Criminal Investigator

U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 124,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking a Senior Criminal Investigator to handle sensitive investigations within Customs and Border Protection. This role demands high levels of investigative expertise and integrity to ensure compliance with federal law. Applicants must meet strict qualifications, including specialized experience in fraud and misconduct investigations.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13.
• Experience in crime prevention and investigation.
• Ability to lead complex investigations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations on alleged violations of the United States Code.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.

Skills

Investigative skills

Fraud detection

Analytical thinking

Communication

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, Investigative Operations Division, Fraud and Economic Crime Division. The location is negotiable after selection.

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Category Rating, Veterans' Preference, and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice.

Duties

This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 75 applications have been received, whichever happens first. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible to receive consideration.

The Criminal Investigator applies a high level of investigative knowledge, skills, and abilities to a variety of complex, difficult, and sensitive criminal, civil, and administrative investigations concerning alleged violations of the United States Code, and/or department and agency policies, procedures, and directives by CBP employees and related entities. The goal is to maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, suitability, and security of the CBP workforce. A GS-14 Senior Criminal Investigator is expected to be fully trained, technically competent, and able to operate independently.

This position starts at a salary of $124,531.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $161,889.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

Typical work responsibilities include:

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Conducting complex and sensitive criminal, civil, and/or administrative investigations with a nexus to procurement fraud involving alleged misconduct, criminal activity, and/or corruption. Allegations include, but are not limited to, extortion, collusion, conspiracy, forgery, bribery, embezzlement, theft, the Procurement Integrity Act, False Claims Act, and fraud.
• Leading and conducting sensitive and complex criminal investigations involving senior public officials or multinational corporations with ongoing political or media interest.
• Providing training and investigative assistance in fraud-related investigations; conducting crime prevention surveys and information reports related to fraud trends; proactively identifying vulnerabilities and management/policy deficiencies in specific agency programs and recommending corrective actions to leadership.
• Coordinating jurisdictional overlap and resource issues with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet these requirements; otherwise, you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

Experience includes paid and unpaid work, volunteer work through programs like Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical skills and experience, which can be credited toward qualification. All qualifying experience, including volunteer work, will be considered.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, by 06/24/2025.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers to current or former political appointees. If you have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee within the last 5 years, disclose this to Human Resources.

Background Investigation

CBP requires a thorough background check before employment. You will be asked about felony convictions, drug use, and controlled substances. For more info, see Background investigation and e-QIP process.

Medical Examination

Applicants must meet medical and physical standards and will undergo a medical exam. Disqualifying conditions include diseases or conditions that interfere with job performance. Medical info may be requested at the applicant's expense.

Firearms Requirement

You must carry a firearm and maintain proficiency. Ineligibility includes certain criminal convictions, mental health adjudications, illegal status, or restraining orders. Misdemeanor domestic violence convictions also disqualify.

Polygraph Examination

This is a polygraph-required position. You may need to take and pass a polygraph exam. Results from prior federal polygraphs may be accepted.

Polygraph Reciprocity & Waiver

CBP may accept prior polygraph results. Certain veterans may qualify for a waiver.

Drug Testing

This job is part of the Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must pass a drug test before hiring and are subject to random testing afterward.

Residency

Applicants must have resided in the U.S. or its protectorates for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Exceptions are available for certain circumstances like government employment, study abroad, or military service.

Probationary Period

New federal employees serve a one-year probationary period. Current or former federal employees may also be required to serve or complete a probation.