Industry Operations Investigators

The 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.

  • 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. 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.

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. Citizen
  • 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.
  • Possess a current and valid automobile operator's license.
  • Be in compliance with ATF’s drug policy.
  • Applicant must be physically able to handle the physical requirements of the position.
  • This position may require overnight travel 11 or more nights per month.
  • Applicants will not be reimbursed for relocation expenses, unless currently an ATF employee.
  • Take and pass a drug test.
  • Successfully complete a background investigation for a top secret clearance.
  • Selected applicants will be appointed in the excepted service and must satisfactorily complete a two-year appointment, which includes but is not limited to successful completion of the basic training program.

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Supplemental Information

Questions

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Recruitment, Hiring and Staffing Center
Voice (202) 648-9100

Salary

Base Annual Salary Range For Year 2010:

$27,431 (Grade 5, Step 1) to $41,563 (Grade 9, Step 1) (Salary range excludes locality pay)

Promotion Potential:

The full performance level for this position is grade 13 ($71,674 - $93,175 - excludes locality pay).

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.
  • 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. Special agents may retire at 50 with 20 years of service. Age 57 is the mandatory retirement age, with 20 years of service.
  • Tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
  • Health improvement (physical fitness) program.
  • The Foreign Language Award Program authorizes cash awards for ATF employees who possess and make substantial use of one or more foreign language(s) in the performance of their official duties. The cash award is based upon proficiency and substantial usage
  • Federal benefits and additional related information are available on the following websites: