Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) (Open Continuous Announcement)

Summary ATF is a law‑enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals and criminal organizations, illegal use and trafficking of firearms, illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson or bombing, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. ATF partners with communities, industries, law‑enforcement agencies and public‑safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research and technology. Relocation Incentive Total Amount: $25,000 (may not exceed 25% of total salary, including locality pay). Annual Amount: $12,500 over two years (subject to federal and applicable state or local taxes). Location This position is located under the Office of Field Operations in Washington, District of Columbia. Duties The primary purpose of this position is to prevent, detect and investigate substantive and conspiracy‑type violations of laws administered by ATF. Typical work assignments for a Special Agent include: Performing the full range of expert‑level criminal investigations, including complex investigations involving illegal and/or organized crime organizations. Recognizing patterns of illegal operations to anticipate and influence events while maintaining awareness of the implications of precedential court decisions. Establishing and developing leads from known criminal activities and initiating investigations that are wide in scope and complexity involving criminal conduct interwoven with legitimate business pursuits. Utilizing elaborate planning and coordination to resolve jurisdictional problems involving other federal, state, county and local agencies. Serving as the key person or coordinator during surveillance or undercover work involving extremely complex, delicate or dangerous elements. Key Requirements Must be a U.S. citizen or national. Must be suitable for federal employment as determined by background investigation. Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. May be required to serve a one‑year probationary period. Must pass drug screening and be subject to random drug testing. Must display and maintain required proficiency with firearms. Must pass a medical examination and meet medical requirements. Must successfully complete a polygraph examination. Must possess a valid automobile operator’s license. May have to attend and pass the following training: Occupational Questionnaire, ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment, Physical Task Test, ATF Special Agent Basic Training (SABT), Structured Interview, and Law Enforcement Training (completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator training program (CITP) or an equivalent recognized federal program). Qualifications GS‑11 One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL‑9, or one year of graduate education and experience, performing: Full range of criminal investigations using accepted methodology and problem‑solving techniques. Obtaining investigative leads and factual data; participating in operational planning, searches, seizures, arrests; reviewing evidence; and preparing case reports at investigation conclusion. OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, Criminal Administration, Law and Society, Forensics, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Justice Administration, Organizational Security and Management, Criminology, Cyber Security, Social Work, or Fire Science. OR three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree. OR an LL.M. related to the field. OR specialized experience less than one year with required graduate education, totaling 100% of the requirement. GS‑12 One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑11, performing: Full range of criminal investigations greater than average complexity. Serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests. Reviewing evidence and preparing case reports at investigation conclusion. GS‑13 One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑12, performing: Applying a wide range of criminal investigative laws, regulations, guidelines and precedent decisions. Identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity, documenting issues or probable cause and conducting investigations. Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings or exchange information. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. Additional Information CTAP and ICTAP provide selection priority for displaced federal workers under specific conditions. Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Authority places candidates only at the GS‑11 level. The position is a non‑bargaining unit and requires a signed mobility agreement; applicants who decline the agreement are removed from the hiring process. Applicants may be required to attend Special Agent Basic Training. Optional Benefits Review our benefits. Legal Statements Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF’s Human Resources Operations Division: Federal Regulations state no ATF employee, spouse or minor child shall have a financial interest in alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industries. Employees may be asked to relinquish ownership or interests before access to ATF information or facilities is authorized. EEO Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of ... contact ATF EEO office within 45 days of any alleged harm at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. See DOJ Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you have a disability that would interfere with completing USA Hire Competency‑Based Assessments, you may request RA. Requests are reviewed case‑by‑case. If you meet minimum qualifications, you will receive an email invitation to complete the assessments. Please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Compliance with federal regulations: No ATF employee may hold a financial interest in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms or explosives industry. #J-18808-Ljbffr