Summary Consistently ranked as the best place to work in the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the top 10% of all agency subcomponents, the Office of Inspector General is an independent office providing independent oversight to promote accountability, integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the DOI. We offer exceptional work-life benefits, including flexible work schedules, a robust telework program, ample training opportunities, and a comprehensive employee recognition program. Responsibilities This position is with Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, in Billings, Montana. This office is responsible for criminal investigations of the various DOI program areas, conducting investigations, and participating in extremely sensitive investigations and program reviews in support of the unit's mission. As a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) you will conduct complex and difficult, highly visible or sensitive investigations that may be local, regional, or department-wide in scope involving a wide range of complex criminal, civil and administrative investigative techniques, complex fraud schemes, civil false claims and allegations of DOI violations and other crimes. The selected Criminal Investigator will perform the following major duties: Plan, oversee, and assess complex complaints of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in DOI programs and operations. Serve as a liaison, establishing a working relationship with field and headquarters staff that fosters cooperation and understanding of program objectives. Draft or compose timely investigative activity reports, summaries, and other documents that comply with applicable policy, contain thorough analysis, and apply laws, rules, regulations, and/or policies in support of findings. Conduct interviews and take affidavits from subjects, victims, and witnesses. Provide briefings to management and Department officials on complaints made to the OIG. Assist with formulating policies and procedures for the OI and help ensure the implementation of investigative standards, procedures, and guidelines consistent with the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and the Attorney General Guidelines for Office of Inspectors General. You may qualify for a relocation incentive bonus in accordance with agency policy. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. citizenship is required. Successful completion of a background investigation. May be subject to initial and random drug testing. May be required to complete a one year probationary period. OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report may be required. Time-in-grade requirement - 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. Complete the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, or its equivalent. This position is a primary law enforcement position under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (C) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C 8412 (D) (FERS). You must be no more than 37 years of age upon entry into the GS-1811 series, unless the applicant has previous service creditable under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) law enforcement provisions sufficient to enable you to retire at age 57 with 20 years of creditable service. Persons already in covered secondary positions or with previous approved service who apply for a primary position cannot be considered if their age at reentry into the primary position exceeds 37 years after subtracting their years of service in covered positions. Applicant must provide evidence of current or previous coverage that would qualify. This age restriction does not apply to those entitled to Veteran's Preference. Criminal Investigators under the 1811 occupational series are eligible for law enforcement availability pay (LEAP), not to exceed 25% of the rate of basic pay. Selectee will be required to qualify to carry and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and maintain such qualification. Applicants are ineligible for this position if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon. Selectee must meet the initial agency suitability determination (i.e. local police checks, review of past employment data, review of Query National information Center report, results of special agency check, etc.) before a final offer can be made. Medical Requirements for 1811 occupational series may be found here. Qualifications All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date. Minimum Qualifications GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Planning and conducting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations; Preparing subpoena requests and participating in other law enforcement operations; Regularly communicates with law enforcement professionals or prosecutors; AND Writes investigative reports. Minimum Qualifications GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Planning and conducting fraud investigations that are primarily criminal in nature; Preparing subpoenas and applying for and executing search warrants and other law enforcement operations; Providing briefings to internal and external parties such as high-level agency officials, law enforcement personnel, and federal prosecutors; AND Writes investigative reports and other products. 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. Education There are no educational requirements for the GS-12 and above. Additional Information A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Applicants must meet initial and periodic suitability determinations based on favorable background investigations and updates. Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for the Selective Service. Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement. Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.