Clarification from the agency

Open to current or former Federal employees w/permanent competitive status; OR those eligible under a non-competitive appointing authority (e.g. Indiv. w/Disabilities, Pathways Interns & Recent Grads who are eligible for conversion, etc.); NOAA Corps; OR current or former employees who are serving, or previously served on temp or term appmt in land mgmt agency; OR veterans w/preference or those separated from armed forces under honorable conditions after 3+ yrs of continuous service.

As an Enforcement Officer, you will perform the following duties:

• Conduct inspections and patrols of fishing vessels, fish carriers, and any establishment where fish and seafood are landed and sold. Conduct short-term investigations involving violations of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) statutes.
• Conduct and assist other law enforcement agencies in performing aerial, at-sea, and on land patrols, conducting interviews, gathering evidence, conducting search and seizures, apprehending violators, and making arrests. Testify in criminal court and civil proceedings involving violations of Federal and State law; maintain investigative documents used for preparing case files.
• Provide additional support in a variety of law enforcement activities, such as assisting with search warrants, special agent investigations, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated imports of seafood and wildlife. Conduct living marine resources and wildlife enforcement investigations.
• Complete operational reports for law enforcement operations. Comply with all existing policies, procedures, and guidelines (including the use of force policy) pertaining to carry, use, display, safety, and maintenance of firearms and intermediate weapons.

NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZA-3; the ZA-2 is developmental leading to such performance.

Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip and knee joints is required; arms, hands, legs and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily.
• Distant vision must be 20/20 (Snellen) in each eye corrected and no worse than 20/200 (Snellen) uncorrected. Near vision must be normal. Color vision must be sufficient to distinguish basic colors.
• Hearing must be at 30 db HL RE: ANSI 1969 or better in each ear at 500, 1000, and 2000Hz. At 3000 Hz, hearing must be at 40 db HL or better. Applicants are not permitted to use hearing aids for screening.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) pay: These positions may receive administratively uncontrollable overtime pay as a percentage of the employee's annual rate for work, which requires substantial amounts of irregular or overtime hours in excess of the normal 8-hour workday and cannot be controlled administratively.
• Training Requirements: Applicants who have satisfactorily completed the Uniformed Police Training Program (UPTP) or the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) provided by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, or an equivalent training program which provided instruction in the laws of arrest, search and seizure as they relate to investigating offenses against the United States, should provide a copy of your certification during the hiring process. Selectees who do not possess such certification will be required to successfully complete the course after entrance on duty. Selectee may be required to successfully complete basic enforcement officer training and any other agency-specific training required by the agency.
• Drug Testing Requirement: This position is subject to random and pre-employment drug testing.
• Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
• Security Clearance: The incumbent of this critical sensitive position will be subject to a Tier 5 background investigation and maintain eligibility for a Top-Secret clearance, but local security access will be limited to Secret level only. Must be able to obtain & maintain a Top Secret/Critical-Sensitive due to Major immediate responsibility for criminal justice or law enforcement activities.
• Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. A person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001).
• Mobility Agreement: This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect while assigned to this position as an enforcement officer.
• Inclement Weather: The duties of this position require exposure to inclement weather.

Conditions of employment

This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

The ZA-2 is equivalent to the GS-07/09.
The ZA-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12.

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
• Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional Considerations:

• One year probationary period may be required.
• Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized.
• Payment of relocation incentives OR recruitment incentives may be authorized. Note: Relocation incentives are for current federal employees only.
• This a drug testing designated position (TDP).
• Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, 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:

• Your performance and conduct;
• Needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then 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.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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.

To qualify at the ZA-2 or GS-07 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-1 or GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Assisting in law enforcement patrol and inspection activities to detect violations of laws and regulations to protect marine resources; and
• Participating in natural resource compliance data collection.

OR

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: One full year of graduate-level education.

OR

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: As demonstrated by a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with one of the following. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your application clearly states how you meet one of the provisions below (you must attach a copy of your transcripts showing completed degree and, if applicable, proof of national Scholastic Honor Society membership):

• A grade point average (GPA) of 2.9 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study;
• A GPA of 3.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for required courses completed in a major field of study, or those courses completed in a major field of study during the last two years of undergraduate study;
• Class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college;
• Membership in a national Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements.


To qualify at the ZA-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Conducting law enforcement patrol and inspection activities to detect violations of laws and regulations to protect marine resources;
• Identifying violations or crimes, investigating and apprehending suspects; and
• Preparing investigative reports delineating findings from investigative or inspection activities.

OR

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: 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

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Medical Requirements: Applicants must pass a pre-employment medical/physical examination and psychological examination, then, maintain medical, psychological and comprehensive physical requirements as evidenced by successful completion of annual physicals. The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and physical stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself or others may be disqualifying. For more details: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/medical-standards-sworn-personnel
• Maximum Entry Age: This position is a covered primary law enforcement position under Title 5 U.S.C 3307 Maximum Entry Age, the special retirement provisions for Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). Candidates without previous LEO service must be under age 37. Those with current or prior federal LEO coverage will be considered only if they can demonstrate that they will have completed 20 years of covered service by mandatory retirement age of 57. The maximum entry age requirement is waived for Veteran's Preference Eligible applicants; please click here for more information. Your application materials must clearly demonstrate this experience. Failure to do so will result in your application being marked as ineligible.
• Incumbent must maintain requirements to qualify for LEO retirement coverage (5 USC 8336(c) and 5 USC 8412(d)).
• If you have current or prior Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) coverage you must submit appropriate SF-50s that shows period of coverage. Failure to provide proof of Federal LEO coverage may result in removal from consideration.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and a Job Knowledge Test. The Job Knowledge Test is designed to assess technical and professional expertise directly relevant to the requirements of this announcement. This assessment measures the specialized knowledge and skills accumulated over time, which are critical for successful performance in this position. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Computer Skills, Criminal Investigation, Criminal Law, and Seizure

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Candidates identified for an interview may be asked to participate in a work simulation exercise.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923909

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments):

1. Resume:

• Your resume must be no more than 2 pages. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Please review the USAJobs Help Center for additional requirements.
• You are encouraged to make your resume and profile searchable https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/profile/searchable.
• You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
• If you use your own resume or curriculum vitae, for each work experience at a minimum, your resume should include; job title(s) (including job series and grade, if Federal); description of duties or work performed; starting and ending dates (month and year).
• Part-Time work must be clearly identified and include the number of hours per week; if not identified, then work will be assumed to be Full-Time. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, typically 16-32 hours per week.)

2. SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.

3. Veteran's documentation: If you are requesting consideration under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) you must submit a copy of your Member 4, DD Form 214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service) and/or any other required supporting documents (VA letter, SF-15, etc). For more information, please click here.

• Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document 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 from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit.

4. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation (see "Additional Information" section)

5. Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment: Includes Individuals with Disabilities, 30% Veterans, certain Military Spouses, etc.

6. Unofficial Transcripts: If you are using the substitution of education to meet qualifications, you must submit an unofficial transcript.?

7. Documentation supporting NOAA Commissioned Corps: NOAA Form 56-16 or other documentation supporting active duty in NOAA Corps.

8. Maximum entry age exception documentation, if applicable (See Maximum Entry Age description in Qualifications section)

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:

• Performance Appraisals
• Incentive Awards

In accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards during the selection process.

Next steps

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