Qualifications / Requirements

Qualifications

GL-5: You qualify at the GL-5 level if you possess three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to the GL-4 level or above. Examples includes analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; planning and organizing work; and communicating effectively orally and in writing.

GL-7: You qualify at the GL-7 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GL-5 grade level. Examples include receiving training in the use of criminal or civil investigative principles and techniques; in applying laws and rules associated with criminal or civil procedures, searches, seizures, arrests, and rules of evidence; and in preparing investigative reports.

GL-9: You qualify at the GL-9 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GL-7 grade level. Examples include observing various phases of investigations; studying material pertinent to investigative cases; interviewing individuals to verify facts and obtain specific information; securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence to be included in reports or case records; interviewing witnesses and other persons, both informally and at formally recorded conferences; and searching records.

Education Substitution:

GL-5: You may substitute successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or a full 4-year course of study in any field of study leading to a Bachelor's degree for the experience required at the GL-5 level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. 

GL-7: One full year of graduate level education or Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is also qualifying at the GL-7. 

GL-9: You may substitute a master's degree, 2 full years of graduate education, or a L.L. B. or J.D. degree in any field of study for the experience required at the GL-9 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester hours. You may also combine graduate education and specialized experience to meet the total experience requirements at the GL-9 level.

Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify for Superior Academic Achievement, applicants must have completed all requirements for a bachelor’s degree and meet one of the following: (1) A grade-point average (GPA) of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all completed undergraduate courses, or courses completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study; OR (2) A grade-point average (GPA) of "B+" (3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all courses in your major field of study, or required courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; OR (3) Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision at the time of graduation; OR (4) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society, other than freshman honors societies.

NOTE: GPAs are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round  to 2.9.  If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, the determination will be made based on class standing or membership in an honor society…

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship: Candidates must be United States citizens and present proof of citizenship, if selected.

Residency: Candidates must have, for 3 of the last 5 years immediately prior to applying for the position(s), (1) resided in the United States; or (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity; or (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.

Conviction of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm.  Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1001).  A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim’s current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian.  The term "convicted” as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expunged or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001).

Structured Oral Interview: The Oral Board is a structured interview given by three Criminal Investigators. The interview consists of situational questions that do not require technical knowledge. The structured interview assesses a candidate's judgment/decision making, emotional maturity, interpersonal skills, and cooperativeness/sensitivity to the needs of others. These qualities are key to successful performance as a Criminal Investigator. The oral board is a pass/fail interview. Candidates must receive a "pass" in all areas in order to continue in the hiring process. The oral board interview usually takes place within 6-12 weeks of the written test.

Writing Sample Assessment:  On the same day that you take the structured interview, you will also be administered the writing sample assessment.  During the writing sample assessment, you will be provided with a photograph.  You will be asked to prepare a narrative report describing the overall scene and details shown in the photograph. Your writing ability will be evaluated in relation to the following skill areas: organization; presentation of ideas; grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and vocabulary. Candidates must receive a “pass” in order to continue in the hiring process.

Personal Interview: A personal interview will be conducted by ICE management officials at the same time as the structured oral interview.  The personal interview is an additional tool used to assess candidates' individual background and employment history.

Background/Security Investigation: These positions are categorized as sensitive. Therefore, conditional selectees must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of employment in the position. This inquiry will cover your activities during at least the last 10 years, including any arrests, convictions, and dismissals from previous jobs, outstanding debts or financial issues, use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. A history of problems in any of these areas may result in your disqualification for this position. Keep in mind that because DHS has a law enforcement mission it sets very high standards for its employees.

Drug Testing: These positions are testing designated under ICE drug-free workplace program. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of placement into the position. ICE will schedule, provide and pay for the drug test. Once on board, employees are subject to random drug testing.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The position requires moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and knee joints is required; arms/hands/legs/feet must function satisfactorily. The work requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be utilized in investigative efforts. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.

Medical Requirements: Appointment will be contingent upon a candidate's passing a pre-employment medical examination to ascertain possession of the physical, emotional, and mental requirements for the position. A direct relationship exists between the physical and medical requirements and the strenuous and hazardous nature of the duties of this weapon carrying position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine or genitourinary systems that would impair full performance of the job duties is evaluated on a case by case basis and may be disqualifying. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of these positions or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying. The most common reasons for failing the examination involve vision and hearing impairments. A summary of those particular requirements follows:

Vision:

Near vision must be sufficient to read Jaeger type 2 at 14 inches, both eyes viewing with or without corrective lenses.

Distance binocular vision without corrective lenses must test at least Snellen 20/200. Distant vision must test at least Snellen 20/20 in one eye and Snellen 20/30 in the other eye with or without corrective lenses. Individuals who have undergone refractive surgery (ALK, PRK, and RK) to improve visual acuity must meet specific agency requirements.

Ability to name colors effectively is demonstrated by passing the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic plates (PIP) color vision test. Individuals who fail the Ishihara PIP test must repeat the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test under at least 200 Lux of standard illuminate C or equivalent illumination and must pass the Farnsworth D-15 Hue Test. X-chrome lenses (tinted lenses or glasses) or use of any other artificial devices is not acceptable as a means of passing the color vision tests.

Hearing: Pure tone Audiometry is conducted for each ear separately. The average hearing threshold at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz shall not exceed 25 dB HL. The hearing threshold at 4000 shall not exceed 45 dB.  The hearing threshold at 6000 Hz shall not exceed 60 dB. The use of hearing aids and cochlear implants in their present form are not acceptable.

Fitness Program: This job is covered by the agency Mandatory Fitness Program for law enforcement positions. You will be required to undergo regular physical examinations. You may, in the future, be required to maintain a level of physical fitness in accordance with the standards and policies of the agency; failure to maintain such a level of fitness may lead to removal from the position or other actions as may be specified in the Program.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Brunswick, Georgia. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Age Requirement: Applicants must be under 37 years of age in order to be referred for selection consideration unless you have previously worked in a federal civilian law enforcement covered position. (Military law enforcement is not considered a law enforcement covered position.)

Travel: Positions may require some travel in addition to the initial basic and other mandatory training.

Motor Vehicle Operation: Applicants must possess a valid state automobile driver’s license at the time of appointment.

Mobility: Mobility is a major factor in this occupation. Applicants must be willing to accept employment at any location offered. A tour of duty at the first duty station will be a minimum of 3 years, and you will be required to sign a mobility agreement. Criminal Investigators are regularly reassigned to new locations for the good of the service with little advance notice.

Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You will be required to attend 22 weeks of paid training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia. The training is a formalized course of required basic technical instructions that must be successfully completed according to the standards of ICE. Failure to successfully complete the training will be grounds for mandatory removal from the position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures. (If you have previous Federal law enforcement experience, you may only be required to attend the 8 1/2-week agency-specific session.)

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses for travel to your first post of duty will not be paid for anyone selected for this position.