IT Specialist (Forensics) (Direct Hire) Job in Fort Worth, TX

Vacancy No. JI-3-2025-0005 Department Office of Inspector General
Salary $112,341.00 to $172,581.00 Grade 13 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/11/2024 Close Date 12/26/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Worth, TX


Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. OIG also consults with the Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The Inspector General Act of 1978 gives the Office of Inspector General autonomy to do its work without interference.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens (Direct-Hire) -This position is being filled using direct-hire authority.

Duties

Provides expert forensic support through the scientific analysis of electronic evidence. Conducts computer forensic examinations that are consistent with those standards established by DOTOIG and the Department of Justice, as well as reflective of current trends and techniques within the law enforcement and professional communities. This may include the testing and validation of forensic software and other appropriate automated analytical tools to meet diverse investigative requirements.

Serves as a technical expert regarding crime scene searches of electronic evidence. Participates with DOT-OIG field agents and management to develop investigative plans and present investigative options and parameters as they relate to computer resources and techniques.

Prepares preliminary and final investigative or forensic reports for prosecutors and management officials in accordance with DOT-OIG investigative policies and procedures. Responsible for the coordination and integration of investigative findings which may involve input from investigators within the Department or other agencies.

Supports investigations into difficult, complex, technical, and sensitive matters involving computer and computerized evidence which may be national in scope. These investigations may include complex networking and communications problems and legal issues, which may require law enforcement and civilian cooperation nationwide.

Plans, organizes, supports or coordinates complex investigations into intrusions of DOT systems or situations where a computer or other electronic device is used as a tool in the commission of a crime. Designs and implements intrusion detection and analysis tools. Uses automated methods to recover evidentiary data from network-based systems penetrated by unauthorized parties.

Participates in interviews with suspects, witnesses, and informants during case development. Often analyzes evidence provided by investigators stationed in multiple regions throughout the nation.

Develops and presents evidence that reconstructs events, sequences and time elements; and establishes relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest in a manner that meets requirements for presentation in various legal hearings and court proceedings.

Testifies before Grand Juries, in courts of law, or at administrative hearings in support of forensic examinations, expert opinions, or other investigative matters. This includes producing complex reports and illustrative materials for Federal, state, or local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain complex electronic evidence interpretation and conclusions. Serves as an expert witness in computer forensic examination procedures and outcomes.

Analyzes criminal complaints and allegations to determine certain patterns and trends of these criminal acts and recommends appropriate action to be taken.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Pre-employment drug testing is required
  • You must meet the specialized experience to qualify
  • Successful completion of a background security investigation
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date
  • Males Born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service

PRE-EMPLOYMENT  DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it’s still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.

(continued under 'Other Information')

Qualifications

Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity.

Examples of specialized experience includes:

  • Developing, implementing, and coordinating activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services and capabilities;
  • Monitoring and evaluating systems' compliance with IT security requirements;
  • Providing advice and guidance on implementing IT security policies and procedures in the development and operation of network systems;
  • Ensuring proper protection of evidence used in investigating computer crimes.
  • Experience in performing digital forensics in support of a larger program fraud investigations.
  • Experience in planning, implementing, and guiding national Information Technology crimes and forensic digital analysis programs.
  • Experience conducting cyber (network intrusion) criminal investigations that includes performing digital forensics in support of those investigations.

Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity.

Examples of specialized experience includes:

  • Using analytical and evaluative methods for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness or the improvement of organizational processes and systems;
  • Working with large data systems, architecture, maintenance, querying, and extraction program/tools; and
  • Applying a broad range of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific concepts, methods, techniques, practices and procedures.
  • Experience in performing digital forensics in support of a larger program fraud investigations.
  • Experience in planning, implementing, and guiding national Information Technology crimes and forensic digital analysis programs.
  • Experience conducting cyber (network intrusion) criminal investigations that includes performing digital forensics in support of those investigations.
  • Experience in testing and validation of forensic software and other automated analytical tools
  • Experience with testifying before Grand Juries, in courts of law, or at administrative hearings in support of forensic examination
  • Experience conducting cyber (network intrusion) criminal investigations that includes performing digital forensics in support of those investigations.
Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

For GS-12 and above: Experience that demonstrated accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of ADP system design, such as what system interrelationships must be considered, or what operating mode, system software, and/or equipment configuration is most appropriate for a given project.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment Continued:

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.

Best qualified candidates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel expenses in conjunction with any required interviews, unless they are already employed by the Office of Inspector General at the U. S. Department of Transportation.

GS-14 applicants who have a forensic certification such as Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification offered by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) or its equivalent will be given higher consideration for this position.

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.

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.

Current Federal employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service; applicants with reinstatement eligibility; applicants eligible for appointment under special appointing authorities; special selection priority consideration under either the Career Transition Assistance Program or Interagency Transition Assistance Program for well-qualified displaced or surplus candidates


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Resume: Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement and provide enough detail to support your answers to the Vacancy Specific Questions.

If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.

For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.

For additional information see:

Transcripts: You MUST provide current up to date transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.  A degree audit is unacceptable. Word format will not be accepted. 

FEDERAL APPLICANTS: For consideration as a federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 that verifies your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50, current SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/

Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held.  All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.  

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Provide a copy of your most recent rating of record (i.e., final annual performance appraisal issued and signed by appropriate management official). If the rating of record you submit is not dated within the last 18 months, you must provide an explanation in your application as to why one has not been issued within the past 18 months.

Non-competitive eligibles - must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., SF-50 documenting the full performance level of a position held on a permanent basis).

DD-214 and/or SF-15 - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy  Member #4).  If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 10/13) form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp.  If you are claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability.  If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.

VEOA - Preference Eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing an initial three-year term may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). All veterans applying under the VEOA authority must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.

SCHEDULE A - You must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position.

CTAP/ICTAP - If eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP.  CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified; and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.

Documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).

How to Apply

Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted.  If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.

If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.  Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.

If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission.  Requests for extensions will not be granted.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.

Agency contact information

Karen Muller
Phone
202-366-1490
TDD
202-366-2136
Fax
571-258-4052
Email
Karen.Muller@oig.dot.gov
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.


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