Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

ATF; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal law enforcement agency seeks Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) to uphold laws concerning firearms and explosives. Responsibilities include conducting criminal investigations, collaborating with various agencies, and solving complex crime patterns. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass background and drug screening, and complete rigorous training. Ideal candidates possess strong investigative skills and experience in law enforcement settings. This role is crucial for safeguarding public safety in the United States.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience conducting criminal investigations.
• Ability to obtain leads, prepare case reports, and participate in arrests.
• Must successfully complete training, including physical and medical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prevention, detection, and investigation of violations of laws.
• Conduct full range of expert-level criminal investigations.
• Establish leads from known criminal activities.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Surveillance and undercover work

Coordination with law enforcement agencies

Job description

Overview

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects communities from violent criminals and organized crime, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, arson/bombings, terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. ATF partners with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, and technology. Visit www.atf.gov.

Duties

This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) that will be used to fill multiple Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) vacancies at the Washington Field Office. Eligible candidates will be referred as vacancies exist. This position is located under the Office of Field Operations in Washington, DC. The primary purpose is to be responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of substantive and conspiracy-type violations of laws administered and enforced by ATF. As a Special Agent, typical work assignments may include:

• Performs the full range of expert-level criminal investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations.
• Recognizes patterns of illegal operations to anticipate or influence events while considering precedential court decisions in one or more jurisdictions.
• Establishes and develops leads from known criminal activities and initiates investigations that are wide in scope and complexity and involve criminal conduct interwoven with legitimate business pursuits.
• Utilizes elaborate planning and coordination to resolve complex jurisdictional problems involving other Federal, State, county, and local agencies.
• Serves as the key person or coordinator when performing duties such as surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate, or dangerous elements.

These duties reflect the promotion potential of the position. Specific duties will be similar yet developmental based on the grade at which selected.

Requirements

Mobility Plan: New employees hired under this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The mobility policy enhances career development and progression, and facilitates movement of employees through short-term assignments or permanent reassignments. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement will be removed from the hiring process.

Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and be subject to random drug testing.
• Must display and maintain proficiency with firearms.
• Take and pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements.
• Must take and successfully complete a polygraph examination.
• Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license.
• May have to attend and successfully pass the below training: Occupational Questionnaire; ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment; Physical Task Test; ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT); Structured Interview; Law Enforcement Training: completion of FLETC's Criminal Investigator training program (CITP) or equivalent.

Training and Selection

• ATF Special Agent Training requirements include the listed trainings above; certification upload may be required.

Qualifications

GS-11 — One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-9 grade level or higher in Federal, State, or local government or equivalent private/public sector experience, performing: conducting full-range criminal investigations; obtaining leads and data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, and arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports.

OR

One of the following: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in related fields; 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education; or LL.M., if related. The percentage of requirements must total 100%.

GS-12 — One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, conducting criminal investigations of greater than average complexity, serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, and reviewing evidence with case reports.

GS-13 — One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, applying a wide range of investigative laws, identifying significant sources of information, and communicating reports and briefings. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade.

Additional Programs and Notices

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provide selection priority for eligible displaced employees. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) allows eligible veterans to apply under merit promotion when the agency recruits from outside its workforce. See the announcement for details on eligibility and required documentation.

Education: This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Other Information

Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement. Applicants may be required to attend Special Agent Basic Training. Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt. EEO: The U.S. Government does not discriminate in employment. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: RA may be requested during application. Special notes regarding ethical obligations and conflict of interest are provided. You may be asked to relinquish interests in alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or explosives industries before access can be authorized. Please review DOJ/ATF information for more details.

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