Duties
You will:
- Conduct criminal investigations of extreme complexity and scope and often must piece together evidence that comes from other investigators stationed throughout the nation; lead investigations of organizations that are very complex and may have a large number of primary and subsidiary activities.
- Lead, plan, and conduct complex protective advances and movements involved in providing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with personal physical security. These activities include, but are not limited to, conducting advances, motorcade logistics, physical security, site security, and conducting or coordinating investigations of individuals or groups who may present a physical danger to the protectee.
- Provide leadership, assistance, or instruction to other Special Agents on conducting criminal investigations.
- Serve as coordinator in assignments involving the utilization of undercover agents, electronic monitoring, and physical surveillances that may require the penetration of close-knit groups over extended periods of time; obtain search warrants through the use of sworn affidavits and conduct searches.
- Participate in grand jury investigations of potential criminal actions and serve as a special agent of the grand jury; testify as a government witness in court and enforcement actions, assist staff in preparation of cases for trial, conduct collateral inquiries, provide protection to persons and property, and assist regulatory enforcement staff as appropriate.
Grow your career for the good of our planet
The environmental challenges we face today are urgent. At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to join our team dedicated to safe, clean, and healthy communities. Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world. That’s why there has never been a more crucial moment to be one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators united in our mission to protect our land, air, water, and people. Join us. Be EPA.
Discover how you can apply your skills to make an impact. Explore careers and learn more about EPA at epa.gov/careers.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.
- Pre-employment physical is required and periodic physicals thereafter.
- You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- See special provisions in the Qualifications section.
This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service.
REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your driver’s license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e., for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card), the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking, or must be an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g., passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID, see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.
You will be required to obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance.
You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.
#LI-Onsite
If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
Pre-employment psychological evaluation is required.
Qualifications
You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as experience leading criminal investigations when evidence is concealed; developing and preparing operational plans related to the service of search warrants, arrest warrants, undercover operations, electronic monitoring, and surveillances; providing leadership on conducting criminal investigations; and planning and conducting protective operations with other law enforcement entities to include advances, motorcade operations, site and physical security plans, counterintelligence, and medical response for a cabinet level or equivalent level high-ranking official.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
- Skill in applying criminal provisions of environmental protection statutes, laws and regulations to inspection, investigation, enforcement, and/or compliance work
- Knowledge of the operation and function of a protective detail and associated security requirements
- Skill in use of force, special and personal protective equipment, protective operations driving/motorcade operations, medical “first responder” and surveillance/counter-surveillance techniques
- Knowledge of complex protective advances and movements to provide personal physical security
- knowledge of business operations and techniques
- Knowledge of decisions and precedential cases involving admissibility of evidence, search and seizure, and arrest authority
- Knowledge of the availability and uses of modern detection devices and laboratory services, including those related to electronic monitoring, undercover operations, and physical surveillance
- Knowledge of what constitutes a crime or violation as defined in pertinent statutes
- Knowledge of the methods and patterns of criminal operations.
- Ability to properly maintain complete and organized case files and physical evidence and meet administrative and investigative documentation obligations in a timely manner
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.
*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS - SPECIAL PROVISIONS
- Medical: You must be found to be physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
- Age: 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 retirement 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.
- Basic Agent Training: You must successfully complete and pass the required Basic Agent Training Program. Failure to pass the training program will result in separation from EPA.
- Law Enforcement Training: You must successfully complete the 12-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Basic Criminal Investigator Training Program and the Environmental Investigations Basic Training Program at Glynco, GA. You must pass the training program on the first attempt or you will be removed from this position and failure may result in separation from the agency. You are exempt from this training if you have previously completed the program.
- Firearm: You must meet qualifications to carry a firearm. 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. You must not have been convicted of a felony crime.
- 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 office. You may be reassigned to different duty locations throughout the U.S. based on the needs of the agency.
- Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle.
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.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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.
After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements.
If we determine you are eligible/qualified, you will be further assessed based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire you completed as part of your online application. We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your questionnaire responses; if you rated 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. After your responses are evaluated, a score will be calculated. As a result of this assessment process, your score will reflect the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the competencies being evaluated).
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
NOTE: Veterans' preference does not apply to merit promotion procedures. However, veterans’ preference is a consideration for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and Schedule A disability appointment. If you are eligible to be considered for one of these non-competitive appointments, in order to be eligible for veterans’ preference you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility for veterans’ preference as indicated in the Required Documents section.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
ALL APPLICANTS
- Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you've received if you'd like them to be considered. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
- CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
- Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station and proves the following:
- ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY - SF-50(s) must prove you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the agency section. The most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status (proof is reflected in blocks 24/Tenure and 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50) and In the Commuting Area (proof is reflected in block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50).
- TIME-IN-GRADE - If you are applying for a higher grade, SF-50(s) must prove you have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade (next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section). Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotion to the higher grade, within-grade increase for the next lower grade, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job at the next lower grade.
CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
- Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
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
VETERANS
- 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)
- VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), if applicable
- SF-15 (use current SF-15), if applicable
NOTE: See page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214/VA letter.
Active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you’re 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).
If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated below.
APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT
- SCHEDULE A (for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities) - Provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A and Sample Letters
- OTHER - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
Learn more about noncompetitive appointments: Special Appointment
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 (see How to Upload Documents).
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
NOTE: If you are eligible for a non-competitive appointment (e.g., military spouses or individuals with disabilities) and your application has been made available by other means (e.g., career fair or Agency Talent Portal), we may consider you even if you don’t apply for this specific announcement via USAJOBS. However, to ensure you receive consideration for this position, we encourage you to apply as indicated above.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
- • 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 two 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, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
- • If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: 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. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.