Criminal Investigator

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Computer Investigations and Forensics Division, Office of Cyber Threat and Investigations, Cyber and Technology Security Directorate, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS/CTS/CTI/CIF).

CIF provides specialized investigative support to the Department of State (DoS) in the form of digital forensic analysis, online criminal and counterintelligence investigations, technical investigative and surveillance equipment, and various operational support.

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience conducting technical assessments and analyzing cyber security threats and vulnerabilities.

Experience coordinating investigations with Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies. Experience conducting cyber-criminal and counterintelligence investigations.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

AGE REQUIREMENT: All applicants, except preference-eligible veterans, MUST be no more than 37 years of age upon entry into this position.

If you are 37 or older, or will reach your 37th birthday, but have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position which may exempt you from this age restriction, you must submit a copy of the SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that you received in that position.

If you are a preference-eligible veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 verifying your veterans preference eligibility. Candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications.

Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9).

This position is authorized to receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) at the rate of 25% of the incumbent's salary (including locality pay) paid in addition to the salary.

The receipt of LEAP is not optional and requires the incumbent to work an average of two or more LEAP hours per scheduled work day, which may include evenings, nights and weekends.

The hours worked will vary depending on the nature of the assignment. Incumbents will receive LEAP during Basic Special Agent (BSAC) training.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather.

Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required.

Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily.

Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily.

Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters.

Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels.

Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability.

Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

MOBILITY AGREEMENT: Selectee must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to other geographic locations if required by the agency. A valid driver's license is also required.

This position requires all incumbents to meet physical fitness standards to ensure they are prepared to carry out all of their official responsibilities.

All applicants tentatively selected for this position must complete and submit a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Self-Evaluation.

Prior to receiving a final offer, applicants must pass a Diplomatic Security Service administered PRT.

For information on the PRT standards, please visit https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DS-PRT-Guide-Revised-161019.pdf and https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DS-PRT-Standards-Revised-161019.pdf.

Incumbents of this position will be required to maintain the physical fitness standards set by the agency and participate in triannual fitness testing.

The incumbent must pass periodic physical examinations, meet physical standards set by the Agency for the position, and otherwise fulfill the requirements for law enforcement positions of 5 U.S.C.

8336(c). This position requires the incumbent to work various shifts (e.g., 8:15am-5pm), 12am-8am, 4pm-12am, in addition to 2 or more LEAP hours, on a daily basis.

In short, the hours worked will vary depending on the nature of your assignment.

TRAINING: Must successfully complete OR have successfully completed the Criminal Investigations Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glenco, GA, AND the New Agent Course at the Diplomatic Security Training Center.

Candidates will be required to sign a Training Agreement attesting to their understanding that failure to successfully complete the training will result in removal.

Additionally, within one year of graduating from the Basic Special Agent Course, newly hired Criminal Investigators will be required to enroll in the “Advanced Tactics, Leadership, and Skills" (ATLaS) course offered through the Diplomatic Security Training Center.

The ATLaS course is 11 weeks long and focuses on enhanced tactics, training and leadership skills.

All Criminal Investigators are required to take this course and complete a refresher course every five years. Major Duties:

• Serves as a Criminal Investigator responsible for conducting and supporting cyber investigations related to information technology (IT) systems, networks, and digital evidence.
• Analyzes and assesses cyber security incidents targeting Department systems and infrastructure to determine incidents that warrant criminal investigation.
• Provides investigative support to all elements of the Department in the seizure or collection of digital, electronic, or computer-related evidence.
• Serves as a liaison with law enforcement and intelligence communities to represent the Department on interagency task forces and joint investigations that focus on national and international cyber security issues.
• Provides guidance to agents on executing affidavits, subpoenas, and warrants that relate to cyber investigations and the collection of digital evidence.