Investigator (Whistleblower Reprisal)

Department of Defense Office of Inspector General

$85K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience in administrative investigations, particularly related to whistleblower reprisal.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex complaints and conduct comprehensive investigations.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal whistleblower protection laws and regulations.
  • Strong analytical skills to assess evidence and draw legally sound conclusions.
  • Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to manage multiple investigations and prioritize workloads efficiently.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate complaints of whistleblower reprisal and military restriction from various stakeholders.
  • Conduct thorough investigations, preparing plans and gathering evidence.
  • Draft comprehensive reports presenting findings and legal analyses.
  • Prepare case correspondence and manage responses to Congressional inquiries.
  • Track corrective actions, identify trends, and brief senior management as necessary.
  • Perform reconsideration reviews of prior investigative work and additional assignments as needed.

Benefits

  • Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package for employees and their families.
  • Opportunity for professional growth and development within the federal government.
  • Job security and retirement benefits typical of federal service positions.
Full Job Description
Summary

This position is located in the DoW Office of Inspector General (DoW IG), Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations (DIG-AI), Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations (WRI) Directorate. The incumbent evaluates/investigates complaints of reprisal and military restriction.

Duties

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  • Evaluates complaints of whistleblower reprisal and military restriction submitted by military members, DoW appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees, contractor employees, and tenants of privatized housing using complaint intake procedures.
  • Conducts all phases of complaint evaluation/investigation/oversight of allegations of whistleblower reprisal and military restriction; includes preparing investigation plans, conducting interviews, gathering and assessing relevant evidence.
  • Drafts written reports, presents analysis of evidence, makes findings of fact, and draws conclusion based on causation, laws, rules, and regulations in a cogent and concise manner.
  • Prepares and written case correspondence and Congressional responses; tracks corrective actions and remedies; identifies systemic trends; and briefs senior leadership when required.
  • Performs reconsideration reviews of investigative reports or complaint evaluations and conducts other assignments as requested.


Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Position has been designated as Non-Critical Sensitive. Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
  • Incumbent is required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and is subject to random drug testing for the duration of service with DoW OIG.
  • Current DoW civilian employees are not required to submit to drug testing if moving from one Testing Designated Position (TDP) to another with no break in service, unless deemed appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
  • The incumbent must adhere to the DoD Standards of Conduct.


Qualifications

Time in Grade:

For entry at the GS-13 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-12 or equivalent or higher grade in the Federal Service.

Specialized Experience: Qualified applicants must possess one year (52 weeks), of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level within the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as planning and conducting all aspects of reprisal and military restriction investigations; to include complaint evaluations, collecting and analyzing evidence and testimony, presenting legally supportable findings. Experience also includes prioritizing investigative workloads, researching and applying federal whistleblower protection statutes, and presenting findings in a written report.

You must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions: www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp

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) is qualifying. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience.

Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants who have held a non-temporary General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must meet the time-in-grade restriction.

Additional Required Documents Information

  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a federal employee who will be or has been separated by a Reduction in Force (RIF), you must submit a copy of your RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.
  • The following documents must be submitted as they apply to your eligibility claim, before the announcement closes:
    • Most recent completed annual performance appraisal within the past 18 months. The performance appraisal must include the final rating. Mid-year progress reviews will not be accepted.
    • Latest SF-50 that shows your position, grade level, and duty location for the job you were (or will be) separated from.
    • If you did not reach your full performance level or promotion potential, you should also submit an additional SF-50 that documents that grade level.
    • Proof of ICTAP eligibility, such as:
      • RIF notice within the past year.
      • Removal notice for refusing relocation.
      • Disability annuity termination notice.
      • Agency's certification of inability to reemploy you.
  • For more details on ICTAP, see 5 CFR Part 330 Subpart G and OPM's Guide to Career Transition.
  • Individuals with disabilities: If you are an individual with a documented disability, you must submit a letter signed by a doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter should state that you have a documented disability and are eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR [redacted] (u).
  • Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: If you are a Military Spouse Preference applicant, you must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. If determined best qualified, you will be placed at that full performance level of the position.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  • Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.


Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Additional information

  • If you have not previously completed a probationary period with the federal government in a similar position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 90 calendar days of the initial issue date of the referral list.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • PCS costs (moving expenses) WILL NOT be paid.
  • Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives WILL NOT be authorized by the hiring official. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • For more information on veterans' preference click here.
  • Retired/Retiring Veterans: Please be aware that there is a 180-Day Restriction on Department of War (DoW) Employment of Military Retirees. A retired member of the Armed Forces may not be appointed to a civilian position in the DoW within 180 days after retirement unless the agency requests and is granted a waiver; the position is authorized special pay under 5 U.S.C. 3505; or a state of national emergency exists.
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: You must be well qualified for the position to receive special selection priority under the ICTAP. A qualified ICTAP eligible achieving a score of 90 or above will be considered well qualified. You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal. For more information, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.
  • The Department of War (DoW) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004, will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants.
  • Position(s) may be filled by displaced Department of War (DoW) employees through the DOW Priority Placement Program.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference.
  • You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
  • PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact [redacted] for assistance.


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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.

Review our benefits

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.

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