimes, cultural property/arts and antiquities, and worksite enforcement. Developing and enhancing inter-agency cooperation with other governmental and private sector entities. Conducting interviews and interrogations of suspects, witnesses, and informants with guidance.
OR
Education: Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or LL.M if related, or possess three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience as described in A above that totals at least one year. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Conducting investigations such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, production of, and distribution of child pornography, and/or child sex tourism high technology crimes.
  • Conducting investigations such as those involving computers, networks, and servers to identify potential transnational criminal activities, commercial fraud, intellectual property theft, illegal trade practices, transnational criminal gangs, VISA security programs, identity and benefit fraud, human rights violations and war crimes, cultural property/arts and antiquities, and worksite enforcement.
  • Increasing and enhancing inter-agency cooperation with other governmental and private sector entities.
  • Conducting interviews and interrogations of suspects, witnesses, and informants.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

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.

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations. Pay retention and automatic re-promotion will not apply. You will be required to complete 52 weeks at each grade level prior to being eligible for promotion or re-promotion. Current ICE 1811s will not be considered for change to lower grade, promotion, or reassignment from this announcement.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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

HSI Special Agent Basic Training: A mandatory component of continued employment is the successful completion of Basic Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the HSI Special Agent Training Program (HSISAT). The training is approximately 22 weeks in total. You may be temporarily reassigned to a non-law enforcement position if you fail to complete basic training.

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): A pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) will be administered. A passing score is required. If you have failed a PFT, you are not eligible for consideration for 12 months from the closing date of the announcement in which you applied that required the PFT. Additionally, a PFT will also be administered at FLETC during Basic Training. Every trainee must pass the PFT during training.

Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing which you may be required to submit to and successfully complete as a pre-employment requirement. If referred for polygraph testing, you will be required to travel to a testing location at your own expense. If you previously had an unsuccessful polygraph examination administered by ICE within the last 365 days, ICE will use those results which will remove you from continuing in the hiring process.

Medical Requirements: Click here for information about the medical process. You must complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position.

Applicants currently serving in the ICE Criminal Investigator position cannot use this announcement for reassignment, promotion, or transfer purposes. Applicants who are hired as Criminal Investigators with ICE after the closing date of the announcement will be removed from further consideration under this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the closing date of this announcement. Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a Criminal Investigator position with the Department of Homeland Security. The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the last day to be referred for selection consideration. to the Criminal Investigator position (DHS Directive 253-03). However, the age restriction may not apply to individuals who are qualified preference-eligible veterans or who are currently or have previously served in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

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.

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 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.

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.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis.

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.

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.

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 supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Conscientiousness
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Decision Making
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Oral Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Writing

Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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).

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

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. Are you a current or former federal employee? If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or a former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility 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 qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
  4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP)? If so, submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
  5. 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.
  6. Maximum Age Requirement Documents: If you occupy or previously occupied a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position as specified in 5 USC 8336(c) or 5 USC 8412(d) and exceed the age of 37, you must submit a copy of all SF-50s reflecting the beginning and end dates of creditable law enforcement civilian (not military) service under 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The retirement code in block 30 must be annotated on all submitted SF-50s. If you are a preference eligible veteran and exceed the age of 37, please provide the documentation outlined in Veteran's Preference Documentation below.
  7. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12703914 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/08/2025.

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 the outcome of your application.

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on09/08/2025.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

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.

Agency contact information

Christina Crutcher
Address
HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. 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." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. 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.


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