- Position Title
- Criminal Investigator
- Agency
- Forest Service
- Announcement Number
- 25-WO-LEI-12639150-G-PN Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, December 17, 2024 to Thursday, December 26, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS CAREFULLY. Your answers will be used to determine your eligibility to apply to this job opportunity announcement. You will be considered under the eligibility option(s) to which you answer YES. Select YES to all eligibility options for which you want to be considered. If you respond NO to meeting the criteria for all the eligibilities, you will not be considered for the position(s) under this announcement.
NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration.
NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration.
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you 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.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you 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.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
3.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty?
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Help Center Military Spouses
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Help Center Military Spouses
4.
Are you a current or former permanent Farm Service Agency County employee?
5.
Are you a current Federal employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment?
6.
Are you a Federal employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment AND you have held or currently hold a position on a permanent basis in the competitive service with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
7.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area as 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 were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
• you are located in the same local commuting area as 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 were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
8.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who is claiming eligibility under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act and:
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a single break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and whose most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Note: Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status (such as LWOP) is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met.
• was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
• served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a single break in service of two or more years; and,
• performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; and,
• if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and whose most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Note: Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status (such as LWOP) is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met.
9.
Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
10.
Are you:
• a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• eligible for veterans' preference?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• eligible for veterans' preference?
Note: If you are currently on active duty you may be considered under the two provisions above provided you submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
11.
Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before separation from one or more nontemporary Foreign Service appointments; AND, your separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years (individuals entitled to veteran's preference do not need to meet this 3-year requirement)?
-OR-
Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service?
-OR-
Are you a current career or limited non-career appointee in the Foreign Service with at least 48 months of continuous service and a most recent performance rating of satisfactory or better?
-OR-
Are you a former career or limited non-career appointee in the Foreign Service with at least 48 months of continuous service, the most recent performance rating of satisfactory or better, and no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment?
NOTE: If you are a current Foreign Service employee curtailment of an overseas assignment remains subject to the provisions and processes specified in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and/or collective bargaining agreements.
-OR-
Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service?
-OR-
Are you a current career or limited non-career appointee in the Foreign Service with at least 48 months of continuous service and a most recent performance rating of satisfactory or better?
-OR-
Are you a former career or limited non-career appointee in the Foreign Service with at least 48 months of continuous service, the most recent performance rating of satisfactory or better, and no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment?
NOTE: If you are a current Foreign Service employee curtailment of an overseas assignment remains subject to the provisions and processes specified in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and/or collective bargaining agreements.
12.
Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
2.
Please select the duty station location(s) you would like to be considered for:
3.
Are you a current or former Political appointee, Presidential appointee, and/or non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee?
4.
How did you hear about this job opportunity? Please select one and specify if required:
5.
Please enter at least 3 references below. Include first and last name, phone number and email address.
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Criminal Investigator GS-1811-11/12 position with the USDA Forest Service. We will evaluate your application and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire.
Law Enforcement Instructions: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(9)). A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term "convicted" as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set-aside, or pardoned or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expunging or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statutes are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.
1.
Firearms Question (Screen-Out): Does your background include any of the following?
2.
Maximum Age Requirement (Screen-Out): From the choices below select the response that best describes how you meet the maximum age requirement for this position.
3.
Select the one statement that best describes the education or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the Criminal Investigator at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service.
4.
Select the one statement that best describes the education or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the Criminal Investigator at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service.
For each of the following questions, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application, as well as information provided by your references. Failure to respond to these questions will result in an ineligible rating.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
5.
Compare evidence to substantiate findings or conclusions; examines records to detect links in a chain of evidence or information; and develops and uses informants to get leads to information.
6.
Organize contacts and arrange appointments to examine a variety of records, reports, and other data, activities, or allegations in the investigative process, such as participating in interviews of witnesses to obtain specific information and to verify facts.
7.
Participate in the development of enforcement or investigation plans, schedules, or methods to accommodate changing program requirements.
8.
Collect disparate facts, events, and other types of intelligence material to develop information, guidelines, and techniques for application in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of persons attempting to violate laws.
9.
Analyze obscure leads, view records, conflicting evidence, and other barriers that complicate the case.
10.
Continually advancing knowledge of laws, regulations, precedent, court decisions, and current direction concerning agency mission.
11.
Research and participate in intelligence gathering operations on a regional basis to develop specific cases or complaints.
12.
Conduct investigations, apprehend, and detain individuals who are suspected of committing crimes.
13.
Access policies, precedent, and guidelines needed for a wide range of investigative techniques in the conduct of sensitive investigations. Involving Federal, State, and/or local fugitives.
14.
Conduct investigations to include surveillance and undercover operations, misconduct and criminal activities within the Agency including internal investigations of employee wrongdoing or fraud, and the apprehension and detention of individuals who are suspected of committing crimes.
15.
Maintain and applies current knowledge of laws, especially regarding the rights and warnings of individuals in the US, including government employees; government workplace searches; fraud against the U.S.; the Federal Rules of Discovery, Evidence and Criminal Procedure, and other legal authorities including, but not limited to, the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
16.
Provide assistance to outside agencies who are conducting investigations and to ensure compliance with organizational policies and guidelines.
17.
Promote good community relations and develop partnerships with the public to prevent crimes and continuously improve community safety on public lands.
18.
Observe and obtain information from individuals, witnesses, and/or informants.
19.
Maintain frequent contacts with colleagues in the agency to render advice, consultation, and assistance.
20.
Consults frequently with prosecuting attorneys and agency supervisor concerning logistical and strategic questions that arise during investigations; to include the presentation of facts to Attorneys in preparation for Grand Jury or Trial.
21.
Provide information and advice on investigative program issues that require assessment of unusual circumstances or variations in approach and development of new methods and criteria.
22.
Use investigative principles and techniques to conduct investigations involving public lands.
23.
Conduct patrols and investigations of public lands issues and resource crimes, to include recreation areas, timber theft activities, detect and investigate clandestine drug operations, wildland fires and other resource use activities, to enforce and prevent violations of law and regulations.
24.
Research laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to public land uses, operations, and protection in order to identify violations and take the appropriate action.
25.
Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, precedent, court decisions, and current instructions concerning agency mission.
26.
Conduct sensitive investigations into criminal violations that have a significant bearing on the administration and/or credibility of the agency.
27.
Participate in planning meetings with supervisory and program managers to provide necessary investigative information pertaining to the program specialty.
28.
Testify as a witness before Grand Juries and in trial courts in matters involving violations of State and/or Federal criminal statutes.
29.
Participate in committees or working groups comprised of internal and external representatives concerned with planning and exchanging necessary information to assist with investigations.
30.
Provide advice and consultation with other Law Enforcement Agencies and/or Task Forces and dealt with investigative case intelligence involving United States citizens and/or foreign nationals.
31.
Plan work independently, establishing priorities, setting deadlines, determining the scope and intensity of their efforts based on need and objectives.
32.
Establish the interrelationship of facts and circumstances while assisting other law enforcement agencies in order to manage enforcement operations that includes detection and apprehension of subjects.
33.
Prepare investigative reports and presenting necessary aspects of an investigation in sufficient detail and accuracy.
34.
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
35.
Develop written correspondence, drafts and prepares final written reports.
36.
Provide consultation, prepare investigative reports, and present necessary aspects of an investigation in sufficient detail and accuracy.
37.
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
38.
Write analysis of investigative findings, recommendations for corrective actions and conclusions.
39.
Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Submitting false information or attempts to falsify information may be grounds for disqualifying you or for terminating you after you have been hired. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.