Become an Affirmative Civil Enforcement Investigator: Your Path to Justice in Sacramento

Are you a seasoned investigator with a passion for the law and a commitment to public service? The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a highly skilled individual to join the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California as an Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Investigator. This GS-13 role offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the highest levels of federal law, investigating complex cases that protect the integrity of government programs and the rights of citizens.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of civil litigation efforts. Your primary duties will include:

Conducting Complex Investigations: You will lead systematic investigations into complex civil and administrative violations.
Evidence Collection: Examination of books, ledgers, and financial records to build a case.
Strategic Coordination: Working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to gather evidence.
Legal Support: Assisting attorneys in determining applicable statutory laws and identifying causes of action.
Witness Management: Locating and interviewing key witnesses to corroborate findings.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in the federal service.
Assessment: Must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Clearance: Must meet high-risk security clearance standards.

Comparison of Investigator Levels

Feature	GS-12 (Prior Level)	GS-13 (This Position)
Case Complexity	Moderate/Routine	Highly Complex/Unprecedented
Leadership Role	Contributor	Lead Agent/Team Director
Decision Making	Supervised	Independent/Mastery

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-13 level, with an annual salary range of $117,984 to $153,382. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with federal pay scales, offering stability and regular step increases.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous leave policies (paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays).
Life insurance coverage.

Application Tips

Watch Your Length: The two-page resume limit is absolute. If you exceed it, your application will not be considered.
Be Specific: Quantify your work. When describing investigations, focus on the scale, the laws applied, and the outcome.
Prepare for the Assessment: The USA Hire assessment is a critical component of the hiring process. Do not rush through it; ensure you have a distraction-free environment.

Serving as an Affirmative Civil Enforcement Investigator is more than just a job; it is a commitment to upholding the constitutional freedoms and legal standards of the United States. If you possess the investigative grit and analytical expertise to excel in this environment, apply today.

Why This Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career as an Affirmative Civil Enforcement Investigator and serve justice in the heart of California’s capital.

Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking a dedicated Investigator to join our Affirmative Civil Enforcement team. This role is pivotal in safeguarding the interests of the United States through complex investigations into civil and administrative violations. You will work closely with attorneys to build robust cases, conduct witness interviews, and coordinate investigative strategies. If you possess the investigative expertise to tackle high-stakes legal matters and want to contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice, this position offers a challenging and rewarding professional path.

Requirements for Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Proven expertise in applying laws, regulations, and policies to conduct complex investigations.
Ability to lead investigative teams and coordinate with interagency partners.
Proficiency in utilizing office automation tools and trial presentation software.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be able to pass a drug test.
Ability to maintain high-level security clearance requirements (Special-Sensitive/High Risk).
Registration with the Selective Service System for applicable male applicants.

Preferred Qualifications for Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)

Experience in financial record analysis, including ledgers, invoices, and billing statements.
Strong interviewing and witness deposition skills.
Proven track record in building evidence for successful civil litigation or administrative proceedings.
Advanced analytical skills regarding statutory and regulatory compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to life insurance programs.
✓Supportive work environment within the Department of Justice.

💡 How to Apply Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Investigator (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS and prepare a resume not exceeding two pages.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Submit all required supporting documentation, including SF-50s or DD-214 if applicable.
Complete the required USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within the specified timeframe.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Clearly document your specialized experience, ensuring you map your past duties directly to the GS-13 requirements.
Double-check that your SF-50 includes the full performance level (FPL) as required for federal applicants.
Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire assessment and complete it within 48 hours of notification.
Use the 'Edit' function in your USAJOBS account to update documents before the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE)?

ACE involves the use of civil litigation to recover funds for the federal government, often addressing fraud against government programs, and enforcing laws that protect the public interest.

Is telework available for this position?

This position is currently not designated as telework-eligible.

Can I apply if I have a disability that makes the assessment difficult?

Yes, reasonable accommodations are available for the testing process. Requests must be made and documented prior to starting the assessment.

What is the closing date?

The application window closes on September 9, 2026.

Will relocation expenses be paid?

Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Can I update my application after submission?

You may update your materials through your USAJOBS account until the announcement closing date.

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys are dedicated to ensuring the protection of all Americans. As an Investigator in the Eastern District of California, you will be based in Sacramento, a city that perfectly balances professional growth with an incredible quality of life. Whether you enjoy the rich cultural scene of the state capital, the recreational opportunities of local lakes and rivers, or the proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sacramento provides a dynamic backdrop for a fulfilling career.