Investigator
What you'd do
The Investigator is responsible for coordinating and conducting complex and sensitive investigations concerning violations of federal statutes and regulations falling within APHIS' jurisdiction.
Major duties
The duties may include, but are not limited to: Plans, researches, coordinates, and conducts complex investigations and other projects of involving federal statutes and regulations governing the international and interstate movement and handling of plant and animal products. Plans and executes strategies for conducting witness interviews. Identifies instances when an investigative subpoena is necessary and appropriate. Prepares narrative-based, written reports of investigation with supporting evidentiary exhibits, while meeting the organization’s performance targets for quality and timeliness of work. Supports, prepares for, and serves as a witness in enforcement proceedings involving APHIS laws, and, with approval, in proceedings initiated by other parties that relate to animal and plant health further the purposes of APHIS’ mission. Ensures that the program information management system is properly updated and maintained to facilitate timely access to accurate status updates. Participates in the development of training materials and other activities to support organizational development. Liaisons with local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies, APHIS and state animal health and plant protection officials as well as various entities of the regulated industries, and represents IES at meetings and conferences. Provides technical guidance to APHIS program officials on regulatory interpretation, proper methods of preserving and handling material evidence, procedures for dealing with unique and unusual situations. Performs other duties as assigned.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Independently prepare comprehensive reports of investigation that clearly articulate findings, evaluate evidentiary strength, and substantiate or refute potential violations of federal, state, or local laws and regulations. Conduct complex investigative research with minimal oversight, analyzing and interpreting applicable laws, statutes, and regulations to determine their relevance to case findings and recommended actions. Evaluate evidence, testimony, and investigative results to identify logical pathways for advancing or expanding inquiries, applying advanced analytical skills to determine next steps and investigative priorities. Apply federal statutes and regulations governing the international and interstate movement of plant and animal products, the oversight of genetically engineered materials, and animal welfare requirements to support investigative determinations, providing expert-level interpretation and recommending compliance actions. Lead or conduct interviews with witnesses, complainants, and subjects to gather critical information related to alleged violations, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and alignment with investigative objectives. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.