What are the responsibilities and job description for the INVESTIGATOR (SPECIAL AGENT) position at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)?
Summary
Under the general direction of a Supervisory Agent in Charge, the incumbent conducts and completes wide variety of types of investigations primarily involving Federal personnel security operations. This is a training level position and assignments are routine, but as knowledge of the work is gained, investigative assignments with increasing amount of independence will be given.
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Duties
This position may be filled at either GG-07 or GG-09 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent.
As an INVESTIGATOR (SPECIAL AGENT) you will be responsible for the following duties:
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: General Investigation Series 1810 (opm.gov) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 03/10/2025
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
For the GG-7: You must possess specialized experience obtained in federal service, military service or private sector that has equipped you with all of the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-05) and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for the GG-07 position includes: conducting personnel background research/inquiries, reviewing personnel forms and reports for completeness and accuracy, reviewing technical documents (such as employment applications, investigative questionnaires, affidavits, credit and police reports, loans/benefits applications etc.) to extract information, identifying discrepancies/inconsistencies, or areas potentially requiring clarification or additional information OR a Conferred Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
For the GG-9: You must possess specialized experience obtained in federal service, military service or private sector that has equipped you with all of the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-07) and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for the GG-09 position includes: general knowledge of laws, procedures and program relating to investigations as contained in handbooks, regulations, directives, and operating instructions. Applying basic investigative principles, concepts, and methods of fact-finding and investigative procedures, applying regulations and/or operating procedures within a technical program, adjudicating or substantiating cases/claims for legal/financial/medical benefits, military intelligence action, law enforcement, or legal work, or interviewing personnel for various reasons; could also, include technical or professional experience conducting investigations or reviewing investigative reports and supporting information (documentary evidence, affidavits, testimony, etc.) for completeness and accuracy, compliance with law and regulation, and issue identification and characterization OR have a Master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such as degree or LL.B. or J.D.
Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies
Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You must successfully complete the Federal Background Investigator Training Program (FBITP) training course in order for you to be able to perform field investigative work for DCSA-BI. Successful completion of the FBITP requires that you obtain a passing score on written and practical tests measuring attainment of knowledge objectives. Failure to successfully complete the FBITP, including successful passage of the written and practical tests, will result in removal from the Investigator position.
Education
If substituting education for experience, at the GG-07 level, you must possess a bachelor's or equivalent degree. For the GG-09 level, a Master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such as degree or LL.B. or J.D.
Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.
If substituting education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG): In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.
Other Notes
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status.
All current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Under the general direction of a Supervisory Agent in Charge, the incumbent conducts and completes wide variety of types of investigations primarily involving Federal personnel security operations. This is a training level position and assignments are routine, but as knowledge of the work is gained, investigative assignments with increasing amount of independence will be given.
Help
Duties
This position may be filled at either GG-07 or GG-09 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent.
As an INVESTIGATOR (SPECIAL AGENT) you will be responsible for the following duties:
- Assist with conducting Federal Personnel Background Investigations, many of which are sensitive or controversial, where allegations, hearsay information, or other vague or intangible information of an adverse nature exist.
- Evaluate individual's trustworthiness for access to classified information, placement in a sensitive position, retention in the military services, or placement in Federal employment.
- Assist with collecting and developing information from a variety of sources.
- Prepare reports of investigation in accordance with DOD guidelines and instructions.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a US citizen
- Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
- Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
- This is a Drug Testing designated position
- Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
- Work Schedule: Full Time
- Overtime: Occasionally
- Tour of Duty: Flexible
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
- Financial Disclosure: Not Required
- Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations
- Extensive travel is required within the local commuting area of this announcement as well as the possible need for frequent overnight travel outside the local commuting area.
- This is not a law enforcement position. It does not require or permit the carrying of firearms and does not provide hazard pay.
- The incumbent will be designated as a home-based employee, and is expected to meet all job requirements without access to government issued office space.
- Valid Driver's License is required.
- May be required to sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.
- Suitable for federal employment employment, determined by a background investigation.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: General Investigation Series 1810 (opm.gov) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 03/10/2025
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
For the GG-7: You must possess specialized experience obtained in federal service, military service or private sector that has equipped you with all of the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-05) and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for the GG-07 position includes: conducting personnel background research/inquiries, reviewing personnel forms and reports for completeness and accuracy, reviewing technical documents (such as employment applications, investigative questionnaires, affidavits, credit and police reports, loans/benefits applications etc.) to extract information, identifying discrepancies/inconsistencies, or areas potentially requiring clarification or additional information OR a Conferred Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
For the GG-9: You must possess specialized experience obtained in federal service, military service or private sector that has equipped you with all of the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-07) and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for the GG-09 position includes: general knowledge of laws, procedures and program relating to investigations as contained in handbooks, regulations, directives, and operating instructions. Applying basic investigative principles, concepts, and methods of fact-finding and investigative procedures, applying regulations and/or operating procedures within a technical program, adjudicating or substantiating cases/claims for legal/financial/medical benefits, military intelligence action, law enforcement, or legal work, or interviewing personnel for various reasons; could also, include technical or professional experience conducting investigations or reviewing investigative reports and supporting information (documentary evidence, affidavits, testimony, etc.) for completeness and accuracy, compliance with law and regulation, and issue identification and characterization OR have a Master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such as degree or LL.B. or J.D.
Specifically You Will Be Evaluated On The Following Competencies
- Oral Communications: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
- Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
- Planning Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
- Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
- Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You must successfully complete the Federal Background Investigator Training Program (FBITP) training course in order for you to be able to perform field investigative work for DCSA-BI. Successful completion of the FBITP requires that you obtain a passing score on written and practical tests measuring attainment of knowledge objectives. Failure to successfully complete the FBITP, including successful passage of the written and practical tests, will result in removal from the Investigator position.
Education
If substituting education for experience, at the GG-07 level, you must possess a bachelor's or equivalent degree. For the GG-09 level, a Master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such as degree or LL.B. or J.D.
Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.
If substituting education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG): In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.
Other Notes
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status.
All current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your latest SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
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- Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
