Criminal Investigator - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Only experience and education obtained by 07/29/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualifications. Minimum Qualification GS-12: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-11) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes: 1) Applying standard investigative principles involving criminal and civil violations, to gather information, analyze facts, and conduct investigations involving possible violations of Federal wildlife laws; 2) Analyzing information to identify relevant facts, inconsistencies, and credibility issues; 3) Using established investigative techniques to interview subjects and witnesses, follow leads, work with informants, and review investigative or administrative records; 4) Conducting undercover activities and surveillance to obtain factual information and evidence, including situations involving multiagency coordination; 5) Preparing accurate investigative reports and properly collecting and preserving evidence. Minimum Qualification GS-13: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-12) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes: 1) Independently planning and leading complex investigations, applying advanced criminal and civil investigative principles to cases involving multi-jurisdictional challenges and multi-agency task force operations; 2) Evaluating and synthesizing complex evidence to establish facts, identify discrepancies, and determine investigative direction in sophisticated wildlife related or multiagency cases; 3) Conducting or directing the full range of investigative techniques, including high risk interviews, informant development, and examination of complex records; 4) Executing or overseeing undercover and surveillance operations to gather admissible evidence in sensitive or sophisticated cases, including those involving large or multiorganizational investigative targets; 5) Preparing comprehensive investigative reports and ensuring proper documentation, preservation, and presentation of evidence. NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 or GS-13 grade level. 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: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the accomplishment record evaluation, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career