This position is located in Office of the Inspector General, Investigation Services, Technology Crimes Division (TCD). TCD is responsible investigating information technology-based crimes and criminal activity that threatens the Department’s administration of Federal education assistance funds and data. TCD is also responsible for providing digital forensics services to other OIG components.
The Inspector General of the Department of Education (Department) heads an independent and objective organization responsible for audit, investigation, and other inspection services related to programs and operations of the Department. The Inspector General provides leadership and coordination and recommends policies for activities designed, to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of programs and operations as well as to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in such programs and operations. The Inspector General is the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Department on the above matters and is responsible for keeping the Secretary and Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of the Department's programs and operations and the necessity for and progress of corrective action.
The Office of the Inspector General (ED-OIG) consists of the following seven components:
- Immediate Office of the Inspector General
- Investigation Services
- Audit Services
- Management Services
- Technology Services
- Legal Services/Counsel to the Inspector General
- Enterprise and External Affairs
This position is considered a primary law enforcement position, and is eligible for special law enforcement retirement coverage. TCD centralizes computer crime investigation and law-enforcement capabilities of digital evidence forensic analysis.
Criminal Investigators in TCD are computer crime investigators and receive specialized training in information technology, digital forensics, and the investigation of cyber-crimes and conduct all investigations of alleged computer and network crime for the OIG. This includes:
- computer intrusions
- denial of service attacks
- the intentional destruction or altering of digital data, and
- the exploitation of children by means of visual depictions.
This position requires the incumbent to conduct investigations of computer crimes perpetrated nationwide (to include conducting data and digital forensic analysis), and the associated criminal activity, such as fraud and theft. These investigations may include networking and communications problems and legal issues, which may require law enforcement and civilian cooperation in multiple jurisdictions.
The incumbent of this position researches and conducts digital forensic examinations, network intrusions and investigative and technical techniques, theories, concepts, and practices. Based on existing investigative and forensic analytical skills, the incumbent receives only general direction from supervisors and more senior agents in performing the work of the position.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
You may meet the minimum requirements for the GS-13 if you possess:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-12) in federal service that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position (see description below).
Specialized Experience for the GS-13:
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 performing all the following duties or work assignments:
Experience in demonstrating advanced skills in law enforcement techniques.
Experience in analyzing records, complaints or allegations to identify issues in a case.
Experience in questioning or interviewing subjects, witnesses and victims to obtain and verify information.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).
1. Knowledge of laws of evidence, rules of criminal procedures, and precedent setting court decisions required for gathering investigative evidence and conducting research and analysis for investigations;
2. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses orally and in writing;
3. Knowledge of and skill in court decisions and legal precedent in cases where 18 USC 1030 was used to charge criminal violations;
4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
5. Ability to interact and work effectively with others;
6. Skill in use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines;
Applicants for this position are required to qualify with and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and to maintain such qualifications. Because of an amendment to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), which became effective September 30, 1996, and is referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment. Applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.
Selectee must meet the initial agency suitability determination before a final offer can be made.
Applicant must have satisfactorily completed the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or its equivalent.
Applicants must agree to work an average of two hours extra per day to meet the requirements of law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) as described in Title 5 U.S.C. § 5545A(d)(1). Applicants for this position are required to qualify with and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and to maintain such qualifications. Because of an amendment to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), which became effective September 30, 1996, and is referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment, applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.
Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level.