Personnel Security Specialist (Investigator)

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as a Personnel Security Specialist in the Investigations Branch, Personnel Security Division (PSD), Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations (OPRSO).

PSD is responsible for the implementation and oversight of ATF's Personnel Security.

Since 1998, ATF has held the unique status of maintaining delegated authority, issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct background investigations.

To qualify for the Personnel Security Specialist (Investigator) position at the GS-9/11/12, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Minimum Qualifications To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of: Assists in determining if reciprocity criteria were properly applied to the investigation based on previous background investigations conducted and in determining that the type of investigation requested is appropriate for the identified position; AND Assists with conducting pre-employment screening and/or making interim clearance or temporary eligibility recommendations; AND Reviews all information obtained in the Security Package for accuracy and completeness; AND Conducts investigative inquiries.

OR Completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or at least 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B.

or J.D., if related to the requirements of the position.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience must include all of: Determines if reciprocity criteria were properly applied to the investigation based on previous background investigations conducted and ensures that the type of investigation requested is appropriate for the identified position; AND Conducts pre-employment screening and makes interim clearance or temporary eligibility recommendations; AND Reviews all information obtained in the Security Package for accuracy and completeness; AND Identifies all components needed to be performed for the background investigation based on the requirements applicable to the investigation type.

OR Completion of a Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree or at least 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related to the requirements of the position.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience must include all of: Determines if reciprocity criteria were properly applied to the investigation based on previous background investigations conducted and ensures that the type of investigation requested is appropriate for the identified position; AND Conducts pre-employment screening and makes interim clearance or temporary eligibility recommendations; AND Reviews all information obtained in the Security Package for accuracy and completeness; AND Conducts background investigations ensuring all components needed are obtained based on the requirements applicable to the investigation type.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you.

You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (03/30/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Major Duties:

The major duties of the Personnel Security Specialist (Investigator) position include, but are not limited to, the following: Applies training and appropriate procedures to review all information obtained in the Security Package for accuracy and completeness.

Conducts pre-employment screening and makes interim clearance or temporary eligibility recommendations.

Applies training and appropriate procedures to scope all components needed for the background investigation based on the requirements applicable to the investigation type, the Subject's personal history and relationships.

Assists in the development of investigation guidelines, procedures and forms based on Federal mandates, DOJ requirements, and Bureau policies; and recommends revisions to pertinent guidelines, procedures and forms when updates occur.

Assists with gathering data, running statistical analyses, and preparing documentation to satisfy reporting matrices for the Bureau and other governing agencies.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.