Firearms and Explosives Program Specialist

ATF; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ATF in Martinsburg, WV seeks a position to plan, develop, coordinate, administer and evaluate policies, programs, systems and procedures for regulating firearms and explosives industries.

The role involves data research, reporting, and responding to inquiries from law enforcement and industry representatives. Responsibilities include utilizing IT tools to access databases, compiling data, and creating reports, with potential shift work.

Qualifications

• Experience inputting, tracking, and retrieving records in automated databases.
• Ability to compile data from computer generated reports and communicate findings.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic assignments demonstrating understanding of EPS and Bureau policies.
• Research using IT software and databases and compile information.
• Enter/retrieve data, generate reports, and depict data in various formats.
• Research legal contracts pertaining to purchases of firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
• Answer inquiries from law enforcement, industry representatives, business firms, and the public.

Skills

Automated databases

Data compilation & reporting

Oral & written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, develop, coordinate, administer and evaluate policies, programs, systems and procedures to provide for the regulation of the firearms and explosives industries, as required by the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended; the Arms Export Control Act of 1976; Title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, as amended.

Duties

This position is located under the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services, National Firearms Act Division (NFA Division), Industry Processing Branch located in Martinsburg, WV.

• Performs basic assignments which demonstrate a basic understanding of the functions and operation of EPS and Bureau policies and regulations.
• Utilizes various information technology (IT) software and hardware to research the Internet and various databases.
• Compile information, enter and retrieve data, generate reports, and depict data in various spreadsheet and report formats.
• Research legal contracts pertaining to purchases of firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
• Answers inquiries from law enforcement, industry representatives, business firms, and the public.

*Shift work may be required.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.

MOBILITY PLAN

New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-04 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of:

• Utilizing automated databases to input, track, analyze, and retrieve records or compliance data; AND
• Compiling data from computer generated reports; AND
• Communicating with others orally and in writing.

OR

Completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-05 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of:

• Interpreting regulatory guidelines, laws, or instructions to process forms, applications, or licenses; AND
• Utilizing automated databases to input, track, analyze, and retrieve records or compliance data; AND
• Compiling data from computer generated reports; AND
• Communicating with others orally and in writing.

OR

Completed (1) one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education; or (2) a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (SAA.). S.A.A. is based on class standing--upper third of the graduating class, grade-point average--3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or election to membership in a national scholastic honor society

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (10/06/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION:

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division.

Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP)

These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

EEO Statement/Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation:

ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Selective Service:

If you were born male, on or 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.

Help

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