Duties
The incumbent serves as a principal advisor to the Special Agent-in-Charge with responsibility for directing a staff of experts (located at Headquarters and various field locations), in the field of computer forensics and specialized computer related investigations pursuant to Federal statutes, DOT directives, and general office instructions within the specific geographic and functional areas assigned.
Provides direct computer expertise and support to field agents engaged in the application of automated techniques to investigations and the search/seizure of computer evidence. Serves as a lead resource on computer-related investigative and analysis techniques, which includes all types of computers and computer networks.
Provides expert forensic support through the scientific analysis of evidence. Conducts computer forensic examinations that are consistent with those standards established by DOT-OIG 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 concerning 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 technique s.
Analyzes preliminary and final investigative reports to ensure compliance with investigative directives, standards, and guidelines. Presents oral briefs to U.S. Attorneys and directs subordinates in assembling and presenting evidence for subsequent prosecution. Ensures the accuracy of information entered by subordinates into the case management system as well as the information contained in reports of investigation. Testifies before grand juries, courts, and/or in administrative hearings.
Oversees investigations into difficult, complex, technical, and sensitive investigations 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, conducts 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.
Plans and conducts 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. 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.
Ensures investigations are handled with tact and discretion since the principal suspects may be officials in governmental units or private enterprise and premature public disclosure of evidence could impede the investigations or unjustly affect the reputation of innocent persons.
Provides computer program analysis and some programming support for extremely difficult, complex, and sensitive criminal investigations affecting DOT. These investigations frequently involve obscure programming methodologies or highly sensitive matters within DOT.
Provides professional leadership and technical and administrative supervision to staff located at Headquarters and various field locations. Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to individual employees on both work and administrative matters; interviews candidates for positions; makes recommendations for appointment, promotion, or reassignment; hears and resolves complaints; effects disciplinary measures; identifies developmental and training needs for staff; and evaluates performance.
Establishes and maintains liaison with program and administrative officials from a variety of Federal, state, and local law enforcement
Participates in the regional annual planning strategy consistent with the national plan and ensures compliance among regional and national plans.
Required Documents
Resume: Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
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:
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.
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 12/04). The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. 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 - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, 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 you are 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 (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting 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). 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).
NOTE: 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 fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.
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
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.
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.