This position is located in Office of the Inspector General, Investigation Services (IS), Investigation Operations Unit. The incumbent of this position is responsible for planning, implementing, and guiding a national investigative program with minimal oversight from the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) or the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (AIGI).
The OIG conducts audits and reviews of issues involving Federal student aid, K-12 schools, charter schools, special education, career and technical education, adult education, and more. When our work identifies problems, we propose solutions. Our work has resulted in improvements to ED programs and changes to some of the most important Federal education laws in our country.
The OIG also conducts criminal and civil investigations into suspected fraudulent activities by schools, colleges, universities, contractors, subcontractors, school officials-any entity or individual that participates in ED programs or receives ED funding. Through our work, we have unraveled multimillion-dollar fraud schemes by people placed in positions of trust to educate our children.
We're also on the cutting edge of cybersecurity, using the latest technology and techniques to discover and defeat current and emerging threats from cyber and economic crime. We tackle new and emerging issues head-on and continually work to improve our techniques and capabilities. We consistently expand our expertise by training and developing our staff.
This dedication has enabled the OIG to become a leader in the Federal government in the areas of audits, investigations, and fighting cybercrime. Whether you're just entering the workforce or are a seasoned professional, if you're looking for a career rather than just a job, and interested in shaping the next generation of Americans tackling tomorrow's challenges, consider joining our team.
As a Criminal Investigator (Operations Officer), GS-1811-14, you will be responsible for the following: Serves as an advocate for the assigned region, exercising independent initiative and coordination of initial and ongoing criminal, civil and administrative investigations in communicating approaches, benefits and results of pursuing actions with management.
Incumbent prepares regional performance reports to assess adequacy of resources, timeliness of investigations, and results obtained. Works to initiate changes in policies and procedures relative to investigative activates and program areas. he incumbent manages the review and analysis of investigative activity request, such as consensual monitoring and undercover requests submitted by their regions.
Initiates discussion with Special Agents (SA), Assistant Special Agents in Charge (ASAC), and Special Agents in Charge (SAC), to clarify or resolve inconsistencies in the requests. Presents view on the merits of proposals and issues raised. Manages the review and analysis of investigative activity request, such as consensual monitoring and undercover requests submitted by their regions.
Initiates discussion with Special Agents (SA), Assistant Special Agents in Charge (ASAC), and Special Agents in Charge (SAC), to clarify or resolve inconsistencies in the requests. Presents view on the merits of proposals and issues raised. Identifies plans, directs, coordinates and conducts extensive internal and external training and outreach relative to program areas and investigative activities.
In addition, develops and assists in the management of new initiative, programs or special projects. Develops polices criteria, and procedures for investigations; conducts special projects and analyses in support of Investigations Services; and develops and implements training strategies to promote the professional development of Criminal Investigators.
Incumbent coordinates national level, multiregional or highly sensitive investigations where coordination of efforts and staffing may be necessary for overall outcome of investigative activities. Incumbents are responsible for reviewing investigative files to determine if such files accurately and definitively document the investigative activities taken during the course of the investigation prior to final closure.
Provides leadership and oversight necessary to plan and conduct special studies or analysis of ED operations to determine effectiveness and proprietary in terms of program delivery, regularity requirements and policy compliance. Develops and directs the development of innovative ways to improve program operations, management methods or investigative procedures to correct identified problems.
As necessary, works to recommended changes to legislation, polices and other guidance affecting ED responsibilities and program delivery. Responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing one or more enterprise-level programs that support the agency's mission, strategic objectives, and statutory mandates.
The incumbent applies advanced leadership, planning, and organizational management skills to direct the execution of ongoing programs and associated projects, ensuring alignment with agency priorities, resource constraints, and performance expectations. In addition to managing programs, the incumbent also oversees discrete projects within those programs.
Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level.
As an ED employee, you will also benefit from our family-friendly work environment. As part of our commitment to maintain a work life balance, we offer excused leave for Parent/Teacher Conferences (3 hours); excused leave for annual health screenings (4 hours); and matching leave for community volunteer service. Other flexibilities that may be available to you include alternative work schedules. You may be eligible to receive a recruitment incentive for this position.
To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon. You may be eligible to receive a relocation incentive for this position. To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon.
You may be eligible to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program as a recruitment incentive for this position. To receive student loan repayments, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon.
Full federal benefits details →
yoalva.zelaya@ed.gov · (202) 987-0228
This position is with Department of Education Headquarters, Department of Education.
The posted pay range is $125776 – $163514/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-02.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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