Criminal Investigator
Veterans Health Administration
Posted: February 5, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Department of the Interior
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Salary
$91,985 - $119,583
per year
Type
Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves conducting thorough background checks on people applying for or working in law enforcement and public safety roles within Native American communities, ensuring they are trustworthy and safe to work with children or sensitive information.
You'll review records, verify details, and sometimes perform fieldwork like surveillance or arrests to support these investigations.
It's a good fit for someone with strong investigative experience who can work independently and make quick decisions in a government setting focused on tribal safety.
These positions are with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in the OJS, Internal Affairs Division, Background Investigation Unit.
These positions will conduct full range in-depth investigations requiring comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement and skills involving a high degree of independent judgment, immediate decisions, and a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
These position will report to the Internal Affairs Division Director or Designee.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: OPM Quals -Criminal Investigation Series, 1811 Minimum Qualifications for GS-12 Criminal Investigator- Background Investigation Unit: At least one-year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level carrying out the full range of in-depth investigative duties Related to complex security investigations and investigative procedures, with the ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies related to background checks.
Performing analytical and research skills to verify information and resolve discrepancies, and proficiency in written communication for preparing clear, detailed investigative reports.
Including experience conducting background investigations for employment suitability, reviewing and analyzing personnel security documentation, and drafting comprehensive findings.
FIREARMS REQUIREMENT: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996.
An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U.
S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child; or 8) convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
*MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE LIMIT: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement [or firefighter, if applicable] experience or you are a preference eligible veteran.
If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214).
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date. Major Duties:
As a Criminal Investigator (Background Investigation Unit), GS-1811, your typical work assignments may include, but not limited to: Accountable for initiating background investigations and the review and pre-screening of law enforcement, investigations, and corrections applicants for Tribal law enforcement and public safety departments.
Responsible for the review, analysis and adjudication of lower-level background investigations completed by the BIA, OJS or Tribal background investigations programs throughout the country.
Conducts state criminal history checks and Local Law Enforcement Inquiries (LLEls) to ensure applicants and existing employees, are suitable for law enforcement employment, as well as suitable to be in direct contact with Indian children or suitable for accessing Tribal Information Technology (IT) resources or confidential information.
Investigating, apprehensions, surveillance, executing search warrants, carrying firearms.
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