U.S. Department of State – New York, NY

Criminal Investigator (Cyber -Tech)

Summary

This position is located in the New York Office of Field, Office of Field Office Management, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  The incumbent will provide highly specialized investigative support in conducting a broad range of criminal and counterintelligence investigations, utilizing digital forensic equipment, online cyber-criminal investigative measures. 

If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department.

Responsibilities

  • Plans, conducts and supports investigations related to alleged or suspected violations of criminal laws and of person or organizations seeking, claiming or receiving Federal benefits, permits, or employment.
  • Investigates complex cyber oriented leads on internet based visa and passport fraud scams, email threats, and performs internet based investigative support for investigations.
  • Coordinates, supports and execute forensically sound digital evidence search warrants and seizures for all field office search warrants, consent searches and covert data acquisitions.
  • Conducts surveillance with and/or without the surveillance vehicles, undercover operations using cooperating witnesses, and supporting field office investigations and other operations with covert audio, video, and tracking equipment.
  • Utilize experience as a law enforcement officer to serve as a policy and program advisor to the Special Agent in Charge and designated supervisors.

Travel Required

25% or less – Travel required for case work and protection and special event support (UNGA, etc.)

Conditions of Employment

  • Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
  • Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

-Experience applying functional and operational principles of computer and digital media work, small electronics, photography, optics, and radio frequency propagation.

-Experience utilizing investigative techniques, laws of evidence, rules of criminal procedures, and precedent court decisions concerning admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure, and related issues involving investigative matters, digital evidence, and technical surveillance.

-Experience conducting online cyber criminal and counterintelligence investigations.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

Candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9).

This position is authorized to receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) at the rate of 25% of the incumbent’s salary (including locality pay) paid in addition to the salary. The receipt of LEAP is not optional and requires the incumbent to work an average of two or more LEAP hours per scheduled work day, which may include evenings, nights and weekends. The hours worked will vary depending on the nature of the assignment. The payment of LEAP commences at the beginning of the first full pay period following completion of Specialist Orientation at the Foreign Service Institute. Incumbents will receive LEAP during Basic Special Agent (BSAC) training.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

MOBILITY AGREEMENT: Selectee must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to other geographic locations if required by the agency. A valid driver’s license is also required.The incumbent must pass periodic physical examinations, meet physical standards set by the Agency for the position, and otherwise fulfill the requirements for law enforcement positions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c).

This position requires all incumbents to meet physical fitness standards to ensure they are prepared to carry out all of their official responsibilities. All applicants tentatively selected for this position must complete and submit a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Self-Evaluation. Prior to receiving a final offer, applicants must pass a Diplomatic Security Service administered PRT. For information on the PRT standards, please visit https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DS-PRT-Guide-Revised-161019.pdf and https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/DS-PRT-Standards-Revised-161019.pdf. Incumbents of this position will be required to maintain the physical fitness standards set by the agency and participate in triannual fitness testing.

This position requires the incumbent to work various shifts (e.g., 8:15am-5pm), 12am-8am, 4pm-12am, in addition to 2 or more LEAP hours, on a daily basis. In short, the hours worked will vary depending on the nature of your assignment.

TRAINING: Must successfully complete OR have successfully completed the Criminal Investigations Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glenco, GA, AND the New Agent Course at the Diplomatic Security Training Center. Candidates will be required to sign a Training Agreement attesting to their understanding that failure to successfully complete the training will result in removal.

Education

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements, if applicable.