Compliance Investigator (Recent Graduate)
About This Position
These positions are located within the Compliance and Investigations Division (CID) of the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA). If you are a current student projected to graduate within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement, you are encouraged to apply. Proof of graduation is required prior to appointment.
Qualifications
To be eligible for an appointment under the Recent Graduates Program you must meet the following requirements: A.
You must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate, bachelors, masters, doctorate, professional, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution such as an accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum.
Note: Certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that's part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum. If you are a current student projected to graduate within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement, you are encouraged to apply. Proof of graduation is required prior to appointment.
B. Veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty; however, eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree or certificate was obtained. The date of release or discharge from active duty should be later than the date the degree or certificate was obtained.
In addition to the meeting the above eligibility requirements for a Recent Graduate appointment, you must also meet the following experience and/or education qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify at the GS-05 grade level: You must possess 3 years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, that demonstrates the ability to: Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions. Plan and organize work. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Your specialized experience must be clearly and thoroughly described in your resume in order to be creditable.
OR
Completion of 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: You must have an appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.
Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours may be used to qualify. To qualify at the GS-07 grade level: You must possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05. Specialized experience includes three or more of the following: Providing assistance to higher level staff in researching and applying laws and regulations to identify discrepancies.
Assisting in the examining of financial data and records to compile data and draw conclusions. Assisting in conducting fact-finding interviews to gather information. Researching and gathering information for preparation of portions of investigative reports.
Drafting correspondence for final review and signature. Preparing comprehensive, well-documented, sign-off quality reports.
Your specialized experience must be clearly and thoroughly described in your resume in order to be creditable.
OR
Successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) after completing a bachelors degree. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
- Class standing.
Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
- Grade-point average (G.P.A.).
Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
Note: Grade-point averages will be rounded to one decimal place.
- Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies . Agencies considering eligibility based on any society not included in the following list must ensure that the honor society meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: You must have an appropriate combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.
Only graduate education beyond a bachelors degree may be used to qualify. To qualify at the GS-09 grade level: You must possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07. Specialized experience includes four or more of the following: Reviewing, analyzing and interpreting laws to assure compliance with regulations.
Performing regulatory compliance work. Conducting simple investigations of the violation of laws. Conducting audits/reviews of financial records to identify discrepancies (e.g., labor union, banking records).
Providing advice and guidance to the public on regulatory requirements. Preparing comprehensive, well-documented, sign-off quality reports.
Your specialized experience must be clearly and thoroughly described in your resume in order to be creditable.
OR
Successful completion of a masters degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.B.
OR
J.D., if related.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: You must have an appropriate combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.
Only graduate education in excess of one full year (18 semester hours) may be used to qualify. 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.
Major Duties
CID investigates violations of food safety, food defense, and other consumer protection statutory requirements; controls unsafe or violative products; and develops cases through surveillance and investigation.
The Pathways Recent Graduate program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service.
This is a Pathways Recent Graduate developmental position. Management may select at the GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 level leading to a GS-12 full performance if converted to a permanent position.
The duties described below are at the full performance level (GS-12). Incumbents will serve in a developmental capacity, wherein the work is less complex in nature, and the supervisor provides specific instruction and guidance.
At the GS-12 grade level, incumbent will serve as a Compliance Investigator with responsibility for assignments across the full range of the standard work of the division. Duties will include, but are not limited to:
Detect, plan, and develop criminal, biosecurity, and illness outbreak investigations, and other enforcement activities involving surveillance activities, collection and analysis of records, etc.
Coordinate with District Offices and other Agency components on responses to violations related to criminal investigations, bio-security threats, foodborne illness outbreaks, and other activities.
Participate with the supervisor in the formulation of local policies, procedures, and programs, including the establishment of long-range goals and priorities for program activities within the area.
Plan or conduct investigations in cases of alleged or apparent violations of the laws administered by FSIS.
Education
Because education is being used to meet the requirements for the Pathways Recent Graduate program and to potentially qualify, you must submit a copy of all relevant college transcripts. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: You MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts which show the following: Your Field of Study School Name Student's Name Current GPA or Academic Standing Past and Current Course Work Degree Program Major/Concentration An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official college transcript will be required prior to entering on duty.
If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service.
For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. Drug Testing: This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. Confidential Financial Disclosure Report: If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter.
Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.
If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.
You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education and training you described in your application package.
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume and education support the answers provided to the job-specific questions and Recent Graduate program requirements.
Your resume and education must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.
You will also be assessed on the following competencies: Attention to Detail Influencing/Negotiating Technical Competence Planning and Evaluating Reading Comprehension Reasoning Customer Service Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Applicants who meet basic eligibility criteria will be referred in an unranked list in the following manner: preference eligibles FIRST, followed, SECOND, by non-preference eligibles.
NOTE: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process.
To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right. To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12918870
Additional Information
If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from federal service. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at: CHCO Council. Please click Veterans Policy for further information about veteran specific hiring options.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Selectees may be eligible for Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA). If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management.
However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Recent Graduates may be terminated for reasons related to misconduct, poor performance, or suitability. Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year.
Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements and meet all eligibility requirements for conversion as outlined in 5 CFR 362.305 may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent appointment in the competitive service under 5 CFR 315.713(b) at the agency's discretion. Program requirements include: Be a U.S. citizen. Successfully completed all the requirements of the USDA Recent Graduates Program.
Complete 40 hours of formal interactive training.
Complete 40 hours of mandatory AgLearn Training. Demonstrated successful job performance consistent with the applicable performance appraisal program established under the agency's approved performance appraisal system that results in a rating of record (or summary rating) of at least Fully Successful or equivalent and a recommendation for conversion by the first-level supervisor; and Met the OPM qualification standard for the competitive service position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted. General Inspection Investigation Enforcement and Compliance Series 1801.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
Resumes must not exceed two pages. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email.
The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link.
Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments.
You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents.
Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages.
Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this. Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to HR: 1-833-840-9220.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted.
Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. *Applications will not be considered without this documentation * Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.
Your application may be disqualified if you include any of the information listed here: What should I leave out of my resume? Unofficial Transcript: A copy of your most recent transcripts which show your field of study, school name, student's name, current GPA or academic standing, past and current course work, degree program, and major/concentration. Official transcript(s) will be required, if applicant is selected for a position.
Please submit all relevant college transcripts. Veterans if claiming preference: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and type of discharge. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference.
Current active duty members must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.
For more information regarding Veterans click here.