Criminal Investigator

Office of Inspector General • Washington, DC

2d

About The Position

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) works within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG reports to the Secretary and Congress and carries out its mission through audit reports, evaluations, management advisories, and investigations into whether federal laws and regulations were followed. It reports suspected civil and criminal violations to the Attorney General.

The Criminal Investigator plans, directs, and conducts complex investigations of suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in DOT programs, as well as proactive investigations such as fraud-prevention and detection surveys. The investigator determines the scope and depth of investigations, analyzes and evaluates evidence, and prepares investigative reports. Investigations may involve contract and grant fraud, illegal transportation of hazardous materials, aviation safety, and motor carrier safety. They require frequent travel and may occasionally involve undercover work and surveillance.

Investigative findings may support criminal or civil prosecution by the Department of Justice, withholding funds from a state or grantee, administrative personnel actions by DOT, or changes to DOT practices and procedures. The position has medical and physical requirements, requires qualification to carry and use government-owned firearms, and is eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Complete pre-employment drug testing and a physical examination.
• Successfully complete a background security investigation.
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a motor vehicle.
• Meet the specialized-experience requirements for the grade level: for GS-12, one year equivalent to GS-11; for GS-13, one year equivalent to GS-12.
• For GS-12, specialized experience includes securing facts and developing evidence for ongoing investigations, conducting interviews, gathering and evaluating evidence for criminal charges, and preparing fact-based written summaries in fraud or safety cases resulting in criminal charges or civil fines or penalties.
• For GS-13, specialized experience includes the GS-12 investigative experience, securing facts and developing evidence independently of supervisor or prosecutor direction, and a consistent record of criminal charges or civil adjudications based on individual fraud cases or serving primarily as lead in multiple fraud investigations.
• Applicants without current or prior experience as a GS-1811 Criminal Investigator in a federal OIG office must clearly and specifically demonstrate the required experience in their online application.
• Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Relocate and reside within 60 miles of the regional office by the official start date.
• Meet the position's medical and physical requirements, including the ability to perform moderate to arduous exertion, walk and stand, use firearms, and work in inclement weather; required joint mobility, vision, hearing, and emotional and mental stability are also specified.
• Meet the age requirements stated in the announcement, subject to the stated exception for qualified veterans' preference eligibles.
• Satisfactorily complete the Criminal Investigator Training Course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center if selected and not previously completed.
• Qualify and maintain qualification to carry and use government-owned firearms.
• Not be disqualified by a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction unless it was expunged or set aside, or a pardon was received.
• Submit required documents by the closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of the basic Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or its equivalent; applicants with this qualification will receive higher consideration.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and conduct complex investigations of suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in DOT programs.
• Conduct proactive investigations, including fraud-prevention and detection surveys.
• Determine the scope and depth of investigations.
• Analyze and evaluate evidence and prepare investigative reports based on findings.
• Conduct investigations that may involve contract and grant fraud, illegal transportation of hazardous materials, aviation safety, and motor carrier safety.
• Travel frequently and, when required, conduct undercover work and surveillance.
• Develop findings that may support criminal or civil prosecution, withholding funds, administrative personnel actions, or changes to DOT practices and procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Eligibility for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).
• Primary position covered by early law-enforcement retirement provisions of the Civil Service Retirement System and Federal Employees Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed