Become a Technical Operations Officer: Career Opportunities with the USPS OIG
Are you a dedicated professional with a background in technical surveillance and law enforcement support? The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is currently seeking a highly skilled Technical Operations Officer to join our Technical and Sensitive Operations (TSO) West field office in Federal Way (Seattle), Washington. This role is a career-defining opportunity for internal employees to apply their technical expertise toward the mission of protecting the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service.
About the USPS Office of Inspector General
The USPS OIG is an independent agency tasked with ensuring accountability within the postal system. With over 1,000 auditors, investigators, and support professionals, the OIG uses data-driven insights to identify fraud, waste, and abuse. We pride ourselves on fostering an innovative work environment where technology and investigative prowess intersect to meet the evolving challenges of the digital age.
Job Responsibilities
The Technical Operations Officer role is dynamic and multifaceted. Depending on the grade level (GS-11 through GS-13), you will be responsible for:
- Operational Planning: Designing and executing electronic surveillance installations.
- Field Support: Providing technical guidance to investigators regarding the feasibility of surveillance operations.
- Equipment Management: Developing, fabricating, and maintaining specialized surveillance hardware.
- Reporting: Preparing detailed investigative reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Leadership: Mentoring junior technical personnel and overseeing complex field deployments.
Grade Level Responsibilities Comparison
| Level | Scope of Work | Mentorship Role |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Standard installations | Limited |
| GS-12 | Complex installations | Moderate |
| GS-13 | Complex installations + Strategy | Leading/Advising |
Requirements for Success
To be considered for this position, you must be a current career employee of the USPS, USPS-OIG, USPIS, or PRC. You must demonstrate professional experience in:
- Electronic or technical surveillance within a law enforcement, military, or intelligence environment.
- Independent installation of covert devices.
- Troubleshooting and configuring IP-based hardware.
- Submission of mandatory performance documentation.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $83,935 to $155,521 per year, commensurate with your experience and the assigned grade level. Beyond pay, you will enjoy:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Robust retirement options through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Flexible work schedules and telework options.
- Paid sick and annual leave programs.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Use clear, sans-serif fonts to maintain readability. During the application process, do not use AI assistants for your answers, as this will result in disqualification.
If you have the technical skills and the investigative drive to support the USPS OIG mission, we encourage you to apply. This is your opportunity to serve in a critical capacity while utilizing the latest in surveillance technology. Please ensure all documentation is submitted before the September 9, 2026, deadline.
Why This Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West Job Matters
Advance your career in covert surveillance operations with the USPS Office of Inspector General. We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Operations Officer to join our team in Federal Way, WA, and play a critical role in integrity and investigative excellence.
Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West Job Overview
The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a vital, independent agency dedicated to maintaining the accountability and integrity of the United States Postal Service. We are currently recruiting a Technical Operations Officer for our Technical and Sensitive Operations (TSO) West field office. This role is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to specialize in electronic surveillance, evidence collection, and advanced technical support within a law enforcement context. This position is open to current USPS-OIG, USPS, USPIS, and PRC career employees only.
Requirements for Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West
- Must be a current career employee of the USPS-OIG, USPS, USPIS, or PRC.
- Minimum of one year of qualifying electronic or technical surveillance work within the last five years in a law enforcement, military, intelligence, or defense environment.
- Proven experience with independent installation of covert electronic surveillance devices.
- Proficiency in configuring, networking, and troubleshooting IP and electronic hardware.
- Ability to demonstrate experience with both overt and covert surveillance devices, including audio, video, telephone intercepts, and tracking systems.
- Submission of the two most recent performance appraisals showing at least a 'Meets Expectations' rating.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West
- Advanced knowledge of federal rules of evidence and relevant statutes regarding electronic surveillance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor lower-graded technical personnel during field deployments.
- Experience in the development and fabrication of specialized investigative equipment.
- Superior technical writing skills for the purpose of preparing detailed investigative reports.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance through the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
- ✓Dental, Vision, and Long-Term Care insurance options.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Generous paid leave including 13 days of sick leave and 13-26 days of vacation annually.
- ✓Eleven paid federal holidays per year.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
💡 How to Apply Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Technical Operations Officer - Technical And Sensitive Operations (Tso) West Job
- Confirm eligibility as a current USPS-OIG, USPS, USPIS, or PRC employee.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, focusing on the specific evaluation factors.
- Gather your two most recent performance appraisals.
- Access the USAJOBS portal to complete the online application and the required Occupational Questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including your SF-50 and performance records, in PDF format.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline of September 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume is critical; ensure it is strictly under two pages and directly addresses each evaluation factor.
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri and keep margins at 0.5 inches to ensure formatting integrity.
- Avoid using AI tools during the interview process, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Ensure your performance appraisals are dated within the last 15 months and contain the required review comments.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account to ensure all files were successfully uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This vacancy is restricted to current career employees of the USPS-OIG, USPS, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), or the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the job announcement, applications with resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified from consideration.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, this position requires travel, estimated at 50% or less of your working time.
Can I submit my SF-50 as a performance appraisal?
*A: No, an SF-50 is not an acceptable substitute for a performance appraisal.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: Relocation expenses are not provided for this position.*