Investigation and Compliance Specialist

Full Job Description

You will serve an Investigation and Compliance Specialist, responsible for the review and analysis of investigated cases related to animal and plant health programs to determine legal sufficiency; determination of appropriate enforcement actions or preparation of cases for potential criminal or administrative hearings; and issuance of official warnings, stipulations, and regulatory enforcement correspondence.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applies applicable laws, regulations, rules, practices, procedures and techniques sufficient to provide analysis and recommendations into the accuracy and merit of potential violations of APHIS-administered statutes and regulations.

Drafts enforcement actions that clearly articulate legal sufficiency for use and consideration by stakeholders, and other entities, such as the Office of General Counsel.

Manages a large caseload without sacrificing quality or efficiency under strict timelines. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations and applies them to reviewing investigations Analyzing evidence to determine if it is sufficient to support administrative action for resolving complex violations.

Engaging with agency attorneys and other external stakeholders to support administrative enforcement Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Research statutes, regulations, legal opinions, policies, and cases bearing on the legal issues in the Reports of Investigation (ROI).
• Works with program officials to recommend an action that will achieve the Agency’s compliance objectives without time- and resource-consuming litigation whenever possible.
• Prepares penalty recommendations outlining and analyzing the factual and legal issues involved and justifying recommendations or conclusions.
• Establishes positive working relationships and maintains continuing liaison with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
• Provides advice and counsel to program officials in APHIS regarding the development of policies and operational protocols to facilitate the enforcement of APHIS statutes and regulations.
• Participates in assessing case review and enforcement activities for adherence to established policies, procedures, and timelines.