Duties

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizen
• Pre-employment drug testing and physical examination are required
• You must meet the specialized experience to qualify
• Successful completion of a background security investigation
• Must possess and maintain a valid state DL to operate a motor vehicle
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Selectee must relocate and fully reside within 65 miles from the regional office by the official start date.
• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males Born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL AND DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination and undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it's still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
• TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

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Qualifications

GS-12 Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 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 including testing and validating forensic software and automated analytical tools
• Experience planning, organizing, and executing complex, sensitive investigations involving computers, networks, and electronic evidence, and serving as a technical resource to investigators
• Experience interviewing suspects, witnesses, and informants, reconstructing events and timelines, and analyzing patterns and trends of criminal activity to recommend appropriate actions
• Experience communicating complex technical findings clearly in briefings and testimony (e.g., Grand Jury, court, administrative hearings) as an expert witness on computer forensic procedures and results.

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.

In addition to the above, examples of specialized experience includes:

• Experience in performing digital evidence forensics and data analysis in support of a larger program fraud investigations.
• Prepared preliminary and final forensic and investigative reports documenting methods, findings, and conclusions for use by investigators, prosecutors, and management officials.
• Experience conducting cybercrime investigations that includes network intrusion and performing digital forensics in support of those investigations.

Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies:

1. Technical Competence

2. Problem Solving

3. Laws, Rules, regulations and Agency Policies

4. Decision Making

5. Communication

Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment Continued:

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS- The duties of this position in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying

Applicants must not turn 37 years of age before 30 days after the closing date of this announcement. If you are age 37 through 56 you must be eligible to retire at age 57 with 20 years of covered law enforcement service. All qualified veterans preference eligibles may apply and be considered for this vacancy regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C 3307.

You will be required to satisfactorily complete the criminal investigator training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center if selected and not yet completed.

Applicants who have already successfully completed the basic Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or its equivalent will be given higher consideration for this position.

You will be required to qualify and maintain qualification to carry and use government-owned firearms. You are ineligible for this position if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, unless the conviction was expunged, set aside, or you received a pardon. In most jurisdictions, you must be at least 21 years of age to carry a firearm.

This position is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.

This is a primary position that meets the early law enforcement retirement provisions of both the Civil Service and the Federal Employees Retirement Systems.

Best qualified candidates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel expenses in conjunction with any required interviews, unless they are already employed by the Office of Inspector General at the U. S. Department of Transportation.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.