Become a Supervisory Criminal Investigator with the USDA Office of Inspector General
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a critical federal body dedicated to maintaining the integrity, accountability, and efficiency of agricultural programs. We are currently looking for a seasoned leader to serve as a Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent in Charge) for our Southeast Region. This is a high-level position responsible for directing investigative operations, protecting taxpayer interests, and fostering collaborative relationships across law enforcement agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As the Special Agent in Charge, your role is multifaceted, combining operational leadership with strategic program management. Key responsibilities include:
- Directing Investigative Teams: Manage a diverse staff of special agents, analysts, and support personnel.
- Strategic Oversight: Analyze investigative trends to anticipate future needs and align regional operations with national OIG goals.
- Case Management: Review and approve investigative reports to ensure evidentiary sufficiency and legal compliance.
- Interagency Coordination: Serve as a primary point of contact with U.S. Attorney’s offices, state, and local law enforcement partners.
- Resource Management: Formulate and execute regional financial and long-range investigative plans.
Requirements
This position is designated as a primary law enforcement role. Candidates must meet several mandatory requirements:
- Age Limit: Must be under 37 years of age (exceptions apply for veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement service).
- Physical Standards: Must pass a thorough medical examination and meet rigorous physical standards for arduous duty.
- Firearm Proficiency: Must maintain qualification for the use of government-issued firearms.
- Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year of experience at the GS-14 level, performing complex investigations and technical reporting.
Comparison of Key Factors
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $154,492 - $197,200 |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
| Travel Required | Yes (5% or more) |
| Relocation Expenses | Not Authorized |
Salary Overview
This position is classified as a GS-15 federal role. The salary range for this role is between $154,492 and $197,200 per annum, commensurate with local market adjustments and agency pay scales.
Benefits
Federal employment with the USDA comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
- A generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- Paid time off including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Focus on Achievements: Your resume should emphasize the outcomes of your investigations rather than just the processes.
- Documentation Matters: Double-check that your SF-50s clearly support your time-in-grade eligibility.
- Formatting: Stick strictly to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Monitor Status: Use the USAJOBS notification system to stay informed about your application progress.
Serving as a Special Agent in Charge for the USDA OIG is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of the nation's agricultural and economic landscape. If you possess the leadership, technical experience, and dedication required to protect the public interest, we encourage you to apply. Note that this announcement may close once the first 50 applications are received, so act promptly.
Why This Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge) Job Matters
Lead the fight against fraud and protect the integrity of America’s food and agricultural systems as a Special Agent in Charge for the USDA.
Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge) Job Overview
The USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Criminal Investigator to lead the Southeast Region. This critical leadership role involves managing complex investigations, overseeing special agents, and ensuring the fiscal integrity and operational effectiveness of Department of Agriculture programs. The successful candidate will drive strategic initiatives, coordinate with federal and local law enforcement partners, and provide high-level administrative oversight for regional investigative efforts.
Requirements for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be under age 37 at the time of appointment (unless eligible for veteran’s preference or prior law enforcement service).
- Must pass a rigorous medical examination and maintain physical fitness for arduous duty.
- Must maintain eligibility to carry and use firearms.
- No convictions for domestic violence (Lautenberg Amendment).
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must complete a mandatory urinalysis and pass random drug testing.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge)
- Extensive experience in planning and executing complex criminal or administrative investigations.
- Proven track record of managerial success in a federal law enforcement environment.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare high-level technical and administrative reports for legal and executive review.
- Strong interpersonal skills for managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating with external law enforcement partners.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- âś“Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, vision, and dental insurance.
- âś“Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- âś“Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- âś“Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent In Charge) Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS.gov.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Verify eligibility and gather required documents (SF-50s, transcripts, etc.).
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your complete application package electronically before the closing date or the 50-applicant limit.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Your resume must clearly link your experience to the specific 'Major Duties' listed in the announcement.
- Ensure your SF-50 documentation clearly reflects your time-in-grade.
- Apply early—the announcement may close early if 50 applications are received.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard frequently for status updates.
- Group similar documents into single files to simplify the upload process, keeping each under 3MB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement for this position?
Applicants must not have reached their 37th birthday prior to appointment, unless they have prior creditable law enforcement service or are entitled to veteran's preference.
Is education a substitute for the specialized experience requirement?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience at the GS-15 grade level.
Are there physical requirements?
Yes, this is a law enforcement position requiring moderate to arduous physical exertion, including the ability to carry and use firearms and maintain specific vision and hearing standards.
Is there any flexibility on the age requirement?
*A: The age limit is a standard requirement for federal law enforcement positions. Exceptions are limited to those with specific veteran’s preference status or prior creditable service.*
Can I apply if I do not have a Top Secret clearance?
*A: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance as a condition of employment.*
Job from Office Of The Inspector General
The Office of Inspector General is an independent entity within the USDA. Our mission is to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in the programs administered by the Department. From ensuring the safety of our food supply to managing natural resource conservation, OIG provides the oversight necessary for the USDA to fulfill its mission effectively. As a member of our team, you play a vital role in upholding public trust in federal government operations.