Federal

Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal)

U.S. Marshals Service ยท Department of Justice
๐Ÿ“ Lexington, Kentucky GL-9 $54,485 - $70,307/yr
Posted: Apr 17, 2026 Deadline: Apr 22, 2026 (Closes in 5 days days left)

About This Position

A Deputy U.S. Marshal is responsible for assisting in and performing criminal investigations to apprehend wanted Federal fugitives, participating in joint task forces which are composed of a variety of law enforcement personnel, and developing facts and evidence by utilizing a wide range of investigative techniques. The incumbent also provides for the protection of judicial officials, government officials and witnesses.

Note: Please read the entire announcement carefully before applying

Qualifications

Special Retirement Provisions for Law Enforcement/Maximum Entry Age: The Deputy U.S. Marshal is a Primary/Rigorous position covered by the retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336{c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412{d). Persons making their first entry into a law enforcement position under these authorities must be between the ages of 21 and 36 years of age.

The date immediately preceding an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum entry age for original appointment to a position as a law enforcement officer or firefighter position as defined in title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20)(21) or in 5 U.S.C. 8401(14)(17). This age restriction does not apply to those who have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement or firefighter position, or to qualified Veterans' preference eligibles regardless of whether they meet the maximum age requirements identified at 5 U.S.C. 3307, unless the hiring agency has determined age is essential to the duties of the job. All applications will be screened for date of birth at the time of initial application.

This position requires you to carry a firearm and is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess any firearm or ammunition.

A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term 'convicted' as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. GL-09: To qualify at this grade level, you must meet ONE of the following: Specialized Experience: You must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of responsible law enforcement experience equivalent to at least the GS/GL-07 grade level that required the exercise of tact, courtesy, and the ability to deal effectively with associates, subordinates, the public, and prisoners.

Your resume must reflect that you are performing three out of the six duties listed below. This specialized experience must be gained in a full time certified law enforcement officer position(s) which includes: Independently execute and enforce the civil and/or criminal process; Plan the execution of warrants of arrest; Plan and carry out investigations; Execute warrants of arrest; Lead security assignments for court proceedings in criminal and/or civil trials; or Coordinate the transporting of detainees, arrestees, and/or prisoners. Education: You must have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all requirements for a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B.

OR

J.D. Education must be related to law enforcement. Related fields include Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Intelligence Studies, or Law. This list is not all inclusive. -OR- Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by

  1. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by
  2. Add the two percentages. When citing your education and/or experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your education and/or experience. If your transcripts and/or resume do not support your application questionnaire answers, you may not receive credit for your response(s).

Major Duties

As a Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal) at the GL-1811-9 level, some of your typical work assignments may include: Independently enforcing a variety of civil and criminal process cases. Assisting in planning and executing warrants of arrest.

Testifying in court proceedings on routine cases and issues. Performing court security assignments for arraignments, hearings, and criminal and civil trials. Provides personal protection inside the courtroom or Federal building for court officials and guards sequestered juries.

Participating in protective assignments for high-ranking United States Government officials, judicial officers, members of the United Nations General Assembly, foreign dignitaries, and others as assigned. This announcement is for Region

6.

Applicants will be able to select five main district location preferences within this region; however, due to the needs of the U.S. Marshal Service, applicants may be placed anywhere within Region 6 district offices. This may also include placement at a district sub-office location. The next steps after completion of the application are as follows: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the on-line assessment are scheduled for a pre-employment fitness screening at one of our locations across the country.

Applicants will get one chance to pass the fitness screening, based on the minimum standards for the applicant's age and gender. Applicants who pass the fitness screening are scheduled for a structured interview at one of our locations across the country. Receive a tentative offer of employment. Applicants who pass the structured interview may receive a tentative offer of employment.

Complete the pre-employment pre-requisites which include a background investigation, medical screening, and drug test. Receive a final employment offer. Applicants who pass all pre-employment requirements may receive a final employment offer.

Conditions of Employment

Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Must undergo pre-employment medical screening and meet the medical requirements. Must undergo pre-employment physical fitness testing and receive a passing score immediately prior to attending training.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screening. Must pass an initial Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at the time of appointment. Must be willing to provide sworn statements and testimony in court.

Must be willing to carry a handgun. Must complete an initial online application questionnaire and additional assessment(s). Must agree to be mobile throughout the locations in the USMS. Must remain if your first duty station for a minimum of three years.

Must sign a memorandum of understanding which outlines employment conditions for the position, including a mobility agreement and a first duty assignment requirement. Must successfully complete a basic training program. Must undergo periodic or as needed medical examination and continue to meet the medical requirements for the position.

Must complete a bi-annual fitness test.

This position is a Testing Designation Position (TDP) and subject to random drug testing. Must successfully pass periodic background reinvestigations. Must qualify twice a year in the use of multiple firearms and carry a handgun. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Successful completion of a trial period is required. Must meet all qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If you are a current student and using education to qualify, you must be within 9 months of completing the education described under Qualifications and your transcript must show that you are currently enrolled. Include your anticipated completion date (month/year) in your resume. Education must be complete and verified before you can be appointed.

You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated unofficial transcripts are acceptable. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Transcripts: You may submit unofficial transcripts as part of the application process. If you are selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts to receive a final offer of employment. A transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record and includes:- Your full name.- The name of the college, university, or other educational institution.- Your major and degree.- The date your degree was awarded/conferred.- Your cumulative grade point average (GPA).- Any honors you received.- The dates you attended the school.- A list of the courses you took, to include the total number of credits completed.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.

You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. When citing your education and/or experience, be clear and specific. We cannot make assumptions about your education and/or experience. If your transcripts and/or resume do not support your application questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessment battery required for this position.

You must demonstrate in a pre-employment interview that you possess the personal characteristics necessary for successful performance in a Deputy U.S. Marshal position. The application process involves 5 separate evaluations: Application Questionnaire USA Hire Assessment Minimum Qualifications Review Fitness Assessment Structured Interview To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

In addition to the application and application questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies: Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork You will be evaluated and selected under category rating procedures. Category Rating Scores: Best Qualified: 95 Highly Qualified: 85 Qualified: 70 Applicants who successfully meet the qualifications, may be eligible for a tentative offer of employment, contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings which include background investigation, medical exam, drug screening, and physical fitness testing. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.

Additional Information

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx). Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

You must submit a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM ET on the announcement closing date.

Note: Applicants should use a personal email that they will continue to have access to instead of an educational institution, business or Uniformed Services email. The application process is as follows: 1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.3.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to be considered. To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit My Application.

This option will no longer be available once the announcement is closed. Updated resumes will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account.

Your applications will appear on the Welcome page. Navigate to the job application and click Track this application to view your application status. The link will take you to the hiring agency application system, which has the most up-to-date status of your application. There you can review any notifications sent to you related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means click here.

Click the following link to preview the application https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12935111

Required Documents

Your complete Application Package must be received no later than 11:59 PM ET on 04/22/2026. To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. A two-page resume that outlines relevant work experience and associated start and end dates.

Your Resume showing complete information for each job entry: company or agency name, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year), total hours worked per week, position title, duties performed, and, if the position is/was Federal, pay plan-series-grade level.

Resumes must be two pages. . Other Supporting Documents, if applicable: SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action, if you have prior Federal service in a covered primary law enforcement or firefighter position, you must submit a copy of your SF 50 or equivalent document that shows the tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step, AND the retirement code to reflect service in a position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement.

Your SF-50 must show your position title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted; recommended SF-50s include promotions and step increases (within grade increases). Transcripts: if qualifying based on education.

If you do not submit transcripts, as outlined in the Education section, we will not use your education when determining if you are qualified for the position. SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, (if applicable): SF-15 Veterans' Documentation: if you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD FORM 214 (MEMBER -4 copy) or other official document or statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions. If claiming preference and/or eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must also submit an official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or branch of the Armed forces, certifying service-connected disability; AND the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.

For more information about Veterans' preference concerning Age Requirements click here Active-Duty Service Members expecting to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days may be granted tentative preference and/or special hiring authority for veterans' eligibility by submitting a "certification" document in lieu of a DD-214. This "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of the submission of the certification. For more information on veterans' preference and special hiring authorities for veterans click here.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) Certified Law Enforcement Certificate (if applicable). Any other Supporting Documentation required for verification as described in the announcement. To protect your privacy and personal information, do not submit documentation that is not requested of you.

Do not include the following types of information in your resume and/or supporting documents: Social Security Number (SSN); Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.; Photos of yourself; Classified or government sensitive information; Encrypted and digitally signed documents. For more information on writing your Federal resume and applying to Federal positions, visit the Partnership for Public Service Go Government website. Failure to submit a resume and/or supporting documentation will result in elimination from further consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal) position at U.S. Marshals Service?
The salary range for this position is $54,485 - $70,307/yr. This is a GL-9 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Criminal Investigator (Deputy U.S. Marshal) job located?
This position is located in Lexington, Kentucky. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Special Retirement Provisions for Law Enforcement/Maximum Entry Age: The Deputy U.S. Marshal is a Primary/Rigorous position covered by the retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336{c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412{d). Persons making their first entry into a law enforcement position under these authorities must be between the ages of 21 and 36 years of age. The...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 22, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GL-9 mean?
GL-9 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.