Entry Level Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO)

Office of the Inspector General, USPS•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Investigation, is hiring an entry-level criminal investigator for its Northeast Area Field Office in New York, NY. This is a trainee-level primary criminal investigator position. Applicants should demonstrate potential to conduct federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations. Assignments are designed to develop investigative knowledge and abilities through supervised on-the-job training, observation of senior agents, and approximately 14 weeks of basic formal classroom training. Work includes learning analytical and evaluative aspects of investigations and the appropriate use of investigative methods. Duties and responsibilities may vary based on agency needs at the time of hire. The position is advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to GS-7 through GS-9. Grade and salary are determined based on education and professional experience. The stated salary range is $67,394–$96,989, including locality pay. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), calculated at 25% of base salary, is authorized after successful completion of the 12-week FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program or an equivalent federal law enforcement academy. The position requires irregular, unscheduled work beyond 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may involve personal risk. The incumbent must be readily available for unscheduled work and willing to relocate at management’s direction. Applicants must meet the listed education, experience, performance, age, citizenship, fitness, security, and law-enforcement eligibility requirements. The selected applicant must complete the 12-week FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program and maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles, carry firearms, and perform law-enforcement assignments. A physical examination, drug screening, background investigation, and Top Secret security clearance are required. The selectee may also be required to complete a 12-month probationary period.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 2 years of experience with a law enforcement agency.
Demonstrated potential to conduct federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.
Satisfactory performance rating on the most recent performance appraisal for Fiscal Year 2025, or a written statement explaining why an appraisal is unavailable; a copy of the appraisal or statement must be submitted.
U.S. citizenship.
Must be at least 21 years old and not have reached the 37th birthday at initial appointment to a law-enforcement position.
Successfully complete the 12-week FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), or equivalent federal law-enforcement academy training.
Pass a drug screening and background investigation, and obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card.
Maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles.
Qualify and maintain authorization to carry firearms; applicants must not have current or previous domestic violence convictions.
Meet and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional standards necessary to perform law-enforcement assignments.
Be available for irregular, unscheduled work exceeding 40 hours per week, including substantial overtime, holidays, weekends, and nights.
Be willing to relocate at management’s direction.
Demonstrate knowledge of law-enforcement and investigative techniques and procedures.
Effectively present information orally and in writing about complex or sensitive issues.
Demonstrate ability to work with a team and develop and maintain effective working relationships within and outside an organization.

Nice To Haves

Advanced academic degree.
Knowledge of Postal Service operations.
Prior or current law-enforcement or military experience.
Prior USPS OIG Student Cooperative experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in supervised training assignments combining productive work with on-the-job instruction in investigative judgment and methods.
Observe senior agents conducting investigations and develop investigative abilities.
Learn and apply investigative methods and techniques in federal criminal, civil, and administrative investigations.
Develop analytical and evaluative skills, including recognizing emerging needs or problems and identifying, analyzing, and solving problems.
Complete approximately 14 weeks of basic formal classroom training and the required 12-week FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program, or equivalent federal academy training.
Work irregular, unscheduled hours as needed, including substantial overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Maintain eligibility to operate motor vehicles, carry firearms, and meet the physical, mental, and emotional standards for law-enforcement assignments.
Relocate at management’s direction if required.

Benefits

Health insurance, including transition to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 1, 2025.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Long-term care insurance.
Flexible spending options.
Retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan.
Flexible work schedules, telework, and employee assistance programs.
Eleven paid holidays each year.
Thirteen days of paid sick leave each year.
Thirteen to twenty-six days of paid vacation each year, depending on years of service.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay of 25% of base salary after successful completion of required academy training.