Summary
This position is in the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), Division of Litigation Technology & Analysis (DLTA or Division). The Division plays a central role in the investigation and litigation of consumer protection matters. The applicant serves as a Digital Investigative Analyst responsible for collecting, processing, preserving, analyzing, and presenting computer-related evidence in support of law enforcement investigations.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This job is open to current title 5, status employees of the Federal Trade Commission
Duties
The employee will serve as an Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC) / Digital Investigative Analyst and perform the following duties:
- Planning, coordinating, and directing forensic science activities in complex cases, including preserving and analyzing digital evidence from electronic devices such as computers, mobile devices, network devices, servers and the cloud.
- Overseeing and conducting investigations involving digital storage media.
- Designing and performing complex computer forensic collection activities at target locations.
- Examining file systems, digital media, and logs from multiple operating system platforms for the purpose of identifying evidence of unlawful activity.
- Independently preparing reports and briefing papers.
- Providing expert technical guidance and assistance to others involved in the investigation to ensure that critical precautions are taken to prevent the spoilation of data, ensure the integrity of the evidence, and prevent damage to the defendant's equipment.
- Negotiating with opposing parties and outside counsel regarding submission of electronically stored information.
- Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on contracts.
- Testifying in judicial proceedings.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
- This position is subject to a background investigation.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
- You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
- If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the one-year probationary period.
- You must meet time in grade requirement by the closing date of the vacancy.
- You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
- You must be a current title 5, status employee of the Federal Trade Commission.
- This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 2211.
Qualifications
To qualify for the Information Technology Specialist (INFOSEC)/ Digital Investigative Analyst at the GS-14 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: planning and coordinating digital forensic activities; collecting, processing, and preserving digital evidence from electronic drives, mobile devices, network devices, servers, and the cloud; examining file systems and logs from multiple operating systems platforms; and providing reports of examination results regarding digital forensic activities.
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.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Knowledge of advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards and practices sufficient to independently conduct complex forensic examinations of digital media, resulting in the acquisition, examination, and presentation of digital evidence for investigations and litigation.
Ability to apply interrelationships with multiple IT specialties during onsite collections and other situations.
Ability to communicate well with individuals and groups.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage complex projects, involving significant logistical challenges, within specified time limits, often simultaneously.
Knowledge of chain of custody and proper storage and handling of evidence.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service) - REQUIRED
- Most recent Performance Appraisal - REQUIRED
- Cover Letter, optional
- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Career Transition Assistance Program/ Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
- FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify 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 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/
- Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
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
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, 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.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.