Law Enforcement Officer
Forest Service - Department of Agriculture
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GL 5- Applicants must have three years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as the majority of the following: participating in investigative tasks in military service, law enforcement, patrol, inspection and detection work, or a related field; analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; planning and organizing work; communicating effectively orally and in writing. OR Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree. OR Appropriate combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GL 7- Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as the majority of the following: conducting patrols and responding to emergency and/or incident calls; assisting with the collection of evidence; assisting in interviewing of witnesses and/or suspects; researching and examining records and documents; preparing reports detailing the facts in accordance with the laws and regulation. OR One full year of graduate level education. OR An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience. OR Superior Academic Achievement (go to this site to determine if you are eligible: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp).The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For the GL 9- Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as the majority of the following: assisting in conducting portions of investigations in a developmental capacity or as an assistant; investigating a limited range and variety of criminal and general investigative leads; assisting attorneys by completing support tasks to include testifying at hearings, scheduling interviews with potential witnesses and respondents, or collecting data pursuant to case allegations; independently researching or preparing case reports delineating findings from investigative, inspection, or compliance review activities. OR Master’s 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., if related. OR An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level).The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. 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.Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying. Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB): Applicants are required to pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) prior to entering law enforcement positions. The duties of this position require arduous physical exertion involving walking, running, lifting, standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. The Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) is a fitness test consisting of 1) bench press – measures the upper body strength for one repetition; 2) Illinois agility run – measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; and 3) 1.5-mile run – measures cardio/respiratory fitness. Prior to appointment, applicants will be tested in the above components, the agility run, bench press and 1.5-mile run will be measured for a passing score in the 25th percentile (age and gender adjusted) of these components. These procedures will ensure that law enforcement officers are capable of performing strenuous physical training and law enforcement duties. Applicants shall be disqualified for appointment if they fail to meet any physical requirements. MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE LIMIT: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement [or firefighter, if applicable] experience or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in the loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. APPLICATIONS WILL EXPIRE EVERY 90 DAYS. IN ORDER TO REMAIN IN CONSIDERATION, APPLICANTS MUST RESUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS. These positions are located with Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations US Wide. Incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, and conducting patrols to prevent, detect and enforce violations of Federal laws and regulations on National Forest System lands. See additional information section for additional information.