Investigator (Special Agent)
- Location:
- New Mexico, Los Alamos
- Requires Relocation:
- Yes
- Start Date:
- 15/01/2025
- End Date:
- 28/01/2025
- Offering Type:
- Permanent
- Hiring Paths:
- The public
- Service Type:
- Excepted
- Travel Percentage:
- Occasional travel
About Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Mission Statement The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is a separate Agency of the Department of Defense (DoD) under the direction, authority, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD (I&S). The mission of the DCSA is as follows: -Deliver efficient and effective background investigations, adjudications and continuous vetting to safeguard the integrity and trustworthiness of an agile federal and contractor workforce, and preserve military readiness and warfighting capabilities -Identify and neutralize foreign intelligence threats to the USG’s trusted workforce and critical technologies -Develop and articulate holistic threat picture of risk posed by foreign intelligence entities and hostile insiders, enabling the USG to strengthen our security posture, continuously protect against the evolving threat, and enable action agencies to more effectively counter adversaries -Contribute meaningful analysis to the Intelligence Community (IC)-Manage the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) on behalf of the Secretary of Defense by clearing industrial facilities, personnel, and associated IT systems -Identify and defeat threats presented to critical technologies and through the supply chain -Provide education, training, research, and security awareness to DoD, other federal government organizations, and industry -Execute enterprise management responsibilities for DoD Security and Insider Threat Programs.
Job summary
Are you looking for a career in national security? The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Background Investigations Directorate is seeking a trustworthy, inquisitive person to fill the role of Investigator. The Investigator will conduct background investigations with a focus on quality and timeliness. This is a developmental position and a great opportunity to enter the federal government. Become a part of America's Gatekeeper Team!
Major duties
As an INVESTIGATOR (SPECIAL AGENT) you will be responsible for the following duties: -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.
Qualification
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 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 01/28/2025 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. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 09 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: Direct detailed experience with Federal Investigative Standards (FIS), detailed experience conducting complex background investigations; Extensive knowledge of and direct experience in applying Federal laws, DCSA and Federal Investigative policy and programs relating to background investigations as contained in handbooks, regulations, directives and operating instructions, experience in Federal investigative techniques and procedures required to conduct the full range of background investigation products, inquiries into potential compromises of classified information/material and special investigations of a sensitive nature; Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with how the Federal Investigations program ties in with that of other programs, necessary to exchange information effectively or otherwise cooperate in advancing investigations under other jurisdictions; The applicant must be experienced in investigative management due to the prominence and/or characteristics of subjects investigated, keeping in mind the substantial number of separate investigative matters that grow from the original assignment; and a demonstrated high degree of skill to establish the interrelationships of facts and evidence, a high degree of sensitivity. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: 1. Oral Communication - 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. 2. 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; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. 3. Planning and 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 7. Self Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior. Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You must successfully complete the Federal Background Investigator Training Program (FBITP) or the Field Investigator Accession Training (FIAT) training course in order for you to be able to perform field investigative work for DCSA-BI. Successful completion of the mandatory training requires that you obtain a passing score on written and practical tests measuring attainment of knowledge objectives. Failure to successfully complete the FBITP or FIAT, including successful passage of the written and practical tests, will result in removal from the Investigator position.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Evaluations
Read the job opportunity carefully to make sure you have included all required contact information. Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience For each work experience you list, make sure you include: Start and end dates (including the month and year). The number of hours you worked per week. The level and amount of experience-for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience. Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. If your resume does not clearly outline details for each position as noted, you may be deemed "not referred" for this position. Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.