Criminal Investigator (Forensics) (Direct Hire)

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. OIG also consults with the Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The Inspector General Act of 1978 gives the Office of Inspector General autonomy to do its work without interference.

Duties

• Provides expert forensic support through the scientific analysis of electronic evidence. Conducts computer forensic examinations that are consistent with those standards established by DOT-OIG and the Department of Justice, as well as reflective of current trends and techniques within the law enforcement and professional communities. This may include the testing and validation of forensic software and other appropriate automated analytical tools to meet diverse investigative requirements. Serves as a technical expert regarding crime scene searches of electronic evidence. Participates with DOT-OIG field agents and management to develop investigative plans and present investigative options and parameters as they relate to computer resources and techniques. Prepares preliminary and final investigative or forensic reports for prosecutors and management officials in accordance with DOT-OIG investigative policies and procedures. Responsible for the coordination and integration of investigative findings which may involve input from investigators within the Department or other agencies. Conducts investigations into difficult, complex, technical, and sensitive matters involving computer and computerized evidence which may be national in scope. These investigations may include complex networking and communications problems and legal issues, which may require law enforcement and civilian cooperation nationwide. Plans, organizes, conducts or coordinates complex investigations into intrusions of DOT systems or situations where a computer or other electronic device is used as a tool in the commission of a crime. Designs and implements intrusion detection and analysis tools. Uses automated methods to recover evidentiary data from network-based systems penetrated by unauthorized parties. Plans and conducts interviews with suspects, witnesses, and informants during case development. Often analyzes evidence provided by investigators stationed in multiple regions throughout the nation. Develops and presents evidence that reconstructs events, sequences and time elements; and establishes relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest in a manner that meets requirements for presentation in various legal hearings and court proceedings. Testifies before Grand Juries, in courts of law, or at administrative hearings in support of forensic examinations, expert opinions, or other investigative matters. This includes producing complex reports and illustrative materials for Federal, state, or local judicial proceedings at a level sufficient to explain complex electronic evidence interpretation and conclusions. Serves as an expert witness in computer forensic examination procedures and outcomes. Analyzes criminal complaints and allegations to determine certain patterns and trends of these criminal acts and recommends appropriate action to be taken.

Qualifications

GS-12 Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity. Examples of specialized experience includes: Experience in performing digital evidence forensics including testing and validating forensic software and automated analytical tools Experience planning, organizing, and executing complex, sensitive investigations involving computers, networks, and electronic evidence, and serving as a technical resource to investigators Experience interviewing suspects, witnesses, and informants, reconstructing events and timelines, and analyzing patterns and trends of criminal activity to recommend appropriate actions Experience communicating complex technical findings clearly in briefings and testimony (e.g., Grand Jury, court, administrative hearings) as an expert witness on computer forensic procedures and results. GS-13 Candidates must have one (1) year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Non-government experience should be of similar complexity. In addition to the above, examples of specialized experience includes: Experience in performing digital evidence forensics and data analysis in support of a larger program fraud investigations. Prepared preliminary and final forensic and investigative reports documenting methods, findings, and conclusions for use by investigators, prosecutors, and management officials. Experience conducting cybercrime investigations that includes network intrusion and performing digital forensics in support of those investigations. Your resume will be evaluated based on the following competencies: 1. Technical Competence 2. Problem Solving 3. Laws, Rules, regulations and Agency Policies 4. Decision Making 5. Communication Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Selectee must relocate and fully reside within 65 miles from the regional office by the official start date. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males Born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL AND DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination and undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it's still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. (continued under 'Other Information')

How to apply

Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position. If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible. If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.