The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Criminal Investigator in Seattle, WA. This role is ideal for recent graduates who are passionate about environmental law enforcement and eager to join a federal agency dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. Below is a detailed overview of the position, its requirements, qualifications, and benefits.
Key Requirements for the Position
The Criminal Investigator position at the EPA comes with several critical requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
- Background Investigation: All candidates must undergo a background investigation.
- Physical and Drug Testing: A pre-employment physical is mandatory, with periodic physicals required thereafter. Pre-employment drug testing and random testing throughout employment are also necessary.
- Transcripts Submission: Both EPA and non-EPA applicants must provide academic transcripts.
- Medical and Age Requirements: Applicants must meet specific medical requirements for the 1811 occupational series and be at least 21 years old but not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless currently serving or having previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position.
Special Provisions for Criminal Investigators
- Firearm Use and Training: The selected candidate must carry and use firearms in the performance of law enforcement duties, and participate in firearms training and qualifications.
- Lautenberg Notice: Under Title 18 USC, Section 911 (g), any individual convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is automatically disqualified from the position unless the conviction was expunged, set aside, or a pardon was granted.
- Work Schedule and Location Flexibility: Candidates must be available for long and irregular hours, including holidays, and may be required to undertake temporary duty station assignments away from the assigned office.
- Driver’s License and Security Clearance: Applicants must possess a valid state driver’s license and be capable of operating a government-owned or leased vehicle. They must also obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance.
- Training Requirement: The selected candidate must satisfactorily complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) if not already completed.
Qualifications Needed for the Role
To be eligible for the Criminal Investigator position, applicants must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience. This experience should provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of the position effectively. This can be gained through federal service, state or local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations.
Qualifications for GL-07 Level
Candidates must have one of the following:
- Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service, which includes:
- Identifying and solving problems.
- Analyzing financial and business/government records.
- Prioritizing work and allocating resources.
- Partnering with various stakeholders.
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Conducting extensive research to articulate findings clearly.
- Educational Requirements: One full year of graduate-level education related to the position.
- Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.): This can be demonstrated by class standing, GPA, or membership in an honor society. A conferred Bachelor’s degree is required.
Qualifications for GL-09 Level
Candidates must have one of the following:
- Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service, which includes all the qualifications for GL-07, plus exposure to or experience in conducting criminal, civil, or administrative investigations in areas like financial fraud, employee misconduct, or program integrity.
- Educational Requirements: A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree related to the position.
- Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of progressively higher-level graduate education and experience may also qualify.
Competencies Required
Candidates must demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
- Planning and Evaluating
- Writing
- Oral Communication
Additional Information
- Local Commuting Area: The position is open to those in the local commuting area, generally within 50 miles of the duty location.
- Salary and Benefits: The salary range will be adjusted according to the General Law Enforcement Officer Pay table. As a federal employee, candidates will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Telework and Work Flexibility: The position may offer telework options depending on agency policies and supervisor approval.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at EPA
The EPA emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. The agency encourages applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews, believing that diverse perspectives strengthen the organization. The EPA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the nation it serves.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply promptly to be among the first 25 applicants. The EPA encourages all eligible candidates, including displaced federal employees, to apply. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
