Technical Enforcement Officer (National Program Manager) Job in Lorton, VA

Vacancy No. HSI-12731270-ST-KD Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/28/2025 Close Date 8/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Lorton, VA


Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: This positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in Lorton, Virginia.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the National Capital Region.

Duties

As a Technical Enforcement Officer (National Program Manager), you will perform the following duties:

  • Serves as a policy developer and manager for a critical ICE criminal investigation program, function, and/or operation and provides authoritative expertise and advice on broad criminal investigation issues falling within the agency's jurisdiction.
  • Reviews, evaluates, and recommends improvements to major criminal investigation operations as they relate to the agency's technical surveillance and communications intercept equipment programs.
  • Formulates policies and procedures, defines equipment evaluation and acquisition requirements, identifies and coordinates technical training requirements, coordinates attendance of vendor specific technical training by field TEOs and supports specialized electronic surveillance and communications interception operations.
  • The incumbent provides authoritative expertise and when required by case circumstances necessitating a high level of subject matter expertise, participates directly with criminal investigators and other law enforcement officers in planning and conducting major criminal investigations with particular emphasis on gathering evidence of criminal activity through the covert application of investigative surveillance programs.
  • Represents ICE in interagency conferences relating to proposed changes in legislation for communications interceptions. Monitors the development and progress of new electronic surveillance technologies and determines the appropriateness for use within ICE for investigative support.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • You must successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
  • Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)). Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
  • Travel: You will be required to travel frequently.
  • Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
  • Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.
  • Fitness Program: This job is covered by the agency Mandatory Fitness Program for law enforcement positions. You will be required to undergo regular physical examinations
  • You must be referred for selection prior to your 37th birthday (certain exclusions apply).

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Demonstrating mastery knowledge in the use, instruction, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and installation of the full range of electronic surveillance devices including but not limited to telephone, video, audio, tracking, Radio Frequency (RF) technologies and associated unique surveillance systems;
  • Providing expertise in the planning and execution of the electronic surveillance phase of major investigative and enforcement operations; AND
  • Formulating equipment procurement budgets and multi-year acquisitions plans.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Physical or Medical: You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally able to perform the job duties and must pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities screening) given by an authorized government physician. A direct relationship exists between the physical and medical requirements and the strenuous and hazardous nature of the duties of this weapon-carrying position. Any chronic disease or condition that would impair full performance of the job duties is disqualifying. Also, any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties or that would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others is disqualifying.

Fitness Program: This job is covered by the agency Mandatory Fitness Program for law enforcement positions. You will be required to undergo regular physical examinations. You may, in the future, be required to maintain a level of physical fitness in accordance with the standards and policies of the agency; failure to maintain such a level of fitness may lead to removal from the position or other actions as may be specified in the Program.

Convictions: If selected for this job, you will be required to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)). A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term "convicted" as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1001).

Age Restriction: You can be appointed into this position as long as you have not reached your 37th birthday. Department of Homeland Security has established an Interim Policy for Appointment of Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Customs and Border Protection Officers. The age restriction as articulated above shall NOT apply to veteran's

preference

eligible as defined in Title 5, U.S.C., Section 2108, item (3). Applicants meeting this definition of "preference eligible" shall be considered for this position regardless of age.

Training: You may be required to attend paid training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. This technical training must be successfully completed according to the standards of this agency. Failure to do so will be grounds for mandatory removal from the position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures. (If you have previous Federal law enforcement experience, you may only be required to attend the agency-specific session.)

Law Enforcement Retirement: This position meets the eligibility criteria for law enforcement retirement under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Employees covered by either retirement system who reach age 50 or over with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the Federal government) of any age with at least 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are subject to mandatory retirement.

Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO): You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week. You must be readily accessible to perform this unscheduled work. To ensure your availability, you will receive extra compensation in the form of Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime.

Secondary Law Enforcement: This position is approved for Secondary Law Enforcement coverage under 5 USC 8331 (20) and 8401 (17).

Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position, or equivalent outside the federal government, is a prerequisite.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

This position is at the full performance level.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Performance Results & Management
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Reasoning
  • Technical Competence
  • Technology Application

Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets).

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

Required Documents

  1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
  2. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions.
  3. Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
  4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP)? If so, submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
  5. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
  6. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12731270 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/31/2025.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on08/31/2025.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Agency contact information

Krystal Davis

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.


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