Lead with Integrity: Career Opportunities as a BIA Chief of Police
Are you a seasoned law enforcement professional ready to transition into a high-impact leadership role? The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Criminal Investigator to serve as the Chief of Police in Fort Totten, North Dakota. This position offers a unique blend of strategic oversight and direct community impact within Indian Country.
Job Responsibilities
The Chief of Police is a pivotal position that bridges the gap between high-level policy and field operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership & Supervision: Exercising delegated authority to lead the Agency Law Enforcement program.
- Strategic Planning: Organizing and coordinating policy for both investigative and uniformed police programs.
- Operational Excellence: Recommending workflow improvements to enhance productivity and team building.
- Collaboration: Serving as a key advisor to the Special Agent in Charge, focusing on data reporting and inter-agency cooperation.
- Case Oversight: Ensuring all criminal inquiries are documented to the highest standards for successful prosecution.
Comparison: Standard vs. Supervisory Law Enforcement Roles
| Feature | Standard Investigator | Supervisory Chief of Police |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Case-Specific | Programmatic/Agency-wide |
| Focus | Investigation | Leadership & Policy |
| Reporting | Reports to Supervisor | Advises Senior Management |
| Personnel Management | Individual contributor | Manages team leaders/staff |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level. This includes managing criminal investigative units and uniformed officers. Furthermore, the role requires strict adherence to physical and medical standards due to the demanding nature of field operations in unpredictable weather and terrain. Applicants must also maintain eligibility under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Salary & Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $109,383 to $142,199. Beyond the financial compensation, the federal government provides a robust benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Defined benefit retirement plans (FERS).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Pathways for professional development and training.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends heavily on your application presentation. Your resume is your primary marketing tool—keep it concise (maximum two pages), specific, and outcome-oriented. Highlight your supervisory accomplishments and ensure all dates and contact information are accurate. Always verify that your SF-50 reflects your competitive status if you are a current or former federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, given the nature of the law enforcement and supervisory duties, this position is on-site at the Fort Totten Agency.
Can I submit additional materials via email?
No. The agency does not accept application materials via email. All documents must be uploaded through the official USAJOBS portal.
What is the probationary period?
First-time federal supervisors are required to complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
If you have the drive to protect communities and the experience to lead diverse teams, the BIA Chief of Police position in Fort Totten offers a career-defining opportunity. Prepare your application thoroughly and take the next step in your public service career.
Why This Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police) Job Matters
Lead with purpose as the Chief of Police for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Fort Totten, North Dakota. Protect communities, mentor law enforcement teams, and shape the future of tribal public safety.
Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police) Job Overview
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking an experienced Supervisory Criminal Investigator to serve as the Chief of Police at the Fort Totten Agency. This critical role involves managing comprehensive law enforcement and investigative programs, collaborating with multi-jurisdictional partners, and ensuring the safety and security of Indian Country. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, supervise personnel, and drive organizational excellence in a high-stakes environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police)
- One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service.
- Experience managing law enforcement programs involving criminal investigators and uniformed officers.
- Proven track record in collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies on cross-jurisdictional issues.
- Ability to develop annual and multi-year work plans for law enforcement operations.
- Must meet stringent initial and recurring firearms qualification standards (Gun Control Act of 1968/Lautenberg Amendment).
- Must meet physical and medical requirements, including vision and hearing standards, to perform arduous duties.
- Must possess high emotional and mental stability suitable for high-pressure environments.
- Candidates must pass a critical-sensitive security clearance and a drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police)
- Demonstrated expertise in team building and improving operational efficiency.
- Strong background in administrative management of complex data collection and performance reporting.
- Prior experience in policy development for investigative programs.
- Qualified Indian Preference candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (must provide BIA-4432 form).
- Current federal employees with proven high-level performance appraisals.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance Plans
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Life Insurance and Long-term Care options
- ✓Paid Time Off including sick, annual, and federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and leadership training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Chief Of Police) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, ensuring all experience is clearly documented.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50s, transcripts, or BIA-4432 forms.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; extra pages will not be considered.
- Be specific in your resume about dates of employment, hours worked, and specific supervisory duties performed.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly shows your current grade, step, and tenure for federal status consideration.
- Don't wait until the last minute; give your documents ample time to process through the system.
- If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is correctly completed and attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, but please note this specific announcement may have specific hiring paths. Always check for corresponding public announcements if you do not meet specific status requirements.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
The system will only review the first two pages. Ensure your most important experience is clearly visible within that limit.
Is Indian Preference applicable for this role?
Yes, qualified Indian candidates are given preference under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. You must submit Form BIA-4432 to claim this.
Job from Interior, Bureau Of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) serves a critical role in the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunity, and protecting trust assets, the BIA oversees a diverse range of programs. From managing tribal courts to ensuring public safety through professional law enforcement, the BIA is an essential partner for federally recognized tribes across the United States.