Industry Operation Investigator Informational Packet

Industry Operations Investigator Positions - Grades 5, 7, and 9

Want to be an industry operations investigator?

Industry operations investigators are the backbone of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) regulatory mission. Their work is primarily investigative and routinely involves contact with, and interviews of, individuals from all walks of life and all levels of industry and government. Investigations and inspections pertain to the industries and persons regulated by ATF (e.g., users, dealers, importers, exporters, manufacturers, wholesalers, etc.); and are
under the jurisdiction of the Gun Control Act, National Firearms Act, Arms Export Control Act, Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and other Federal firearms and explosives laws and regulations.

Please review the information below regarding salary and benefits, basic requirements, and conditions of employment.

Applications for position openings will ONLY be accepted in response to a specific ATF job opportunity announcement. For updates on ATF industry operations investigator recruitment efforts, please visit our website or contact a local ATF field division.

ATF is looking for energetic, innovative, solution-oriented professionals to assist the ATF team in its mission to prevent terrorism, reduce violent crime and protect the public.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

POSITION INFORMATION	SALARY AND BENEFITS
Position Title and Grade Levels: Industry Operations Investigator, GS-1801, Grade Levels 5, 7, and 9. Major Duties: The incumbent conducts investigations and inspections designed to carry out the federal government's regulatory responsibilities pertaining to the firearms and explosives industries. Identifies evidence of falsification of records, inventories and document discrepancies through the analysis and examining of records, documents, and reports.Refers violations to criminal investigators for further action.Determines if persons desiring to enter business in the regulated industries meet established legal requirements for obtaining a federal permit or license. Conducts interviews, inspects buildings, and performs routine background investigations to determine suitability of applicants for Federal licenses and permits. Prepares reports detailing results of investigations and inspections, and recommends further action when necessary. Utilizes knowledge of the Federal and state laws involving commerce in alcohol and tobacco, provides assistance to senior industry operations investigators, who are working with criminal investigators on alcohol and tobacco diversion investigations. The incumbent as directed verifies inventories and utilizes intelligence data to analyze records and examine business operations. Participates in conferences and discussions with Bureau officials concerning investigations and inspections. May develop presentations for industry associations and the public.	Base Annual Salary information can be found at www.opm.gov. Starting base salary will depend upon grade qualifications (see the basic qualifications section of this informational packet). Locality Pay: All ATF duty stations qualify for locality pay. Industry operations investigators receive an additional percentage of their base salary, which will vary by duty location. Promotion Potential: The full performance level for this position is grade 13. Note: Promotions are based upon performance and must receive supervisory approval. Benefits: Annual leave (vacation time) is earned at the rate of 13 – 26 days per year, with a maximum accumulation of 240 hours per year. Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days per year and may be accumulated without limit. 10 paid holidays. Low cost health insurance with the option to choose from a variety of plans. Low cost life insurance. Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) Benefits. Tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Health improvement (physical fitness) program.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Applicants must be a United States citizen. Applicants must be physically able to handle the physical requirements of the position. Applicants must sign a mobility statement. Pass a panel interview which will include a writing sample exercise and a math exercise. Successfully complete a background investigation for a top secret clearance. This position may require overnight travel 11 or more nights per month. A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required. Take and pass a drug test. Applicants will not be reimbursed for relocation expenses. In addition, travel expenses will not be paid for any portion of the hiring process. Selected applicants must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period, which includes but is not limited to successful completion of the basic training program. To be eligible for Federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

POSITION INFORMATION

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Position Title and Grade Levels: Industry Operations
Investigator, GS-1801, Grade Levels 5, 7, and 9.

Major Duties: The incumbent conducts investigations and inspections designed to carry out the federal government's regulatory responsibilities pertaining to the firearms and explosives industries. Identifies evidence of falsification of records, inventories and document discrepancies through the analysis and examining of records, documents, and reports.Refers violations to criminal investigators for further action.Determines if persons desiring to enter business in the regulated industries meet established legal requirements for obtaining a federal permit or license. Conducts interviews, inspects buildings, and performs routine background investigations to determine suitability of applicants for Federal licenses and permits. Prepares reports detailing results of investigations and inspections, and recommends further action when necessary. Utilizes knowledge of the Federal and state laws involving commerce in alcohol and tobacco, provides assistance to senior industry operations investigators, who are working with criminal investigators on alcohol and tobacco diversion investigations. The incumbent as directed verifies inventories and utilizes intelligence data to analyze records and examine business operations. Participates in conferences and discussions with Bureau officials concerning investigations and inspections. May develop presentations for industry associations and the public.

Base Annual Salary information can be found at www.opm.gov.

Starting base salary will depend upon grade qualifications (see the basic qualifications section of this informational packet).

Locality Pay: All ATF duty stations qualify for locality pay. Industry operations investigators receive an additional percentage of their base salary, which will vary by duty location.

Promotion Potential: The full performance level for this position is grade 13. Note: Promotions are based upon performance and must receive supervisory approval.

Benefits:

Annual leave (vacation time) is earned at the rate of 13 – 26 days per year, with a maximum accumulation of 240 hours per year.
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days per year and may be accumulated without limit.
10 paid holidays.
Low cost health insurance with the option to choose from a variety of plans.
Low cost life insurance.
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) Benefits.
Tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Health improvement (physical fitness) program.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Applicants must be a United States citizen.
Applicants must be physically able to handle the physical requirements of the position.
Applicants must sign a mobility statement.
Pass a panel interview which will include a writing sample exercise and a math exercise.
Successfully complete a background investigation for a top secret clearance.
This position may require overnight travel 11 or more nights per month.
A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required.
Take and pass a drug test.
Applicants will not be reimbursed for relocation expenses. In addition, travel expenses will not be paid for any portion of the hiring process.
Selected applicants must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period, which includes but is not limited to successful completion of the basic training program.
To be eligible for Federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 5	BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 7	BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 9
Experience: Three years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-4 level of the federal service. General experience is progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the ability to (1) analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; (2) plan and organize work; and (3) communicate effectively, orally and in writing. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor’s degree. This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. (This is equivalent to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours). (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.) OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience and undergraduate education may be used to meet the total requirements for this position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)	Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level of the federal service that is in or related to the work of this position, and equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position as described above. Qualifying experience includes: participating in or conducting investigations or inspections; gathering and analyzing information and records to determine patterns or discrepancies; using interview techniques to obtain information; and preparing narrative reports. OR Education: Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to this position such as business administration, business law, public administration, public policy, criminal justice, communications, physical or social sciences, political science, or other fields of study that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.) OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education may be used to meet the total requirements for this position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.) OR Superior Academic Achievement (SSA): To qualify for SSA, applicants must have completed all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to this position AND must meet one of the following: A grade point average of “B” (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study). A grade point average of “B+” (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college or university (e.g. School of Business Administration). Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. ** If more than 10 percent of your courses were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honorary society.	Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level of the federal service that provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of an industry operations investigator as described in the major duties section of this announcement. Qualifying specialized experience includes: conducting investigations or inspections; gathering and analyzing information and records to determine patterns or discrepancies; using interview techniques to obtain information; conducting background investigations to determine applicant suitability; and preparing reports detailing facts found during investigations or inspections. OR Education: Successful completion of a master's degree in a field of study related to the work of this position (i.e., business administration; business law; public administration; public policy; criminal justice; communications; physical or social sciences; political science; or other fields of study that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an industry operations investigator). (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.) OR Successful completion of at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education in a field of study related to the work of an industry operations investigator (refer to above examples). OR Successful completion of a LL.B. or J.D. OR Combination of Experience and Education: You may use a combination of experience and education to meet the total requirements for this position. To do so, you must have a percentage of the above specialized experience and a percentage of the above graduate level education, and when the two percentages are added together, they total at least 100 percent. (NOTE: Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours may be combined with experience.) (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 5

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 7

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRADE 9

Experience: Three years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-4 level of the federal service. General experience is progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the ability to (1) analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; (2) plan and organize work; and (3) communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor’s degree. This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. (This is equivalent to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours). (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience and undergraduate education may be used to meet the total requirements for this position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level of the federal service that is in or related to the work of this position, and equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position as described above. Qualifying experience includes: participating in or conducting investigations or inspections; gathering and analyzing information and records to determine patterns or discrepancies; using interview techniques to obtain information; and preparing narrative reports.

Education: Successful completion of one full year (18 semester hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to this position such as business administration, business law, public administration, public policy, criminal justice,
communications, physical or social sciences, political science, or other fields of study that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education may be used to meet the total requirements for this position. (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

Superior Academic Achievement (SSA): To qualify for SSA, applicants must have completed all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to this position AND must meet one of the following:

A grade point average of “B” (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study).
A grade point average of “B+” (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study.
Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college or university (e.g. School of Business Administration).
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

** If more than 10 percent of your courses were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honorary society.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level of the federal service that provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of an industry operations investigator as described in the major duties section of this announcement. Qualifying specialized experience includes: conducting investigations or inspections; gathering and analyzing information and records to determine patterns or discrepancies; using interview techniques to obtain information; conducting background investigations to determine applicant suitability; and preparing reports detailing facts found during investigations or inspections.

Education: Successful completion of a master's degree in a field of study related to the work of this position (i.e., business administration; business law; public administration; public policy; criminal justice; communications; physical or social sciences; political science; or other fields of study that provided you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an industry operations investigator). (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)

Successful completion of at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education in a field of study related to the work of an industry operations investigator (refer to above examples).

Successful completion of a LL.B. or J.D.

Combination of Experience and Education: You may use a combination of experience and education to meet the total requirements for this position. To do so, you must have a percentage of the above specialized experience and a percentage of the above graduate level education, and when the two percentages are added together, they total at least 100 percent. (NOTE: Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours may be combined with experience.) (Must include a copy of unofficial or official transcripts to verify eligibility.)