Criminal Investigator

Full Job Description

The positions are located in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Domestic Operations Directorate (DO), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), U.S. Department of State (DOS).

OSI has the primary responsibility to conduct criminal and administrative misconduct investigations involving Chief of Mission (COM) employees, contractors, and dependents, as well as Department of State employees and contractors worldwide.

For more information about the Bureau, visit: DS 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 planning and conducting alleged criminal and misconduct investigations.

Experience liaising with internal and external partners to promote cooperation and collaboration on criminal investigations.

Experience preparing and presenting investigative reports for potential criminal prosecution. 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 two 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:

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts sensitive criminal and administrative investigations of complaints, allegations, information, and unusual incidents involving DOS employees and others who fall under Chief of Mission authority.
• Evaluates information reported through developed or reported leads to identify the issues involved and the types of evidence that are needed to prove or disprove the allegation.
• Advises on sensitive investigative matters for presentation to the U.S. Attorney's Office for possible prosecution or to the Director General for administrative discipline.
• Recommends course of action for handling investigations and, where necessary, develops unique and innovative techniques for solving specific problems.
• Liaises with all levels of law enforcement and security representatives.