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Posted: February 9, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Criminal Investigator (Forensics) (Direct-Hire)

Office of Inspector General

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Salary

$112,556 - $190,627

per year

Closes

February 23, 2026

GS-13 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $88,520 - $115,079

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-12. Expert-level knowledge in field.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves using advanced computer skills to analyze digital evidence in federal investigations of fraud, waste, and cyber crimes within the Department of Transportation.

The role supports law enforcement by examining electronic data, helping build cases, and preparing reports for prosecutors.

It's ideal for experienced forensic experts with a background in IT investigations who enjoy tackling complex, high-stakes technical challenges.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 (for GS-13) or GS-13 (for GS-14) in digital forensics and data analysis for fraud investigations
  • Expertise in conducting cyber criminal investigations, including network intrusions and digital evidence recovery
  • Proficiency in planning and implementing national IT crime and forensic programs
  • Strong analytical skills to reconstruct events, timelines, and user activity from digital evidence
  • Ability to prepare detailed forensic and investigative reports for prosecutors and management
  • Experience conducting interviews with witnesses, suspects, and informants
  • Technical competence in validating forensic software, tools, and intrusion detection methods

Full Job Description

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U. S.

Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs.

OIG also consults with the Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations.

The Inspector General Act of 1978 gives the Office of Inspector General autonomy to do its work without interference.

GS-13 Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Experience in performing digital evidence forensics and data analysis in support of a larger program fraud investigations.

Experience in planning, implementing, and guiding national Information Technology crimes and forensic digital evidence analysis programs.

Experience conducting cyber (network intrusion) criminal investigations that includes performing digital forensics in support of those investigations.

GS-14 Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity.

Examples of specialized experience includes in addition to the above: Conducted interviews of witnesses and subjects under the guidance of senior investigators or case agents.

Analyzed digital evidence to assist in reconstructing events, timelines, and user activity related to investigative matters.

Prepared preliminary and final forensic and investigative reports documenting methods, findings, and conclusions for use by investigators, prosecutors, and management officials.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies: 1. Technical Competence 2. Analytical Ability 3. Problem Solving 4. Oral Communication 5.

Written Communication Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

Provides expert forensic support through the scientific analysis of electronic evidence.

Conducts computer forensic examinations that are consistent with those standards established by DOT-OIG and the Department of Justice, as well as reflective of current trends and techniques within the law enforcement and professional communities.

This may include the testing and validation of forensic software and other appropriate automated analytical tools to meet diverse investigative requirements.

Serves as a technical expert regarding crime scene searches of electronic evidence.

Participates with DOT-OIG field agents and management to develop investigative plans and present investigative options and parameters as they relate to computer resources and techniques.

Prepares preliminary and final investigative or forensic reports for prosecutors and management officials in accordance with DOT-OIG investigative policies and procedures.

Responsible for the coordination and integration of investigative findings which may involve input from investigators within the Department or other agencies.

Conducts investigations into difficult, complex, technical, and sensitive matters involving computer and computerized evidence which may be national in scope.

These investigations may include complex networking and communications problems and legal issues, which may require law enforcement and civilian cooperation nationwide.

Plans, organizes, conducts or coordinates complex investigations into intrusions of DOT systems or situations where a computer or other electronic device is used as a tool in the commission of a crime.

Designs and implements intrusion detection and analysis tools. Uses automated methods to recover evidentiary data from network-based systems penetrated by unauthorized parties.

Plans and conducts interviews with suspects, witnesses, and informants during case development. Often analyzes evidence provided by investigators stationed in multiple regions throughout the nation.

Develops and presents evidence that reconstructs events, sequences and time elements; and establishes relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest in a manner that meets requirements for presentation in various legal hearings and court proceedings.

Testifies before Grand Juries, in courts of law, or at administrative hearings in support of forensic examinations, expert opinions, or other investigative matters.

This includes producing complex reports and illustrative materials for Federal, state, or local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain complex electronic evidence interpretation and conclusions.

Serves as an expert witness in computer forensic examination procedures and outcomes.

Analyzes criminal complaints and allegations to determine certain patterns and trends of these criminal acts and recommends appropriate action to be taken.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: JI-3-2026-0001