- Position Title
- Fingerprint Specialist
- Agency
- Customs and Border Protection
- Announcement Number
- LSSD-DE-11960189-MEB Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, June 1, 2023 to Wednesday, June 7, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Are you a current federal employee who has received notice that you will be displaced from the Department of Homeland Security? If yes, confirm:
- you occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
- Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, AND
- Copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency? If yes, confirm:
- you occupy (or have been separated from) a position located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent
- Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, AND
- Copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
3.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Are you a current political Schedule A or Schedule C Executive Branch employee or a former political Schedule A or Schedule C Executive Branch employee who held the position within the last five years applying to a competitive or non-political excepted service position under Title 5 of the United States Code or are you a current non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) Executive Branch employee or a former non-career SES Executive Branch employee who held the position within the last five years applying to a competitive or non-political excepted service position under Title 5 of the United States Code?
To verify, please submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) or other relevant documentation reflecting your status as a Political Appointee.
To verify, please submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) or other relevant documentation reflecting your status as a Political Appointee.
3.
There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years, before completing an application for CBP employment.
If you do not meet the residency requirement as stated above and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
Exceptions may be granted to applicants if they can provide complete state-side coverage information required to make a suitability determination. Examples of state-side coverage information include: the state-side address of the company headquarters where the applicant's personnel file is located, the state-side address of the Professor in charge of the applicant's "Study Abroad" program, and/or the state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with the applicant while overseas. If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception.
Do you meet the residency requirement?
If you do not meet the residency requirement as stated above and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
- Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Exceptions may be granted to applicants if they can provide complete state-side coverage information required to make a suitability determination. Examples of state-side coverage information include: the state-side address of the company headquarters where the applicant's personnel file is located, the state-side address of the Professor in charge of the applicant's "Study Abroad" program, and/or the state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with the applicant while overseas. If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception.
Do you meet the residency requirement?
4.
Are you receiving a retirement annuity from OPM based on retiring from the Federal government? If you select yes and you are selected for this position, your salary will be off-set by the amount of your retirement annuity.
To verify, please submit a copy of your retirement SF-50 with your application package.
To verify, please submit a copy of your retirement SF-50 with your application package.
5.
I have read and understand the following statement: You will be considered for the highest grade level for which you qualify for. Eligibility will be verified based on your resume and transcripts. You must have gained the work experience by the closing date of this announcement. Full-time work experience is 35 or more hours worked per week and must be clearly stated on your resume. Qualifications based on work experience will be determined by what is listed on your resume. Work experience refers to both paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work.
Your resume must include the following:
Do you agree to provide a resume that contains the necessary requirements listed in the instructions above?
Your resume must include the following:
- Be in English
- Include full legal name
- Address
- Phone number
- Complete work history (which includes job titles)
- Detailed description of your duties (including tasks performed)
- The dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY)
- Hours worked per week for any position you worked that was not full time (less than 35 hours per week)
- Series
- Grade level(s)
- Salary
Do you agree to provide a resume that contains the necessary requirements listed in the instructions above?
6.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Also, ensure that your resume contains a detailed description of your federal work experience, including the dates you performed those duties, your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade level(s), and salary (if applicable).
7.
Which of the following best describes your experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level?
Assessment 1
The following questions will be used to rate applicants who meet the minimum eligibility and qualification requirements.
1.
Which of the following best describes your experience serving as a latent print examiner and analyzing complicated latent prints using advanced tests, skills, techniques, procedures and equipment?
2.
I have compared prints to those of known individuals and determined if a match exists between any known and unknown prints.
3.
I have verified identifications made by other fingerprint specialists.
4.
Which of the following best describes your experience performing technical reviews of latent print cases?
5.
Which of the following best describes your experience serving as an expert witness in highly sensitive and complex cases and major criminal trials advising attorneys on the evidentiary values of the results of examinations and the opinions rendered?
6.
I have testified as a latent examiner.
7.
Which of the following best describes your experience providing advice on the collection of latent print evidence and on processing evidence for latent prints?
8.
Which of the following best describes your experience keeping current with up-to-date latent print development techniques, technology, and information?
9.
I have experience relaying the most current latent print development techniques, technology and information to my peers.
10.
Which of the following best describes your experience choosing the most appropriate approach for the examination of a wide variety of latent prints using your expert knowledge of techniques?
11.
Which of the following best describes your experience serving as a latent print examiner, resolving the most complex latent fingerprint examinations, using the most advanced techniques, procedures and equipment?
12.
Which of the following best describes your experience working with fragmentary or imperfect impressions for latent print comparisons?
13.
I remain current in the most advanced procedures and techniques for fingerprint
examinations.
examinations.
14.
Which of the following best describes your experience serving as a recognized expert who is frequently consulted by other scientific staff regarding guideline interpretation?
15.
Which of the following best describes your experience making conclusions based on very fragmentary or imperfect impressions?
16.
Which of the following best describes your experience examining crime scenes that may involve strenuous physical exertion?
17.
Which of the following best describes your experience determining the most appropriate method to process or enhance photographs taken or submitted by other forensic scientists or law enforcement personnel?
18.
Which of the following best describes your experience making decisions regarding what needs to be done when processing latent print evidence and crime scenes, when faced with uncertainty or new situations/circumstances?
19.
I am able to handle work that involves prolonged standing and sitting, typically in an office space or chemistry lab with some exposure to chemicals or fumes, occasionally conducted under hazardous conditions requiring exposure to potentially explosive chemicals.
20.
Which of the following best describes your experience determining appropriate methodology and sequential chemical and physical development necessary to effectively and reliably examine the physical evidence submitted?
21.
When determining the appropriate methodology and sequential chemical and physical development necessary to effectively and reliably examine the physical evidence submitted, which of the following factors do you take into consideration (select all that apply):
22.
Which of the following best describes your experience planning and carrying out projects and casework, and resolving conflicts or issues that arise?
23.
Which of the following best describes your skill in modifying established methods and developing new approaches in the analysis of physical evidence for latent prints?
24.
From the following, please select all that you have experience when planning, coordinating and implementing selected fingerprint program activities (select all that apply):
25.
Which of the following best describes your experience preparing permanent records of developed latent prints through photographic techniques such as macro photography or the use of alternate light sources?
26.
Which of the following best describes your experience collecting, packaging and preserving items of physical evidence from crime scenes to be submitted to the laboratory for processing?
27.
Which of the following best describes your experience photographing crime scenes and analyzing other off-site physical evidence suspected of containing latent prints and/or other impressions which cannot be transported to the laboratory?
28.
I am able to follow guidelines that include procedures for handling evidence, manuals on use of photographic and imaging equipment, policies and procedures and latent print reporting guidelines.
29.
Which of the following best describes your experience monitoring updates and keeping abreast of new developments in the field of fingerprint identification, collaborating in the development of new methods, techniques and equipment, to better serve laboratory needs?
30.
Which of the following best describes your experience ensuring latent print analyses and conclusions are valid and consistent for accuracy and reliability?
31.
Which of the following best describes your experience planning, directing and conducting research projects, independently or with other trained technical personnel?
32.
I have master knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of fingerprint identification, allowing me to serve as a recognized authoritative expert in the examination, identification and preservation of latent print evidence.
33.
I have master knowledge of quality control principles, methods, and techniques to ensure accurate and verifiable examinations meet legal requirements for authentication of evidence for court purposes.
34.
Which of the following best represents your level of independent judgment to ensure latent print analyses and conclusions are valid, accurate, consistent and reliable?
35.
Which of the following best describes your experience conferring with officials such as local, state, and Federal law enforcement officials and others who are directly concerned with specific facts of assigned cases?
36.
Which of the following best describes your experience serving as mentor and trainer for latent print processers?
37.
Which of the following best describes your experience supporting agency personnel in the development of criminal cases involving border security, smuggling and other illegal activity?
38.
I have experience and skill in preparing exhibits for use in court testimony.
39.
Which of the following best describes your experience testifying in court regarding methods used in obtaining evidence, making comparisons, and determining matches of latent to known prints?
40.
Which of the following best describes your experience exhibiting the utmost tact, diplomacy, and ability to get along with contacts in situations that are highly charged because of conflicting viewpoints when you are providing advice, conduct training, and discussing potential resolutions to issues encountered?
41.
I have provided training and authoritative technical guidance to less experienced fingerprint specialists.
42.
Which of the following best describes your experience preparing laboratory reports and oral presentations on the case findings from the latent print examination(s)?
43.
I have furnished depositions or affidavits for court room proceedings.
44.
Which of the following best describes your experience defending against adversarial challenges to expert credentials or the scientific criteria underlying the fingerprint examination process?
45.
Which of the following best describes your experience providing technical advice on the physical evidence submitted, obtaining additional information regarding physical evidence, and advising others regarding the availability of services provided by the laboratory?
46.
Which of the following best describes your experience and ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, orally and in writing?
47.
Which of the following best describes your experience and/or expert knowledge in courtroom proceedings and in providing testimony in an adversarial environment as an expert witness?
48.
Which of the following best describes your experience processing and developing latent prints on submitted evidence using traditional and advanced equipment?
49.
Which of the following best describes your experience submitting unknown latent prints (left on evidence) to fingerprint databases to determine the identity of unknown person(s)?
50.
Which of the following best describes your experience creating or modifying appropriate combinations of techniques and chemical procedures for each individual assignment?
51.
Which of the following best describes your knowledge of the methods used to locate and develop latent prints including the use of powders, chemicals, lights, or other means necessary to produce visible prints from smooth, textured, flat, curved, or reflective porous or nonporous surfaces?
52.
Which of the following best describes your skill in the use of photographic equipment, techniques and processes when adapting to new or unprecedented situations (including changes to photographic equipment, situations, and/or specialized imaging equipment)?
53.
Which of the following best describes your knowledge of techniques necessary to conduct a crime scene search for the collection and preservation of physical evidence, including developing and collecting latent print evidence to be transported and processed in a laboratory setting?
54.
Which of the following best describes your experience conducting the most complex, delicate and sensitive latent print examinations to visualize, enhance and identify fingerprints or prints of palms, toes and soles on any surface?
55.
Which of the following scientific processes and chemical treatments have you used to examine prints (select all that apply):
56.
Which of the following best describes your master-level skillset to be able to perform complex, delicate and sensitive latent print examinations to visualize, enhance and identify latent prints, which may be fragmentary or imperfect?
57.
I have extensive knowledge and ability in the operation of advanced latent print development instrumentation, including photographic equipment.
58.
I possess above average knowledge regarding computers and computer technology, relative to fingerprint processing, examination and identification, particularly Automated Fingerprint Identification (AFIS) and forensic image processing systems.