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At the full performance level, you will:

--Lead and coordinate criminal investigations of varying complexity and scope, and often piecing together evidence from other investigators stationed throughout the nation. Recognize patterns of criminal conduct reflected in the evidence in order to anticipate or influence events as they unfold, and instruct investigators or units of investigators working on segments of the case. Collate, evaluate and integrate information on possible violation(s), and recommend courses of enforcement action to prosecute and deter criminal violations of environmental protection statutes. Demonstrate ingenuity in gathering raw intelligence, establishing productive contacts (including within EPA, and with other law enforcement organizations, prosecutors, public institutions, and the private sector).

--Develop complete investigative reports to recommend courses of enforcement action to prosecute and deter criminal violations of environmental statues based on investigative findings. Testify as a government witness in enforcement actions, conduct collateral inquiries, and provide protection to persons and property.

--Assist in the coordination and utilization of undercover agents, electronic monitoring, and physical surveillances that may require the penetration of close knit groups over extended periods of time. Exercise extreme caution in taking decisive and immediate action on all factors that are vital to the protection of agents and investigative personnel.

--Participate in grand jury investigations of potential criminal actions, and serve as a special agent of the grand jury. Enter data gathered into a secure custody system for the storage and retrieval of evidence collected in the course of criminal actions. Recommend and be responsible for the security of grand jury evidence.

--Develop and prepare operational plans related to the service of federal search warrants, arrest warrants, undercover operations, electronic monitoring and surveillances. In accordance with established Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training (OCEFT) policies, safely carry out duties to serve federal search and arrest warrants.

At the higher grade level, your assignments will be more complex and you should need less guidance from your supervisor.

You do not need a degree to qualify for this position.
 
We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:  

GS-12:  Experience recognizing and handling difficult problems which may be encountered in delicate and/or secret matters in assigned cases.

--Experience resolving extensive and critical jurisdictional problems in completing investigations.

GS-13:  Experience recognizing patterns of criminal conduct reflected in the evidence and anticipating or influencing events as they unfold and instructing investigators or units of investigators working on segments of the case.

--Experience leading complex investigations that may have a large number of primary and subsidiary activities, such as, highly organized crime groups whose criminal activities are often interwoven with legitimate business activities.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

1.  Knowledge of criminal provisions of federal environmental protection laws, statutes, and regulations to inspection, investigation, enforcement, and/or compliance work; and the elements of environmental crimes and techniques to thoroughly prove each element

2.  Skill in written communications to report investigative results, draft search and arrest warrant affidavits, field operations plans, requests for prosecutorial assistance, and other documents

3.  Knowledge of decisions and precedential cases involving admissability of evidence, search and seizure, and arrest authority

4.  Skill in verbal communications

5.  Ability to analyze voluminous, complex, and often incomplete books and records to find evidence of manipulation and concealment; and to utilize third party contacts to establish facts from well-conceived and convincing inconsistencies and denials

Criminal Investigators - Special Provisions

Medical Requirements:  You must be found to be physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.

Age Requirements:  You must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment.  In accordance with PL 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirements provisions; therefore, you must be appointed before reaching your 37th birthday unless you presently serve or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position.

Basic Agent Training Requirements:  You must successfully complete and pass the required Basic Agent Training Program.  Failure to pass the training program will result in separation from EPA.  

Law Enforcement Training:   You must successfully complete the 12-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Basic Criminal Investigator training program and the 8-week Environmental Investigations Basic training program at Glynco, GA.   You must pass the training program on the first attempt or you will be removed from this position and failure may result in separation from the Agency.  You are exempt from this training if you have previously completed the program.

You must meet qualifications to carry a firearm.  Lautenberg Notice:  Title 18 USC, Section 911(g), automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position.  You must not have been convicted of a felony crime.  

Work Schedule:  The hours are long and irregular.  You must be available at all times, to include holidays.  You may also be sent on extended temporary duty station assignments away from your assigned office.  You may be reassigned to different duty locations throughout the U.S. based on the needs of the Agency.

You must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.

This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.

This position requires a top-secret security clearance.

You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.

If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form prior to your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications Section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the on-line assessment. Your responses to the on-line assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position and an applicable score assigned.

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements.

NOTE:  We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).  However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
To preview questions please click here.

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options!  Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.  The following Web addresses are provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees.  To find out more visit Benefits.  

To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This information is used to determine your qualifications for employment.  The use of this information is authorized under Title 5 USC, Sections 3302 and 3361.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee?  If so, please read the Required Documents and visit the EPA website for additional information http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.

EPA participates in e-Verify.  E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.  For additional information http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA.  Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

This position is not in the bargaining unit.