Federal Trade Investigator
Federal Trade Commission
Posted: March 16, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Executive Office of the President
Location
Salary
$151,661 - $228,000
per year
Type
Closes
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading U.S. trade efforts with Japan, Korea, and the Asia-Pacific region, including negotiating agreements and advising on economic policies to benefit American interests.
It requires deep expertise in international trade and strong leadership skills to manage teams and drive results in a high-stakes government role.
Ideal candidates are experienced trade professionals passionate about public service, efficiency, and upholding constitutional principles.
The incumbent serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Japan, Korea, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Affairs.
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.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.
Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.
Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).
If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQ): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1: Expert knowledge of Japanese and Korean trade policies and practices, as well as international and bilateral trade and investment issues.
TQ2: Demonstrated experience related to negotiating and/or implementing trade agreements, and in developing strategies and tactics for negotiations.
TQ3: Demonstrated skill in preparing written policy briefing, analyses, and option papers, as well as in making presentations to senior level officials in the public and private sector, and to foreign government officials on technical information and policy issues.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs.
If your 2-page resume does not reflect the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.
This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.
Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. Major Duties:
As the Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs, ES-301-00, your typical work assignments may include the following: Represents the U.S.
Trade Representative on a broad range of policy making and negotiating assignments. Serves as the U.S.
government's chief negotiator in the bilateral or multilateral trade negotiations with or related to Japan, Korea, and the member economies of APEC. Devises and implements all aspects of U.S.
negotiating strategy to ensure success. Represents the USTR and chairs interagency groups for the formulation and implementation of U.S. trade policy. Represents the U.S.
government and the USTR in regularly scheduled and ad hoc consultations and negotiations with representatives of Japan, Korea, and the member countries of APEC, and serves as the U.S.
Chief Negotiator with same. Meets regularly in the U.S. and abroad with foreign governments and U.S.
stakeholders to discuss trade problems and to take account of their concerns and advice in developing policy and negotiating strategy.
Endeavors to involve Japan, Korea, and the member economies of APEC in the world trading system in ways which are consistent with U.S. interests.
Responsible for providing a bilateral and multilateral focus to the work of the USTR in dealing with Japan, Korea, and the member economies of APEC.
Coordinates individual issues to prepare the USTR and his/her deputies for consultations with representatives of other countries.
Participates in interagency and intergovernmental reviews of economic policy. Explains and defends the Administration's trade policies to Congress, the public and foreign counterparts.
Manages a staff of professional trade policy analysts and negotiators; assigns work, projects and evaluates for compliance with overall agency goals and objectives.
Manages and monitors office budget and staff allocations. Develops performance goals and expectations, and carries out disciplinary actions as needed.
Carries out other supervisory responsibilities necessary to effectively manage the office.
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