Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)

Summary
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is looking for energetic, innovative, solution-oriented professionals to help the ATF team succeed in our responsibilities to reduce violent crime and protect the public.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
This is an excepted service Schedule B (213.3210) appointment. After completing 3 years of satisfactory service, you may be converted without further competition to a permanent appointment in the competitive service.
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Field Operations.
Location is negotiable upon final selection. You will be asked for your location preferences once all pre-employment process have been completed. ATF will have the final determination based on the needs of the agency.
This position starts at a salary of $48,809.00 (GL-5, Step 1) to $79,954.00 (GL-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to $134,435 (GL-13 Step 10).
The Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.
In this position, you will serve as a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) trainee performing the below duties:
Investigating criminal violations of Federal laws within the enforcement jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Conducting investigations of violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion.
Preparing concise criminal investigative case reports.
Testifying for the Federal Government in court or before grand juries.
Gathering and analyzing evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment. The day immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday will be the last day 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). (After subtracting the years/months of prior and current Federal service worked in a primary law enforcement position, applicants must be less than 37 years of age).
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must have a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain a Top-Secret clearance for this position.
You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency.
Pass the below assessment hurdles:
Occupational Questionniare
ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment
Physical Task Test
Structured Interview
Pass the below pre-employment requirements:
Drug Test
Medical Examination
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation
Attend and successfully pass the below training:
Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP)
ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT)
Mobility Agreement: You must sign a mobility statement and agree to be relocated at any time to any office in the United States, to include U.S. territories. All candidates will be required to perform a minimum of 3-5 years at their initial duty station.
Qualifications
GL-5: You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you havethree years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS/GL-04 performing duties such as
Gathering pertinent data
Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
OR
A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in ANY FIELD leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Conferred date must be listed on your unofficial or official transcripts.
OR
Will receive within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement a bachelor's degree in ANY FIELD of study from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.
GL-7: You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Assisting in criminal investigations by gathering evidence, conducting record and database searches
Participating in searches, seizures, and arrests
Preparing reports for routine investigations
OR
Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university in a major such as: Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours.
OR
A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). To qualify for SAA, you must meet one of the following:
A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in the applicant's major field of study, or those courses in the applicant's major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR
Will receive within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or one full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in the field of studies of Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.
GL-09: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Serving subpoenas, arrest, and search warrants
Conducting interviews, interrogations of suspects and witnesses
Providing status reports of ongoing criminal investigations to higher level management
OR
A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science a J.D. or an LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.
OR
Will receive within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement a master's degree or equivalent or 2 full years of progressively higher graduate level education (equivalent to 36 semester or 45 quarter hours) or a J.D. or an LL.B. degree in the field of studies of Criminal Justice and/or Administration; Law and Society; Forensics; Public Safety and/or Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Justice Administration; Organizational Security and Management; Criminology; Cyber Security; Social Work; Fire Science from an accredited college or university. Expected conferred date must be listed on your resume along with submissions of your unofficial transcripts.
NOTE: Your resume must indicate how you meet the qualifications above, otherwise, you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
Combining Experience and Education: To combine your education and experience, you must convert each to a percentage, and then add the percentages. The combined total of your percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100% in order to qualify. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, you must divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by the required number of months of experience. Add your percentages of education and experience. The two percentages must total at least 100%.
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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Drug Testing: You must satisfactorily complete a drug test prior to being hired. More information on the ATF Drug Policy can be found here.
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.
Polygraph Examination: You will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination. Applicants who have significant responses or who manipulate the polygraph process will be removed from the hiring process. Researching polygraph is unnecessary and highly discouraged, as many websites recommend methods that, if employed, may be deemed as a manipulation of the polygraph process.
Polygraph Reciprocity: ATF may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of an ATF polygraph exam.
Background Investigation: You will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to employment. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions, the use of illegal drugs and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.
Education
Criminal Investigator Training Program:Criminal Investigators must complete and pass an initial course of basic training, specifically the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Both basic and advanced training programs are designed to prepare law enforcement personnel with the skills, aptitudes, and competencies required to serve as a Criminal Investigator. More information on these programs can be found here.
Additional information
Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. The Lautenberg Amendment makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence such as an assault or attempted assault on a family member, to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition.
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.
Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
Federal Law Enforcement Retirement Coverage 12(d):Criminal Investigators are covered under the provisions of both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) 6 (c) or the Federal Employees Retirement System and 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer are eligible for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the Federal government) are eligible for law enforcement retirement at any age with at least 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least 20 years of service as law enforcement officers are subject to mandatory retirement under both retirement systems. If you are a preference eligible veteran, additional opportunities may be available to you; you may find additional information at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
Residency: DOJ requires that during three of the last five years you have either: resided in the United States, worked for the United States in a foreign country in a Federal, military, or federally sponsored capacity, and/or been a dependent of a Federal or U.S. military employee in a foreign country. You may be asked to provide sufficient documentation to meet this residency requirement.
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 that would interfere with completing the Special Agent Applicant Assessment (SAAA), you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA prior to starting the SAAA. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, you will receive an email invitation to complete the SAAA, based on your adjudication decision. Questions about an RA for the SAAA can be sent to: ReasonableAccommodationSAIOI@atf.gov
Benefits
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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants.
Hurdle 1 - Occupational Questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position.
Hurdle 2 - Special Agent Applicant Assessment (SAAA).
Hurdle 3 - Physical Task Test (PTT).
Hurdle 4 - Structured Interview rated by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule.
The structured interview will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.
The occupational assessment will be used to assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Problem Solving
Self-Management
Oral Communication
Criminal Investigation
Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
Seizure
You will be evaluated on the below competencies for the ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment:
Writing
Reasoning
Integrity
Conscientiousness
Dependability/Reliability
Use of Force
Judgment
Cooperativeness
You will receive an email invitation to complete the ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment. This invitation will come in two emails from cloud@performancefit.com. One email will be the link to the exam and the second will be the password. Please be patient as this could take several weeks.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10 point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify.
The initial occupational assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to move to the next assessment hurdle in the hiring process. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score on the occupational questionnaire will be invited to take the SAAA and subsequently the PTT and Structured Interview. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use the results of the occupational questionnaire, SAAA, PTT and Structured Interview required for this position to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training.
Your rating in the structured interview will be used to place you in one of the following categories:
Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Required Documents
Your resume: A resume is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, will be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords
Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12337147
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
Five Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
Ten Point Preference: Member 4 DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs does NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures.
Are you a current or former federal employee? If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
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 PresidentialAppointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
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
Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements at the time of application.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Failure to submit a complete application will result in disqualification.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
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 for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. 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 Time on 03/13/2024.
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 and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other."
View common definitions of terms in this announcement.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.
Agency contact information
SAIOI Applicant Info
Phone
(000) 000- 0000
Email
SAIOIapplicantinfo@atf.gov
Address
Office of Field Operations
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
US
Next steps
We will assess your experience and training based off your resume and/or education to determine those who meet the minimum qualification. Those who are found to meet the minimum qualifications will move on to the below phases of the hiring process:
Phase I (Assessment)
Occupational Questionnaire
Special Agent Applicant Assessment (SAAA)
Special Agent Physical Task Test (PTT)
Structured Interview/Writing Sample
Phase II (selection). Must pass all assessment requirements to be considered for Phase II.
Selection Panel
Tentative Job Offer
Phase III (Onboarding). Must pass all onboarding requirements before receiving final job offer.
Drug Test
Medical Examination
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation
Phase IV (Enter on Duty)
Receive Final Job Offer
You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed and if you have been referred to the hiring manager for selection. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.