These positions are located in regions 2 and 5 with the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, Field Operations Staff, and is responsible for investigating persons suspected of violating criminal laws of the United States. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact [email protected]

Duties

Duties listed are at the full performance level GS-12. Conducts difficult, complex, and sensitive investigations that require development of new or substantially modified methods in order to resolve anticipated problems. Conducts undercover operations in which the cases are much riskier and more difficult and involve a more elaborate cover story. Plans and directs surveillance work that involves several investigators in separate places engaged in round-the-clock observation of various groups of suspects, all of whom are thought to be involved in related illegal activities. Investigates possible misconduct and criminal activities within the Agency including internal investigations of employee wrongdoing or fraud, with the potential for uncovering misuse of funds or employee malfeasance. Prepares investigative reports, with responsibility for presenting necessary aspects of investigation in sufficient detail and accuracy to aid in supporting possible prosecution and/or administrative action. Consults frequently with the US Attorney's Office and agency supervisor concerning logistical and strategic questions that arise during investigations; serving subpoenas or other official papers; and obtaining and using search and arrest warrants. Serves as a source of information and advice on investigative program issues that require assessment of unusual circumstances or variations in approach and development of new methods and criteria.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
• This is a Test Designated Position. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results.
• This position requires initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996.
• Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) Act of 1994 - The incumbent must on an annual basis, work an average of 2 hours of unscheduled duty in excess of each regular workday to be eligible for LEAP which is 25% of the annual base pay.
• Selectee must complete Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), if not previously completed or an equivalent training program.
• Requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must meet job-related medical, fitness, and/or physical standards as determined by an examination or test.
• You will be required to pass a pre-employment Physical Efficient Battery exam.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Basic Requirement: Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB): Applicants are required to pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) prior to entering law enforcement positions. The duties of this position require arduous physical exertion involving walking, running, lifting, standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. The Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) is a fitness test consisting of 1) bench press - measures the upper body strength for one repetition; 2) Illinois agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; and 3) 1.5-mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness. Prior to appointment, applicants will be tested in the above components, the agility run, bench press and 1.5-mile run will be measured for a passing score in the 25th percentile (age and gender adjusted) of these components. These procedures will ensure that law enforcement officers are capable of performing strenuous physical training and law enforcement duties. Applicants shall be disqualified for appointment if they fail to meet any physical requirements. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties of positions 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. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE LIMIT: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement [or firefighter, if applicable] experience or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in the loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-11: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as the majority of the following: conducting law enforcement activities such as detection, investigation, apprehension, detention, and experience participating in or conducting investigations of misdemeanors, preparing reports and assisting in felony investigations in land management or natural resource protection. Serving as a law enforcement technical specialist for natural resource and protection activities to identify and resolve law enforcement problems. OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position such as Law Enforcement Land Management or Natural Resource Protection. OR Combination of Education and Experience: An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GS-12: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as the majority of the following: developing, analyzing sensitive issues, and evaluating new or revised law enforcement policies, techniques, methods, plans, and/or directed surveillance, prepared investigation reports, and operational approaches to address specific law enforcement and public safety functions. Conducting difficult investigations involving the establishment of interrelationships between facts or evidence, unusual circumstances, variations in approach, and incomplete or conflicting data. Formulating, planning, and coordinating patrol and investigation activities involving multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency law enforcement and investigative operations. 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. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See above for education that may be qualifying for this grade level.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT. Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]