Level 4-3:  Investigator, GS-1810

Nature of Assignment Work consists of the investigation of cases referred by other governmental agencies alleging violation of Federal prescription laws.

What Needs To Be Done The employee analyzes the situation and decides what course of action will secure appropriate factfinding. Possible methods may include:

• obtaining records from a subject through a search warrant; and
• interviewing potential witnesses and other suspects to determine their role and the extent of the crime.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in working with prosecution to prepare case for indictment and subsequent trial.

Level 4-3:  Equal Opportunity Investigator, GS-1860

Nature of Assignment Work consists of performing complete assignments requiring the use of a variety of analytical and factfinding techniques to solve problems or negotiate a settlement. Assignments are typically characterized by:

• facts from a variety of sources;
• some facts to support allegations that are disputed by complainants, respondents, or witnesses;
• standard factfinding techniques; e.g., on-site document reviews and interviews;
• multifaceted cases generally having more than one basis; e.g., race, sex, religion, national origin, age, color; and
• need to analyze an organizations policies or practices.

What Needs To Be Done The employee must decide at each step of the factfinding and resolution process, which of several courses of action is appropriate depending on the facts and issues involved and the organizational level of the resolution.must decide at each step of the factfinding and resolution process, which of several courses of action is appropriate depending on the facts and issues involved and the organizational level of the resolution.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• considering many interrelated facts;
• selecting the most appropriate principles and precedents for making a recommendation, conclusion or decision; and
• applying modified standard analytical techniques to deal with particular situations.

Level 4-3:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Nature of Assignment Work consists of a variety of law enforcement and compliance functions involving:

• criminal aliens; and
• the apprehension of aliens hiding to avoid deportation proceedings.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• interview aliens who are in the custody of other criminal justice agencies;
• conduct on-site inspections of businesses and organizations to review immigration records;
• determine from available records and other sources a person's citizenship or immigration status;
• prepare documents to initiate deportation proceedings; and
• use basic investigative techniques to locate aliens who have absconded.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• choosing among various databases to obtain alien information;
• coordinating with other agencies and individuals to verify the authenticity of documents; or
• determining citizenship or immigration status.

Level 4-3:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Nature of Assignment Work consists of standing post. May conduct a site advance or function as shift agent on a detail of a protectee with a low risk assessment.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• establish a secure perimeter;
• identify evacuation routes; and
• develop contingency plans.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in protection assignments of limited complexity and that involve limited resources.

Level 4-3:  Criminal Investigator, GS-1811

Nature of Assignment Work consists of investigating cases involving multiple subjects using computerized banking systems to commit major financial crimes resulting in substantial losses involving a number of financial institutions.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• establish and maintain contacts with bank security departments and criminal informants;
• recognize patterns of criminal activity; and
• initiate multiple phases of the investigation through the development of new leads.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in cases involving the application of computer technology as an investigative technique and uses initiative and resourcefulness to address:

• coordination with information technology personnel in computer forensic efforts;
• resolution of data access problems associated with court-ordered surveillance of computer or other digital communications;
• coordination with other law enforcement agencies;
• resolving investigative problems dealing with evolving computer technology; and
• coordination with the U.S. Attorney's Office in preparation for prosecution.

Level 4-3:  Customs Patrol Agent, GS-1884

Nature of Assignment Work consists of enforcing complex and constantly changing laws and regulations, court decisions, and other Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives based on incomplete or conflicting intelligence to determine:

• type of illegal activity encountered;
• method of operation of the violator;
• degree of difficulty in establishing facts;
• protection of the individual's civil rights;
• status of aliens for immediate or deferred action;
• information and evidence to apprehend and interrogate; and
• whether to arrest and/or detain suspected smugglers.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment based on considerations such as:

• nature of the illegal activities encountered;
• difficulty in establishing facts; e.g., aliens use different names and addresses when they are arrested;
• on-the-spot decision in remote, hostile, and unusual situations based on available information;
• methods used by lawbreakers;
• the need to protect suspects' civil rights;
• the need to adapt established local and agency operating procedures in response to the requirements of the assignment; and
• new interpretations and different application of statutory authorities and court rulings that alter established operating procedures or challenge the interpretation of statutory authorities conferred by Federal law.

Level 4-3:  Border Patrol Agent, GS-1896

Nature of Assignment Work consists of enforcing complex and constantly changing laws and regulations, court decisions, and other Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives based on incomplete or conflicting intelligence to determine:

• type of illegal activity encountered;
• method of operation of the violator;
• degree of difficulty in establishing facts;
• protection of the individual's civil rights;
• status of aliens for immediate or deferred action;
• information and evidence to apprehend and interrogate; and
• whether to arrest and/or detain suspected smugglers.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment based on considerations such as:

• nature of the illegal activities encountered;
• difficulty in establishing facts; e.g., aliens use different names and addresses when they are arrested;
• on-the-spot decision in remote, hostile, and unusual situations based on available information;
• methods used by lawbreakers;
• the need to protect suspects' civil rights;
• the need to adapt established local and agency operating procedures in response to the requirements of the assignment; and
• new interpretations and different application of statutory authorities and court rulings that alter established operating procedures or challenge the interpretation of statutory authorities conferred by Federal law.

Level 4-3:  Wildlife Inspector, GS-1813

Nature of Assignment Work consists of determining the legality of wildlife shipments through document review and/or physical inspection. The employee verifies compliance with Federal, State, tribal, and international laws by detecting evidence of contraband, smuggling, and fraud.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• enforce compliance with wildlife trade laws;
• identify potential risks to wildlife shipments;
• question travelers regarding baggage declarations;
• examine baggage and cargo for restricted, undeclared, or illegal wildlife in cargo and passenger processing;
• examine all documents for accuracy; and
• determine that shipments meet regulatory compliance.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• checking all accompanying documents;
• verifying the quantity, condition, and identity of wildlife on invoices; and
• determining the legality of wildlife shipments that may be hazardous, politically sensitive, or require immediate action such as live or perishable wildlife.

Level 4-3:  Immigration Inspector, GS-1816

Nature of Assignment Work consists of:

• making immediate decisions on admission;
• referring persons who need more in-depth interviews to secondary processing;
• inspecting all types of entry documents presented by every classification of immigrants, nonimmigrants, and persons desiring to enter the United States; and
• determining if the applicant meets the qualification for the status.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• independently determine whether an applicant for entry to the United States may be admitted without further formality; and
• as necessary, conduct intensive and detailed interrogations which are prompted by applicants who are:
• suspected of alien smuggling;
• making false claims to United States citizenship;
• presenting documents belonging to others;
• presenting altered or counterfeit documents; or
• attempting to enter by other devious means.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• applying immigration and naturalization laws and regulations;
• taking sworn statements from individuals;
• preparing cases for removal or other immigration action;
• adjudicating a variety of immigration benefits and privileges; and
• identifying false claims to citizenship, imposters, and counterfeit or altered documents.

Level 4-3:  Customs Inspector, GS-1890

Nature of Assignment Work consists of:

• verifying compliance with commerce laws by detecting evidence of contraband, smuggling, and fraud; and
• admitting the goods of accompanying persons, cargo, and merchandise.

What Needs To Be Done The employee selects the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• enforce compliance with trade laws;
• identify potential risks in cargo and passenger processing and refer for thorough inspection;
• question travelers regarding baggage declarations and exemptions;
• examine baggage and cargo for restricted, undeclared, or undervalued merchandise;
• check all documents;
• seal containers; and
• release shipments for immediate transportation under bond.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• checking various shipping documents and verifying quantity, condition, and identity of merchandise on invoice;
• examining:
• freight;
• bulk hazardous materials; and
• diplomatic cargo or politically sensitive materials;
• inspecting imported household goods; and
• detecting new smuggling methods and devising innovative ways to circumvent ruse or illegitimate situations.

Level 4-3:  Mine Safety and Health Inspector, GS-1822

Nature of Assignment Work consists of:

• conducting on-site inspections of the equipment, work methods, and processes involved in various aspects of mining and milling of metals, nonmetals, and coal for health and safety hazards; and
• considering differences in environmental considerations and work methods resulting from the minerals/metals and extraction methods.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• conduct routine safety and health inspections of mines, mills, and quarries;
• assist in assessing roof control and ventilation plans in newly opened portions of mines;
• assist in inspections of operations that have unusual or persistent safety or health problems;
• assist in conducting investigations of mine accidents or disasters by collecting air content samples, examining equipment, and reviewing records;
• provide safety talks and lectures on the use of safety equipment for personal protection, survival, and escape;
• prepare written reports of inspections and investigations citing violations; and
• testify at judicial hearings regarding citations and Orders of Withdrawal.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• evaluating conditions, equipment, and facilities involved in various phases of mining and milling operations;
• deciding how to approach each assignment based on the conditions at the particular operation such as the size, location, and accident frequency rate of the mine;
• attempting to resolve issues independently; and
• referring technical problems requiring in-depth research to specialists or engineers.

Level 4-3:  Mine Safety and Health Inspector, GS-1822

Nature of Assignment Work consists of evaluating mine safety and health programs of mine operators for compliance with regulatory requirements and the relation to safety and environmental health conditions in mines.

What Needs To Be Done The employee chooses the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to provide the proper technical assistance to industry officials and mine operators to eliminate or reduce safety and health problems.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• assisting mine operators in developing mine safety and health training programs under Federal provisions and requirements;
• adapting existing training and educational programs to fit the needs of the specific mine.

Level 4-3:  Agricultural Compliance Examiner, GS-1850

Nature of Assignment Work consists of:

• conducting on-site inspections of several different types of businesses, facilities, and commodities;
• determining whether:
• safe handling and storage is provided for the products;
• the warehouse financial position is sound; and
• the operators are competent; and
• providing a visible link between the agriculture business community and the Federal Government.

What Needs To Be Done The employee selects the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• verify that records systems meet Federal requirements and that receipts balance with inventory;
• inspect storage area and equipment, adequacy of firefighting equipment, and housekeeping aspects;
• take physical inventory of product in storage;
• verify insurance is carried by the warehouse worker; and
• verify the accuracy and completeness of the warehouse worker's financial statements, liabilities, and receipts.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• considering many interrelated facts;
• selecting the most appropriate principles and precedents for making recommendations, conclusions or decisions;
• using and modifying standard analytical techniques to deal with particular situations;
• determining which and how many accounts and receipts to audit or persons to interview; and
• deciding when sufficient information has been gathered to substantiate findings.

Level 4-3:  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive Inspector, GS-1854

Nature of Assignment Work consists of reviewing accounting records that are usually clear and have transactions that can be easily traced. Assignments are non-sensitive and do not normally include inspecting establishments suspected of willful violations of laws and/or regulations.

What Needs To Be Done The employee selects the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• conduct inspections of individuals, sole business owners, family type partnerships, or corporations; and
• review applications of persons who usually have no record of abnormal activities and are not connected with controversial issues.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• establishing facts;
• linking facts to elements of proof;
• establishing compliance or non-compliance with legal or regulatory provisions; and
• focusing on one or a few compliance issues relating to a relatively uncomplicated business operation.

Level 4-3:  Import Specialist, GS-1889

Nature of Assignment Work at this level includes independent classification, value, and other import-related determinations on formal entries of importations that:

• are relatively stable in terms of features significant for tariff classification and appraisement;
• involve common use products and physical characteristics;
• involve prices that are relatively stable, or current published price lists are available; and
• involve clear-cut business relationships and dutiable costs.

What Needs To Be Done The employee selects the appropriate course of action from many alternatives to:

• analyze each importation to identify the facts and conditions;
• identify issues that are significant for duty assessment; and
• perform a wide variety of other required actions.

Difficulty and Originality Involved - Exercises judgment in:

• examining and determining what actions to take based on identified and analyzed conditions and elements;
• discerning interrelationships between the facts and the law or regulations such as those between:
• entered classification;
• entered value;
• countries of origin;
• possible quota or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) duty-free eligibility;
• type of commodity and typical costs associated with its importation; and
• the propriety of "transaction value" as a basis of value.