Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment) Job

Vacancy No. HSI-12758646-RHA-SYJ Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $105,383.00 to $171,268.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/17/2025 Close Date 8/18/2025
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 in multiple locations.

This is a term position not-to-exceed 1 year (may be extended based on the needs of the agency).

Recruitment incentives may be available to eligible candidates, in which case a service agreement will be required.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Retirees under Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) who are eligible for re-employment as a Federal Annuitant AND previously worked as an 1811 for any Federal Government Agency and Federal CTAP, ICTAP and RPL eligibles. Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement. Additionally, your retirement date must have been no more than 5 years prior to the opening date of this announcement.

Duties

As a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent), you will perform duties such as:

  • Serve as a Special Agent for interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations;
  • Conduct investigations of unusual 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;
  • May lead teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; make assignments and provide guidance and coordination to team members; and
  • May instruct special agents in the appropriate use of Firearms and application of Defensive Tactics.
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.

You have the opportunity to identify one location preference 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. Note: Selectees for the Glynco, GA, Huntsville AL and Charleston, SC locations may be assigned as Firearms and Defensive Tactics instructors.

Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement. Additionally, your retirement date must have been no more than 5 years prior to the opening date of this announcement.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the National Capital Region.

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.
  • 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.
  • Travel: You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice.
  • Medical Requirements: You may be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination.
  • You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station.
  • You may 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.
  • Retired candidates must EOD within 60 months of retirement date.

Qualifications

Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) Approved for Rehires:
This announcement is being used to recruit CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis with a waiver of salary offset (if a dual compensation waiver is requested) under certain specified circumstances not to exceed 6/30/2028 excluding annuitants with early voluntary and buyout retirements.

Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are eligible for:
  • Full annuity and full Federal salary.
  • Annual and sick leave (not applicable for an intermittent work schedule)
  • Full-time work schedules.
  • Receive overtime (on a full schedule). Overtime hours are counted towards maximum hour limitations.
  • Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) - additional compensation of 25% of the base salary added to locality pay.
  • New hires under this authority will be offered a non-status, term appointment in the competitive service not-to-exceed 1 year (may be extended based on the needs of the agency).
Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are NOT eligible for:
  • Additional retirement coverage (other than Social Security coverage).
  • TSP Contributions.
Reemployed annuitants may only receive one appointment per job series.

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements:

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 GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing the following duties/duties such as:
  • Conducting a broad range of investigations of a very high order of difficulty and responsibility, and exercising specialized expertise in programmatic areas such as narcotics, money laundering, financial crimes, human trafficking, fraud, international trade, network intrusion response, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, counterproliferation or general criminal investigations;
  • Reviewing files and performing complex federal, state, and local law enforcement-related database queries, using law enforcement sensitive and classified databases;
  • Maintaining, developing, and enhancing inter-agency partnerships, and connections with other governmental and private sector entities;
  • Planning and implementing strategies for the collection and analysis of information to support long-term criminal investigations;
  • Conducting interviews and interrogations using advanced techniques with a wide variety of individuals (e.g., suspects, witnesses, sources, and/or victims) to gather information;
  • Preparing reports, using expert knowledge, in support of general criminal actions;
  • Leading immigration-related law enforcement actions or investigations (e.g., worksite cases, visa overstays, immigration fraud investigations, administrative immigration enforcement).
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.

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) or equivalent. 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. Successful completion of ICESAT, CBES, or IOBTC may be approved as equivalent.

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT): Physical Fitness Test (PFT) may 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.

Medical Requirement: You may be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination.

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.

Additional information

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

This position is at the full performance level.

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.

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.

Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing, which you may be required to complete. If referred for polygraph testing, you may be required to travel to a testing location.

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.

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.

Federal Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP, ICTAP, RPL eligible. View information about eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under 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.

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:

  • Conscientiousness
  • Decision Making and Judgment
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Manages Human Resources
  • Managing and Organizing Information
  • Teamwork

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).

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 should 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 retired federal annuitant? Submit a copy of your retirement SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code. An award SF-50 does not contain the required information. In addition, you must also submit an SF50 documenting that you have served in an 1811 series position.
  3. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP), Career Transition Plan (CTAP) and Reemployment Priority List (RPL)? If so, submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
  4. 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.
  5. Are you a Veteran? Veterans' preference does not apply to selections made under announcement. However, if you would like to submit your military records for benefits you may receive after selection, please submit the following: copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4). If a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4) is not available, other documentation listing the beginning and ending dates of active service and the type of discharge must be submitted to verify eligibility.
  6. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
Instructions for obtaining your SF-50: If you need assistance with obtaining your SF-50 showing your retirement, please contact the National Records Center website at https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/civilian-non-archival.

Failure to submit required documents will result in disqualification for this vacancy.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12758646 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/18/2025.

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 on08/18/2025.

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

Sandra Johnson
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.

Additional Locations

  • Denver, CO
  • Washington, DC
  • Miami, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Chicago, IL
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Boston, MA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Detroit, MI
  • Saint Paul, MN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Newark, NJ
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Buffalo, NY
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • San Juan, PR
  • Nashville, TN
  • Dallas, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Seattle, WA


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


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements