Supervisory Criminal Investigator (SAC) Field Job in Chicago, IL

Vacancy No. 12859329-FB-MP Department Office of the Inspector General
Salary $165,386.00 to $197,200.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/7/2026 Close Date 1/21/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Chicago, IL


Summary

The Office of the Inspector General is one of the best places to work in the Department of Justice and is one of the premier inspector general offices in federal government. The Investigations Division (INV) investigates alleged criminal violations and misconduct that govern DOJ employees, operations, grantees, and contractors. Annually INV receives more than 13,000 complaints, opens approximately 250 investigations, and makes an average of over 90 arrests.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Clarification from the agency

Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles)

Duties

As the Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent in Charge), your responsibilities would include, but would not be limited to: enforcement and administrative activities within the field office jurisdiction. Working assignments include, but are not limited to:

  • Serve as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) and will be responsible for oversight of all criminal and administrative investigations related to all assigned components within the Department of Justice, to include, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshal's Service, and the U.S. Attorneys' Offices.
  • Provides management, direction, and supervision to Criminal Investigators engaged in investigations of the most critical or sensitive importance; ensures that the review of all reports of investigations (criminal and non-criminal) are in compliance with applicable policy, procedures, standards and format; and ensures that all aspects of allegations have been properly investigated and documented.
  • Performs the administrative and human resources management functions relative to the staff supervised. Plans, schedules, and assigns work to subordinates.
  • Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members; provides feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Performs long and short-range planning, making work assignments and adjustments to accomplish the work of the office.
  • Interviews applicants, recommends selection or non-selection, develops performance standards and recommends promotions, awards and training.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must successfully pass and are subject to random drug screenings.
  • You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You may be subject to a probationary period.
  • You must maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic tests.
  • You must pass and maintain medical qualifications.
  • You must maintain a valid state issued driver's license.
  • You must provide a Certificate of completion for Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers or an equivalent Federal law enforcement basic training academy.
  • This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. The incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-15 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level obtained in the public/private sector. (Specialized experience is paid or unpaid experience which has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.) Examples of specialized experience include such duties as: supervising a team engaged in conducting comprehensive investigations encompassing allegations of criminal misconduct, serious administrative infractions or integrity violations involving individuals, groups, or large organizations. Types of investigations include violations of Title 18 United States Code, including fraud, bribery, larceny, embezzlement, collusion, conflict of interest, civil rights violations, contract fraud, and other Federal criminal violations.

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade level (or equivalent).

Firearms: Criminal investigators are required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is mandatory.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.

Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day to be referred for selection consideration. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are a preference-eligible veteran or if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d).

Medical Examination: Individuals must meet the established medical standards and/or physical requirement for the position, proving they are medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently. A medical examination will be conducted. Any disease or condition that may potentially interfere with the safe and efficient performance of the job's duties or training may constitute grounds for medical disqualification. Medical qualification determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. If additional medical information is recommended beyond that provided at the pre-employment examination, it is provided at the expense of the tentative selectee.
Drug Testing: This job has been identified as "testing designated" under our Drug-Free Workplace Program. Therefore, you must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. The agency will schedule, provide and pay for the drug test. Once on board, you will be subject to random drug testing.

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): As a law enforcement officer you will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. These positions require substantial overtime to include holidays, weekends and nights. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Law Enforcement Availability Pay, which is calculated at a flat rate of 25 percent of base salary.

FERS/CSRS Retirement Information:
This position is under "secondary" law enforcement retirement coverage provisions. Law Enforcement Retirement: This position meets the criteria for the special retirement provisions under both Civil Service Retirement (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Transfer Requirement for CSRS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee must transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position. Must be continuously employed in a secondary position since transferring from a primary position without a break in coverage exceeding 3 days. Except: a break in employment in secondary positions which begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause); voluntary breaks in service, which began prior to January 20, 1988.

Transfer Requirement for FERS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee: while covered under the retirement provisions moves directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary/rigorous position to a secondary position; AND completes 3 years of service in a primary/rigorous position, including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld; AND must be continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position. Except: a break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause).

Employees subject to special retirement coverage for law enforcement officers must retire at age 57 upon completing 20 years of law enforcement service under the special retirement provisions. If these 20 years of service are not attained at age 57, mandatory retirement is required upon completion of 20 years of service

________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP).
The CTAP/ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for CTAP/ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is at: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

** PROBATIONARY INFORMATION:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial periodduring which 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;
- The 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 the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary or trial periodyour employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

There are no education requirements for this position.

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.

DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire and a review of your application by a panel of subject matter experts. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  1. Ability to supervise
  2. Knowledge of U.S. laws, regulations, and policies applicable to the organizations law enforcement, inspection, or compliance mission.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in performing supervisory work.
Selective Placement Factor: Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) graduate at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or equivalent federal criminal investigator training completion.

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

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12859329

If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for further employment consideration.

Required Documents

  • Resume
    • Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. 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, and 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.
  • SF-50 documentation (if applicable)
    • SF-50 Must document (most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase, or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action if you are applying as a current or former Federal Employee) that shows you have acquired competitive status, and the highest grade or promotion potential you held.
  • LEO Certification (if applicable)
    • Certificate of completion for Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers or an equivalent Federal law enforcement basic training academy.
  • CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable)
    • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
    • The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation (if applicable)
    • If you are a veteran and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.
    • If you are a veteran and you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference click here.
  • Schedule A documentation (if applicable)
    • Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes.

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

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/21/2026 to receive consideration.

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. 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/.

** This vacancy may be used to fill other similar and/or comparable positions throughout the agency within the stated duty station.

Agency contact information

Felecia Butler
Email
Felecia.M.Butler@usdoj.gov
Address
Investigations Division
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20530
US

Next steps

We will notify you of your candidate status after each step of the recruitment process (receipt of application, determination of basic qualifications, notice of forward to selecting official, and final selection). We expect to make a tentative job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement and will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer once all reviews have been completed. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.


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