Forensic Document Examiner

Summary View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in McLean, Virginia. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Responsibilities As a Forensic Document Examiner, you will perform the following duties: Provide expert quality forensic and scientific services; Exhibit a mastery of the management and examination of the most complex and difficult analyses of questioned documents; Utilize a full range of scientific methodologies and forensic techniques to analyze questioned documents; and Serve as a nationally recognized subject matter expert in the forensic examination of travel and identification documents. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications below, you must also possess one of the following to satisfy the Individual Occupational Requirement for the GS-1397 job series: Possess a degree in physical and biological sciences, graphic arts, police science, criminology, or law. OR Possess specialized experience performing duties such as examination and comparison of handwriting, printing, typewriting, and other mechanical impressions in order to make determinations of identity or genuineness; analysis of inks, papers, and other recording instruments and materials by chemical, microscopic, and other methods in order to develop information useful in determinations of genuineness, integrity, security, origin, validity of date, or for restoration of mutilated or obliterated matter; specialized document photography and preparation of photographic exhibits to be used for court demonstration purposes, or supervision of such work. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Preparing, communicating, and reporting examination results and conclusions and illustrative exhibits for court use; Serving as the case manager to plan, coordinate, and implement forensic document examination activities; and Complying with all laboratory policies and procedures Certification Requirement: To be qualified for this position, you must possess a Professional Certification by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, or possess a current professionally recognized equivalent certification. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the National Capital Region. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Education To be qualified for this position, you must possess a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university and have no less than 5 years experience preforming duties as they pertain to the analyses of documents. Additional Information This position is at the full performance level. E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.