Become a Criminal Investigator with the USPS Office of Inspector General
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a vital entity dedicated to protecting the integrity, efficiency, and accountability of the nation’s postal system. We are currently accepting applications for a Criminal Investigator within our Southern Area Field Office (SAFO) in San Antonio, Texas. This is a unique opportunity for current 1811 federal law enforcement professionals to transition into a high-impact investigative role.
Job Responsibilities
As a Criminal Investigator, you will handle complex federal cases. Key duties include:
- Planning and executing investigations into alleged violations of federal law.
- Serving as a liaison between the OIG and federal law enforcement partners.
- Preparing evidence for grand jury presentations and court appearances.
- Conducting surveillance and undercover operations.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Current status as a USPS-OIG or USPIS 1811 series employee.
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience conducting complex investigations at the GS-9 level or above.
- Strong communication and analytical skills.
Salary and Compensation Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $64,717 - $184,693 per year |
| Pay Scale | Journey Band (GS 9-13 equivalent) |
| Availability Pay | 1811 LEAP coverage included |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Health/Vision/Dental/Retirement |
If you are a dedicated federal law enforcement officer looking to advance your career in a dynamic, data-centric environment, we encourage you to apply by July 13, 2026. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute to the integrity of a trusted national institution.
Why This Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo) Job Matters
Advance your federal law enforcement career as a Criminal Investigator with the USPS Office of Inspector General in San Antonio.
Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo) Job Overview
The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is seeking a motivated and experienced federal law enforcement professional for a Criminal Investigator position at the Southern Area Field Office in San Antonio, Texas. This opportunity is exclusively available to current USPS-OIG and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) 1811 employees. The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the postal system by conducting complex investigations into federal violations, civil matters, and administrative concerns, utilizing data-driven methodologies to identify fraud, waste, and abuse.
Requirements for Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo)
- Must be a current USPS-OIG or USPIS 1811 Criminal Investigator or Postal Inspector.
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level or higher.
- Proven track record of planning, conducting, or leading complex federal criminal, civil, or administrative investigations.
- Submission of the two most recent performance appraisals (fiscal years 2024 and 2025) reflecting 'met expectations' or higher.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Preferred Qualifications for Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo)
- Deep understanding of the United States Postal Service organizational structure, operational processes, and workflow.
- Advanced proficiency in utilizing electronic surveillance and forensic software for evidence gathering.
- Expertise in coordinating grand jury presentations and collaborating with government attorneys.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Participation in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
- âś“Comprehensive insurance options including dental, vision, life, and long-term care.
- âś“Flexible spending account options.
- âś“Federal retirement programs and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) access.
- âś“Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Generous leave policies, including 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13–26 days of annual leave based on tenure.
- âś“Employee assistance programs.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Criminal Investigator - Southern Area Field Office (Safo) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Upload a two-page maximum resume highlighting accomplishments mapped to evaluation factors.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload required performance appraisals and supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50, graduation certificates).
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
- Use standard, legible fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica at 10-point size or larger.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the three evaluation factors listed in the vacancy.
- Save and upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting and page counts.
- Do not use AI tools during the interview process; standard accessibility accommodations are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this vacancy?
This position is open exclusively to current 1811 series employees within the USPS Office of Inspector General or the United States Postal Inspection Service.
What is the salary potential for this role?
The position is at the Journey Band level, with a salary range between $64,717 and $184,693 per year, including locality pay and 1811 Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).
What happens if I do not have a 2024 or 2025 performance appraisal?
You must submit a written statement explaining why the appraisal is unavailable; failure to provide either the appraisals or the statement will result in an ineligible status.
Job from Office Of The Inspector General, Usps
The USPS OIG is an independent organization that serves the postal service and the American public. Our team of over 1,000 professionals—including auditors and criminal investigators—uses advanced data analytics to identify fraud, waste, and abuse. By joining the SAFO team, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to technological innovation and data-backed oversight.