Level 1-6:  Investigator, GS-1810

Knowledge of, and skill in applying factfinding methods and analysis sufficient to determine the relevance, importance, and veracity of facts and statements sufficient to:

• conduct background investigations and national agency checks within established geographical and jurisdictional boundaries on personnel who are being considered for:
• employment;
• security clearances; or
• assignment to sensitive positions;
• interview persons acquainted with the subject of the investigation;
• develop, evaluate, and pursue information using appropriate investigative techniques; and
• draft and type concise reports of investigation.

Level 1-6:  Investigator, GS-1810

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• Employee Retirement Income Security Act and related civil laws;
• rules of evidence and precedent court decisions concerning evidence;
• employee benefit plans and investment procedures, practices, and vehicles employed by pension and welfare plan administrators;
• generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards in order to ensure conformance of accounting records with regulatory requirements; and
• factfinding methods and analysis sufficient to determine the relevance, importance, and veracity of facts and statements

Sufficient to:

• conduct research and analyses of issues and questions related to complaints about the oversight and handling of employee benefit plans, (e.g., service providers, and other financial institutions charged with handling plan monies);
• develop background information from plan reports, financial data, and database information; and
• meet with accountants, attorneys, and plan administrators to obtain information.

Level 1-6:  Investigator, GS-1810

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, factfinding methods and analysis of data sufficient to:

• determine the relevance, importance, and veracity of facts and statements;
• review and analyze all necessary documents, processes, procedures, and methods to assure that the organization inspected is in compliance with established laws, regulations, and policies; and
• prepare comprehensive reports that summarize the scope and results of inspection including the:
• findings which specify irregularities and deficiencies noted;
• description of corrective action required; and
• needed policy or procedural improvements.

Level 1-6:  Wage and Hour Investigator, GS-1849

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• business accounting and payroll practices to recognize discrepancies or irregularities in records, reports, or operations at establishments being inspected; and
• procedures for collecting relevant information (such as payroll records, business ledgers, roster of current and past employees) and for identifying trends

Sufficient to:

• plan and conduct inquiries into complaints or work with higher graded employees on more complex cases;
• review incomplete employee and payroll files to piece together relevant information;
• interview complainants, employers, employees, and other relevant witnesses about allegations of wage and hour violations; and
• conduct inquires into allegations such as straight pay versus overtime pay.

Level 1-6:  Equal Opportunity Investigator, GS-1860

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• recruitment, hiring, merit promotion, discipline, pay, and job evaluation principles and regulations;
• employment records, organizational structures, career patterns, job qualifications, reasonable accommodation, retention procedures, and labor agreements; and
• conditions that constitute barriers to equal employment such as limiting sources of recruitment and the absence of career path jobs

Sufficient to:

• determine compliance with legal requirements;
• determine effectiveness of equal employment and equal opportunity programs;
• review discrimination complaints that cover a wide range of issues including failure to hire, failure to promote, reassignments, job training, and reprisal based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, and/or disability;
• determine whether the allegation of discrimination falls within regulatory requirements;
• draft charges of complaints and take affidavits of charging parties/complainants;
• analyze information gathered and present case file with supportable findings, citing testimonial and/or documentary evidence, case law, policies and precedents; and
• conduct interviews with complainants, agency officials, and other public and private sector witnesses to obtain affidavits, documentary evidence, and statistical data for researching the complaint.

Level 1-6:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, regulations and local policies, practices, methods, procedures, and precedents sufficient to:

• investigate commercial fishing vessel owner/operators for suspected narcotics smuggling;
• conduct covert surveillance of fishing techniques, gear, and practices; and
• plan and conduct seizures with and without search warrants, gather and preserve evidence, question witnesses and suspects, testify in trials and prosecution of alleged violators.

Level 1-6:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, regulations and local policies, practices, methods, procedures, and precedents sufficient to:

• examine currency that has been seized by other agencies that have detained or arrested a suspect who has potential counterfeit currency, interview suspects and witnesses, determine where the suspect obtained the currency, and testify in court whether the currency is counterfeit or genuine.

Level 1-6:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, regulations and local policies, practices, methods, procedures, and precedents sufficient to:

• investigate persons, cargo, and pedestrians suspected of smuggling contraband and/or merchandise by:
• interviewing cooperative suspects;
• setting a controlled delivery;
• substituting a fake product, and employing the use of tracking devices;
• putting a body recorder on a cooperating witness who is willing to meet the contacts;
• effecting an arrest;
• confiscating evidence;
• maintaining a chain-of-custody; and
• testifying in court as to the smuggling operation.

Level 1-6:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, regulations and local policies, practices, methods, procedures, and precedents sufficient to:

• serve as a task force member performing duties such as:
• investigate serious criminal offenses in which a subject uses computers or a series of computer transactions to commit relatively minor financial crimes;
• apply well-established, basic investigative procedures and requirements, such as gathering and analyzing readily retrievable computerized transaction records and conducting several interviews of cooperative witnesses and/or subjects who offer clear-cut, factual testimony; and
• elicit a confession from a subject who subsequently agrees to plead guilty.

Level 1-6:  Customs Patrol Agent, GS-1884

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• agency and other Federal, State, and local relevant laws;
• operational concepts and practices; and
• enforcement methods and techniques

Sufficient to:

• perform boundary operations;
• patrol city streets, airports, rivers, including areas only accessible by foot, bike, or horse patrol;
• track suspects;
• gather intelligence;
• deploy sensor systems to track and identify persons and vehicles entering the U.S. at other than authorized points of entry;
• develop and use information from a variety of sources including private citizens, witnesses and informants to apprehend groups that are transporting contraband;
• detain individuals and groups, inspecting personal possessions and any forms or documents in their possession to determine if any violations are being committed;
• question suspects and witnesses;
• transport or arrange for the transport of suspects to the station or another location for further questioning, or transfer suspects to the jurisdiction of another agency;
• check passenger car traffic;
• visually inspect routes that smugglers use to transport narcotics and/or undocumented aliens;
• check freight trains, systematically checking boxcars, grain storage cars, open gondola cars, vehicle storage cars, and other cars comprising the freight train line;
• conduct visual inspection of vehicles on State and interstate highways, county, and farm-to-market roads that smugglers use in transporting undocumented aliens or other contraband;
• observe, identify, and interrogate individuals suspected of violating immigration or other Federal laws;
• question persons and inspect their documents to determine citizenship or alien status;
• cite specific facts to legally stop and arrest aliens violating immigration laws; and
• serve on task forces such as immigration, anti-smuggling, and narcotics to:
• gather information for basic intelligence of illegal activities;
• perform undercover buys and controlled deliveries;
• arrest suspects;
• interrogate aliens; and
• pose as a driver or recruiter.

Level 1-6:  Border Patrol Agent, GS-1896

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• agency and other Federal, State, and local relevant laws;
• operational concepts and practices; and
• enforcement methods and techniques

Sufficient to:

• perform boundary operations;
• patrol city streets, airports, rivers, including areas only accessible by foot, bike, or horse patrol;
• track suspects;
• gather intelligence;
• deploy sensor systems to track and identify persons and vehicles entering the U.S. at other than authorized points of entry;
• develop and use information from a variety of sources including private citizens, witnesses and informants to apprehend groups that are transporting contraband;
• detain individuals and groups, inspecting personal possessions and any forms or documents in their possession to determine if any violations are being committed;
• question suspects and witnesses;
• transport or arrange for the transport of suspects to the station or another location for further questioning, or transfer suspects to the jurisdiction of another agency;
• check passenger car traffic;
• visually inspect routes that smugglers use to transport narcotics and/or undocumented aliens;
• check freight trains, systematically checking boxcars, grain storage cars, open gondola cars, vehicle storage cars, and other cars comprising the freight train line;
• conduct visual inspection of vehicles on State and interstate highways, county, and farm-to-market roads that smugglers use in transporting undocumented aliens or other contraband;
• observe, identify, and interrogate individuals suspected of violating immigration or other Federal laws;
• question persons and inspect their documents to determine citizenship or alien status;
• cite specific facts to legally stop and arrest aliens violating immigration laws; and
• serve on task forces such as immigration, anti-smuggling, and narcotics to:
• gather information for basic intelligence of illegal activities;
• perform undercover buys and controlled deliveries;
• arrest suspects;
• interrogate aliens; and
• pose as a driver or recruiter.

Level 1-6:  Wildlife Inspector, GS-1813

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• Federal, State and international laws, regulations and agreements governing the import, export, and transportation of wildlife;
• inspection techniques pertaining to protected wildlife inspection and document examination;
• means of detection typically used to counterfeit or falsify documents; and
• techniques for safe wildlife care, feeding, and handling

Sufficient to:

• conduct inspections of interstate and international shipments of fish and wildlife, products and parts to ensure they are being transported in accordance with Federal and State law;
• review import/export documents accompanying shipments including bills of lading, cargo manifests, invoices, certificates of origin, export permits, health certificates, and similar documents to ensure that shipments are being documented in accordance with Federal and State law;
• detect illegal activity, to safeguard wildlife and confiscated items, and to support investigative and prosecution efforts; and
• visually identify a broad range of wildlife species including processed and manufactured items.

Level 1-6:  Game Law Enforcement Inspector, GS-1813

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• Federal and State laws and regulations for endangered species, lawful game hunting, and fishing;
• procedures for apprehension and/or arrest; and
• operational practices for sport firearms and hunting gear; e.g., rifles, shotguns, handguns, archery equipment, black powder firearms, types of fishing gear, trapping devices, and animal control devices

Sufficient to:

• enforce game, fish, environmental and natural resource laws, regulations, and policies in assigned area;
• conduct straightforward investigations for poaching and other unlawful hunting and fishing activities;
• disarm and subdue suspects;
• gather and present clear and convincing evidence necessary to sustain allegations presented to the U.S. Magistrate; and
• appear as a witness in court proceedings when required by the Assistant U.S. Attorney to provide testimony as to the facts of a case or incident.

Level 1-6:  Fishery Patrol Inspector, GS-1813

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, relevant laws, concepts, operational practices, and enforcement methods and techniques governing foreign and domestic fishing industries including the type and use of different fishing vessels, fishing gear and fishing techniques sufficient to:

• inspect:
• U.S. and foreign fishing vessels, gear, records and catch;
• facilities, fish and records maintained, owned or operated by fish processors and fish brokers;
• interstate and international shipments of fish and wildlife products and parts; and
• import/export documents;
• determine compliance and document violations of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and other applicable laws and regulations;
• conduct inspections of interstate and international shipments of fish and wildlife products and parts, to ensure they are being transported in accordance with Federal and State law;
• review import/export documents accompanying shipments including bills of lading, cargo manifests, invoices, certificates of origin, export permits, health certificates, and similar documents to ensure that shipments are being documented in accordance with Federal and State law;
• identify species and parts and products regulated by Federal and international laws and treaties; and
• patrol coastal waters, fishing piers, warehouses and other facilities.

Level 1-6:  Immigration Inspector, GS-1816

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• inspection procedures for all classes of applicants for admission to the United States at ports-of-entry;
• techniques for questioning and observing individuals and for reviewing identifying papers; and
• discretion in admitting or referring applicants for further interviews

Sufficient to:

• perform primary inspection by questioning and observing individuals and by reviewing identifying papers to quickly determine whether they may be admitted without further formality;
• perform primary inspection for all categories and classes of mostly unsegregated applicants including diplomats, crewmen, refugees, immigrants, and workers in various nonimmigrant categories;
• refer applicants to secondary inspection if there are questions or indications of problems that require a more detailed examination or a more detailed inquiry to determine status;
• conduct an in-depth interview and search of the individual and his or her personal belongings to decide whether to detain the person based on ineligibility and/or fraudulent documentation;
• examine selected applications for various immigration privileges and benefits to include:
• visa petitions;
• extensions of temporary stay in the United States; and
• re-entry permits;
• enroll frequent travelers in facilitation initiatives such as dedicated commuter lanes;
• perform secondary inspection functions for applicants who are found not immediately admissible through primary inspection;
• perform inspection functions away from the office such as issuing entry documents or conducting off-site inspections at a satellite airport, seaport or district office;
• establish liaison with other immigration offices to exchange information; e.g., calling a consular office in Haiti to verify documentation supports purpose of travel, student visa, or tourist visa; and
• use immigration databases and automation systems and specialized technical equipment to detect fraud or falsification of documents.

Level 1-6:  Customs Inspector, GS-1890

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• civil and criminal laws governing passenger processing;
• laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for cargo processing;
• operational procedures for the Automated Commercial System (ACS) Cargo Selectivity Module and Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS); and
• laws and regulations governing compliance of bonded warehouses, container stations, and foreign trade zones (FTZs)

Sufficient to:

• inspect travelers, conveyances, accompanying baggage, and other articles to quickly identify subjects that may warrant additional inspection and to facilitate processing for legitimate international travelers;
• take appropriate action concerning situations that may provide evidence of smuggling, fraud, terrorism, or other violations;
• inspect, classify, appraise, assess and/or collect duties/taxes on baggage and articles imported;
• search and detain or arrest suspected violators and others officially sought by authorities;
• inspect and search private vehicles, aircraft, and boats for contraband and other hidden articles;
• seize vehicles when warranted;
• initiate penalties for goods not declared or falsely declared and make or recommend on-site mitigation;
• prepare informal entries covering commercial importations up to allowable values;
• retain goods not supported by permits/licenses in bonded premises for further processing;
• classify and determine value of goods, release free and dutiable goods, seize contraband or prohibited articles, and report apparent violations;
• enter information on examined goods in an automated database for either non-discrepant or discrepant violations;
• examine various types of shipping containers to assure they are marked and labeled correctly;
• examine/inspect articles being imported to verify that cargo complies with regulations, is correctly invoiced, can be entered into the commerce of the U.S., and includes proper documents, such as
• import/export documents, air waybills, ocean/truck bills of lading, dock receipts, and delivery instructions;
• letters of credit, special Customs and commercial invoices, certificates of origin; and
• foreign export permits or re-export certificates, packing lists, and licenses;
• ensure proper placement of cargo for expeditious weighing, gauging, measuring, or sampling;
• seal and/or re-seal containers and oversee delivery of goods to bonded carriers;
• analyze cargo to determine extent of examination required using automated systems, such as Automated Commercial System (ACS) Cargo Selectivity Module and Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS);
• determine whether cargo/mail/baggage requires more intensive examination and advise examining officer of the type examination required;
• conduct on-site inspections, review accounts and records of transactions, ensure all merchandise is entered, manipulated, or removed properly;
• conduct cargo security surveys and other checks to maintain physical and procedural security of FTZs, container stations, and other locations where merchandise is stored;
• physically examine outbound shipments of merchandise, persons, and conveyances to ensure compliance with outbound regulations;
• utilize enforcement tools to detect cargo, violations of currency or U.S. export laws, licensable commodities, weapons of mass destruction, embargoed countries, precursor chemicals, and sensitive technology; and
• report all apparent violations of law, shortages, pilferage, or damages, and report disposition of goods.

Level 1-6:  Title at Agency Discretion, GS-1801

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing surveillance sufficient to:

• anticipate the subject's movements or behavior;
• perform discreet identification and undetected tracking of subjects in varied situations, locations, and terrain;
• hand off subjects to other team members, teams, or jurisdictions;
• pursue subjects using various means of transportation and methods of observation (e.g., visual, audio, video, or photographic); and/or
• respond to changing surveillance conditions (e.g., securing transportation when the subject's mode of movement suddenly changes).

Level 1-6:  Mine Safety and Health Inspector, GS-1822

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, regulations, and guidelines governing inspection of mining operations, processes, systems, methods, and commonly used equipment sufficient to:

• inspect less complex mining and milling operations often with a more experienced employee;
• identify hazardous conditions and work practices;
• clarify questions on Federal mine safety and health laws and regulations for mine operators, workers, and manufacturers; and
• participate in investigations of accidents and complaints by collecting information from records and interviewing workers.

Level 1-6:  Agricultural Compliance Examiner, GS-1850

Knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• Federal laws, regulations and practices governing the storing and trade of agricultural commodities;
• mathematics such as geometry;
• accounting principles;
• warehouse management practices; and
• official U.S. commodity standards;

Sufficient to:

• conduct subsequent or special examination of storage facilities that have no past difficulties or irregularities;
• determine minor discrepancies, adverse conditions, or inadvertent violations;
• discuss findings with the warehouse manager and recommend necessary corrective action;
• determine substantial violations, discrepancies, or adverse conditions and report them directly to the supervisor;
• negotiate and persuade warehouse owners to take corrective action that is required;
• analyze warehouse bookkeeping accounts and ledgers;
• compute warehouse capacity and measure stocks in store;
• communicate orally and in writing to explain findings and prepare clear, concise, and supportable reports to both supervisors and to the warehouse workers inspected; and
• assist higher grade examiners in original or modification examinations of warehouses to determine eligibility and suitability for licensing.

Level 1-6:  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Inspector, GS-1854

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, Federal laws and regulations governing the:

• production, distribution, and use of alcohol products derived from alcohol and tobacco;
• steps in the production of alcohol and tobacco products;
• manufacturing of and commerce in firearms, ammunition, and explosives;
• judicial processes, laws of evidence, and the interrelationship between Federal and State laws;
• collection of delinquent accounts using legal means such as liens, levies, seizures, and sales; and
• business financial audit procedures

Sufficient to:

• interview owners, employees, representatives, and/or third parties connected with the business to gather information and confirm facts;
• determine if persons entering businesses in regulated industries meet established legal requirements through:
• interviews;
• review of records to determine sources of funds invested in the business;
• inspection of buildings and equipment to determine whether they meet legal requirements; and
• conduct of background inquiries to determine the suitability of the applicant;
• conduct periodic inspections of the facilities in regulated industries;
• conduct inventory of regulated commodities and verify accounts based on records of receipt and dispositions of the product;
• determine whether firearms and explosives are properly accounted for and explosive products are safely stored;
• examine formulas, production records, and finished products;
• trace transactions through business accounts and recognize discrepancies or irregularities in records, reports, or operations at establishments to determine whether:
• operations comply with laws and regulations through an audit of the business's records;
• tax liabilities have been correctly established;
• products are correctly identified and taxes are properly paid;
• record-keeping systems are reliable;
• all recorded transactions involving excise taxes are reflected in the tax returns;
• merit of claims for refund or credit of excise taxes is sufficient;
• amount of taxes being collected is correct;
• product is properly identified;
• product is being diverted; and
• a threat to the public exists; and
• analyze data, weigh alternatives, and reach decisions that involve interpreting facts in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Level 1-6:  Import Specialist, GS-1889

Knowledge of, and skill in applying, administrative and legal guidelines and operational criteria sufficient to:

• interpret laws and guidelines with respect to particular imported products;
• determine the intensity of review to be given to various kinds of importations;
• develop new information and coordinate factfinding by geographically dispersed import specialists; and
• develop new lines of reasoning to support tariff classification of novel imports.