Summary
ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology. Visit www.atf.gov.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This position is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. Citizens. Preference for eligible veterans will be applied.
Duties
ATF is looking for experienced Criminal Investigators. The primary purpose of this position is to is responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of substantive and conspiracy type violations of laws administered and enforced by ATF.
Recruitment Incentive: May be paid to new federal employees only and subject to successful completion of required 15-week Special Agent Basic Training at FLETC-Glynco, GA.
Total Amount: up to $60,000**
Annual amount: $15,000 over four years***
Relocation Incentive: May be paid to eligible current federal employees only and subject to successful completion of required Special Agent Basic Training at FLETC-Glynco, GA.
Total Amount: $25,000 **
Annual Amount: $12,500 over two years***
**May not exceed 25% of total salary, including locality pay.***Subject to federal taxes and any applicable state/local taxes
As a Special Agent, your typical work assignments may include:
- Performs the full range of expert level criminal investigative i.e. conducting complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
- Recognizes patterns of illegal operations in order to anticipate and/or influence events as they transpire while maintain awareness of the implications of precedential court decisions in one or more judicial and law enforcement jurisdiction.
- Establishes and develops leads from known criminal activities and initiates investigations that are wide in scope and complexity and involve criminal conduct that is interwoven with legitimate business pursuits.
- Utilizes elaborate planning and coordination to resolve and overcome complex jurisdictional problems involving other Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
- Serves as the key person or coordinator when performing duties such as surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate or dangerous elements.
These duties are reflective of the promotion potential of this position. The specific duties of the position will be similar yet developmental, based on the grade at which selected.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
Key Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
- Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
- May be required to serve a probationary period.
- Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
- Must display and maintain required proficiency with firearms.
- Take and pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
- Must take and successfully complete a polygraph examination (reciprocity may be granted).
- Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license.
- May have to attend and successfully pass the below:
- SME Resume Review
- Structured Interview
- Special Agent Basic Training
MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Qualifications
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 (USMS/DEA/FBI)- must upload certification.
GS-11 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GL-9 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
- Conducting the full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem solving techniques; AND
- Obtaining investigative leads and factual data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
OR
You have one of the following:
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or
- 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or
- LL.M., if related.
OR
You have the specialized experience as described above but less than one year; and have some graduate education as described above, but less than the required one-year. The percentage of the requirements MUST total least 100%.
GS-12 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
- Conducting the full range of criminal investigations of greater than average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques; AND
- Serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests; AND
- Reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
GS-13 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:
- Applying a wide range of criminal investigative, enforcement, laws, regulations, guidelines, and precedent decisions; AND
- Identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred; AND
- Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations
Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
1) your performance and conduct;
2) the needs and interests of the agency;
3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation:ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the application 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.
In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an SME Resume Review.
Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two pages of your resume, starting at your work experience. SMEs will not review any additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter). Applicants who pass the structured resume review will be added to the list of qualified candidates.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Criminal Investigation
- Criminal Law
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.
Required Documents
Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) certificate (or equivalent) - ALL APPLICANTS
It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.
Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history. Showing relative permanent and volunteer work experience, education, and training, your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations.
- Official position title,
- Employer name and contact information,
- Start and end dates (including month and year),
- Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time,
- Your Pay Plan/Series/Grade for all federal positions, and
- A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Resumes must be limited to two pages in length. Only the most recent resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Only the first two pages will be reviewed for consideration.
Showing relative permanent and volunteer work experience, education, and training. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations.
Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:
(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR
(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the
SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.
If you are using education to qualify for this position:
- You must submit a transcript, which may be unofficial, as long as it contains a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.
- Your transcript must come from a nationally accredited educational institution recognized by the Department of Education.
- Please do not submit electronic transcripts with documentation security protection. These may prevent our application system from accepting and processing the document.
- If submitting a foreign transcript, you must have the transcript reviewed by an approved foreign education review organization recognized by the Department of Education. Your transcript must also be in English or have an English translation included.
Failure to provide the required documentation by the closing date of this announcement will result in elimination of further consideration for this position.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/30/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
- Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
Essay Questions: The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question (
see the application questionnaire). You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.
- How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
- In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
- How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
- How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to
Edit My Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement is closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. Your applications will appear on the
Welcome page. Navigate to the job application and click
Track this application to view your application status. The link will take you to the hiring agency application system, which has the most up-to-date status of your application. The
Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each
Application Status means click
here.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or
Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Reasonable Accommodation: To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to
reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov.
Next steps
You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov. You will need to provide your USAJOBS User ID and Password to access the Track your Online Job Application feature. You may also click on the link provided to access additional information on USAJobs.
All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
(1) upon receipt of your application;
(2) after your qualifications have been assessed;
(3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official;
(4) whether or not you've been selected for the position.
If your name is sent to the hiring manager, you may be invited for an interview.