Summary

This position is part of the Office of the Inspector General, Government Publishing Office in Washington, DC.

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Duties

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• Evaluates complex complaints, information, or allegations received through the OIG's Hotline or referred to the Senior Criminal Investigator through other means to determine if they are under the OIG's jurisdiction under the Inspector General Act.
• Determines whether complaints, information, or allegations merit further investigation and the potential for criminal prosecution or other civil or administrative resolution.
• Plans and coordinates complex and comprehensive criminal and civil investigations which include setting deadlines, and monitors progress to ensure timely investigations and cost effective and efficient use of investigative resources.
• Assists with developing investigative procedures, report formats and interview techniques, in addition to maintaining a substantive case load.
• Conducts investigations into crimes dealing with but not limited to false statements, misappropriation of Government funds, theft of Government property, embezzlement, bribery, contract and procurement fraud, and other mismanagement schemes.
• Provides testimony in Federal, State, or local courts. Conducts records checks and maintains liaison with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males born after 12/03/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must pass preemployment requirements prior to appointment.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Physical examination and strength test are required.
• Must qualify with and carry a firearm.
• Must have completed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Basic Criminal Investigator Training Program or equivalent. See "Qualifications" section for more details.
• Weekend and/or holiday work may be required to conduct investigations.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Medical Requirements - See "Additional Information" section for more details.
• Lautenberg Amendment - See "Additional Information" section for more details.
• TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. Applicants must have served 1 year at the next lower grade level (GI-12) or equivalent grade level of federal service to qualify.
• A one-time recruitment incentive of up to 4.6% of the employee's salary may be offered in accordance with regulatory requirements and acceptance of a signed service agreement.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Criminal Investigator, GI-1811-13, you must meet the following requirements:

This position has a Selective Placement Factor (SPF) in which applicants must meet to qualify.

SPF - Completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Basic Criminal Investigator Training Program or equivalent (e.g., FBI Academy, DEA Academy, U.S. Army CID, Apprentice Special Agent Course, or U.S. Air Force; OSI Academy or other equivalent program.)

NOTE: Proof of completion is required. Failure to provide this documentation may result in receiving no further consideration for this vacancy.

In addition to the SPF, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that is equivalent to at least the GI/GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience includes:

(1) Conducting a variety of complex investigations in accordance with federal laws, rules, and regulations including those involving theft of government funds and/or property, employee misconduct, embezzlement, bribery, conspiracy, and other possible fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.

(2) Testifying in court proceedings and collaborating with Federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations to support criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.

(3) Preparing investigative reports.

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement (07/31/2026) to be considered.

Education

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.

Additional information

Employment of Relatives:

Section 3110 of Title 5, U.S. Code, prohibits a Federal official from appointing, promoting, or advocating the appointment or promotion of a relative in the agency where the official is serving or exercises jurisdiction. In addition, Section 2302(b)(7) of Title 5, U.S. Code, makes it a "prohibited personnel practice" for a person in authority to "appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of a relative." For further information visit: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3110 and https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/2302

Separated Employees:

If you have separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via: National Personnel Records Center, Annex, 1411 Boulder Boulevard, Valmeyer, IL, 62295; or visit the National Archives Website.

Work Life Balance:

The GPO offers Transit subsidy for commuters using public transportation (Metro Bus/Rail, MARC, VRE, etc.).

Background Investigation for a Secret Clearance:

To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the GPO requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy; this position requires a Secret clearance. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully completed a background investigation for a Secret clearance. This review could include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs; this security process may take between 6 weeks to 12 months.

GPO will conduct an interim security clearance, pending the completion of the full investigative requirements for the final Secret clearance. The interim security clearance will be granted based on the favorable completion of preliminary checks that are accomplished as part of the security clearance process. The Agency may rescind the tentative offer if the candidate is unable to obtain an interim clearance.

Medical Requirements:

Requires moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, 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. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. 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.

Lautenberg Amendment:

This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to him/herself, or others is disqualifying. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence 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 (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001).

Schedule A (Disability Appointment): See "How to Apply" section for more information.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

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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.