The mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is to protect America's
natural resources for future generations, provide access to our nation's
natural and cultural heritage, offer recreation opportunities, honor its
trust responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, conduct scientific
research, provide wise stewardship of energy and mineral resources, and conserve
and protect fish and wildlife. The DOI Office of Inspector General
(OIG) is an independent office within the DOI whose mission is to promote
excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of the
Interior. The OIG conducts investigations, evaluations, and audits
in order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and to prevent and detect
waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DOI programs and operations.
- Where do Investigators Work?
- What do Investigators do?
- How do I become an Investigator?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
- What benefits do Investigators earn?
1. Where do Investigators Work?
Our Office locations are as diverse as our employees. The main Office
of Investigations and its Program Integrity Division are located in Washington,
D.C., while three Regional and Investigative Support Division offices are
located in California, Colorado, and Virginia with resident/field offices
in Washington, Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Minnesota,
Georgia, and New Jersey.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather and climatic
conditions during various hours of the day or night and for prolonged periods. Long
hours of surveillance work may be required in cramped or unpleasant locations
and under unpleasant conditions.
2. What do Investigators do?
Investigators conduct interviews, inspections and evaluations, assessments,
and civil/administrative investigations to promote efficiency, effectiveness,
and integrity of Departmental programs and operations; to prevent and detect
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement; and to provide a means for keeping
the Secretary of the Interior and Congress fully informed about Department
problems and deficiencies.
3. How do I become an Investigator?
Investigator positions are announced by the Office of Personnel Management
on the USAJobs website. Follow the instructions in the vacancy announcements
to apply. Entry level positions are typically at the GS-5, 7, or 9
level depending on the applicant’s education and experience.
4. Are there any special requirements?
- All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or nationals.
- As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December
31, 1959 must certify being registered with the Selective Service
System or are exempt from having to do so.
- Selectee must be able to obtain and keep a Top Secret security
clearance.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Will be required to complete an SF-450, Confidential Statement
of Employment and Financial Interests.
- Will be required to submit to initial and random urinalysis to
screen for illegal drug usage.
- Able to travel as necessary.
- Be available for reassignment to other regional or resident offices.
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
Investigators will receive opportunities for training and career advancement. They
will receive training such as the Inspector General Basic Non-Criminal Investigator
Training Program or the Inspector General (IG) Transitional Training Program
at the IG Criminal Investigator Academy, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Additionally,
OIG Investigators receive advanced investigative and other professional development
training courses including periodic refresher training in the following areas: trial
process; federal criminal and civil legal updates; interviewing techniques
and policy; and, law of search and seizure. Investigators have promotion
potential to GS-13 level.
6. What benefits do Investigators earn?
- This position is eligible for Administratively Uncontrollable
Overtime (AUO).
- You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits
program with costs shared with your employer.
- Life insurance coverage is provided.
- Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement.
- Earn annual vacation leave and sick leave.
- Paid federal holidays.
