Become an Investigator for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
Are you looking to make a high-impact contribution to national security? The Intelligence Community Office of the Inspector General (IC OIG) is currently accepting applications for a GS-13 level Investigator. This role is essential for ensuring that intelligence operations across the U.S. government remain transparent, ethical, and efficient.
Job Responsibilities
As an Investigator, your duties will be broad and intellectually stimulating:
- Conduct Inquiries: Investigate potential violations of laws, regulations, and abuse of authority.
- Develop Strategy: Create complex investigation plans, including determining elements of proof and identifying key tasks.
- Evidence Management: Collect and analyze evidence while maintaining a strict chain of custody and managing subpoenas.
- Leadership Communication: Present your findings and provide actionable recommendations to senior IC officials through written reports and oral briefings.
- Interagency Collaboration: Coordinate with the Department of Justice and other federal entities on criminal matters.
Requirements
This position requires a high degree of integrity and professional experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a drug test, and be eligible for an SCI-level security clearance. You must submit four specific essay responses detailing your commitment to constitutional principles, your process improvement experience, your policy implementation strategy, and your work ethic.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Category | Requirement | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Investigative planning | Prior law enforcement |
| Communication | Technical writing | Senior leadership briefings |
| Analysis | Root cause identification | Data-driven strategy |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package in the GS-13 range, with salaries starting at $121,785 and reaching up to $158,322 per year, depending on individual qualifications and the federal rank-in-person system.
Benefits
Employees of the ODNI enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Extensive health insurance plans
- Robust retirement planning
- Paid leave and federal holidays
- Career growth through continuous learning
Application Tips
To succeed in the application process, focus on the details. Your resume must be no longer than two pages. Ensure you specifically mention your duties, dates of employment, and hours worked. Most importantly, ensure your essay responses are original work to comply with agency ethics policies.
This role is ideal for experienced investigators ready to tackle high-stakes challenges within the intelligence sector. If you are prepared to uphold the integrity of our nation's most vital intelligence programs, apply through USAJOBS today.
Why This Investigator Job Matters
Protect the integrity of the Intelligence Community and drive excellence by investigating complex fraud, waste, and abuse as a lead Investigator for the ODNI.
Investigator Job Overview
The Office of the Inspector General (IC OIG) is seeking a dedicated Investigator to join its team in McLean, Virginia. This role is pivotal in upholding the accountability of 18 intelligence agencies by identifying and preventing misconduct. If you have the analytical prowess to uncover root causes and the leadership ability to manage complex investigations, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of oversight within the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Requirements for Investigator
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must pass a drug screening
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance
- Completion of four required free-response essay questions (max 200 words each)
- Demonstrated knowledge of ODNI and Intelligence Community mission
- Experience in leading investigative teams and developing investigative plans
- Ability to generate clear, logical, and actionable investigation reports
- Proficiency in critical thinking, qualitative/quantitative analysis, and root cause identification
Preferred Qualifications for Investigator
- Prior experience in law enforcement or complex investigative environments
- Proven track record of briefing senior leadership on sensitive findings
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills in a collaborative setting
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health insurance options
- ✓Competitive retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Access to life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Potential for relocation assistance (discretionary)
💡 How to Apply Investigator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Investigator Job
- Read the full job announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Draft responses for the four required essay questions.
- Obtain your most recent SF-50 (if currently a Federal employee).
- Combine all required documents into MS Word or PDF format.
- Submit your application through the official USAJOBS portal by the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Clearly label every document with the job announcement number.
- Ensure your resume shows specific duties, dates, and hours worked per week.
- Write your own essay responses; do not use AI or consultants.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly states your current grade and series if you are a federal employee.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
The investigator works to identify and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct within the 18 elements of the Intelligence Community.
Is relocation assistance available?
Relocation reimbursement is discretionary and subject to the availability of funds for new ODNI employees.
Can I use AI to write my essay questions?
No, you must certify that you wrote the responses yourself and did not use consultants or LLMs.
How will I know if my application was received?
*A: You will receive an automated acknowledgement via email upon successful submission.*
Is this position eligible for telework?
*A: No, this position is not listed as telework eligible.*
Job from Office Of The Director Of National Intelligence
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) serves as the heart of the Intelligence Community, coordinating activities across 18 separate agencies. The IC OIG provides independent oversight, ensuring that the critical mission of protecting the nation is carried out without fraud, waste, or abuse. Working here means joining a team dedicated to accountability and excellence.