Job: Intelligence Research Specialist

Jobing Description

Intelligence Research Specialist
JOB SUMMARY:

Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resilience to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the second largest investigative agency in the Federal government. Created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE now has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and 47 foreign countries around the world. ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting our nation. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities go to http://www.ice.gov/

NOTE : It is important that applicants provide a valid email address and thoroughly read all correspondence.

Who May Apply: Current U.S. Department of Homeland Security , Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI employees (as well as current ICE HSI employees serving under a VRA appointment) with competitive status.

Organizational Location : This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Tipline Unit, Williston, VT.

* The ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) directorate is a critical asset in the ICE mission, responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within and out of the United States.
* HSI investigates immigration crime, human rights violations and human smuggling, smuggling of narcotics, weapons and other types of contraband, financial crimes, cybercrime and export enforcement issues. HSI special agents conduct investigations aimed at protecting critical infrastructure industries that are vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation.
* In addition to criminal investigations, HSI oversees the agency's international affairs operations and intelligence functions. HSI consists of more than 10,000 employees, consisting of 6,700 special agents, who are assigned to more than 200 cities throughout the U.S. and 47 countries around the world.
* HSI conducts criminal investigations against terrorist and other criminal organizations who threaten national security. HSI combats worldwide criminal enterprises who seek to exploit America's legitimate trade, travel and financial systems and enforces America's customs and immigration laws at and beyond our nation's borders.

Relocation Expenses : Relocation expenses will not be paid.

THIS IS A NON-BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.

Note : One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

Note : The HSI Tipline Unit is a 24/7 & 365 days facility. Shift work, Holidays and Overtime required.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
* U.S. Citizenship
* Ability to pass Background Investigation and Drug Screen for Fed employment
* Relevant experience (see Qualifications and Evaluations Tab)
* Complete application package (see How to Apply Tab)

DUTIES:

As an Intelligence Research Specialist you will perform the following duties:

* Utilize a wide variety of research sources.
* Serve as a direct liaison to develop an intelligence base of information from which to draw inferences and summaries.
* Prepare reports, assessments, materials for publications, statistical summaries and other material concerning program operations.
* Provide forecasts of the level and types of activities that impact the law enforcement communities.
* Provide briefings to law enforcement and intelligence officials on techniques and procedures involved in research and analysis activities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience performing duties such as:

* provide assistance to senior specialists in the collection of intelligence information to identify trends/patterns/profiles/estimates/studies;

*
review of data/research/analysis to develop and produce intelligence products;

*
assist in the implementation of intelligence collection plans by carrying out specified portions or segments of specific projects;

*
process/evaluate volumes of intelligence information from a variety of sources;

*
identify/recommend solutions to analytical problems

*
disseminate intelligence products using prescribed methods.

You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience performing duties such as:

*
process/evaluate intelligence information and identify/recommend solutions to a wide range of analytical problems;

*
analyze intelligence data from a variety of sources to develop trends/patterns/profiles/estimates/studies;

*
prepare preliminary/finished intelligence products and disseminate the products to the appropriate officials;

*
participate in liaison activities;

*
ensure that intelligence data is properly classified/stored/handled in accordance with pertinent directives.

You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience performing duties such as:

*
apply (and modify, if necessary) established intelligence practices to specific problems which involve variables;

*
prepare intelligence reports/collection manuals/instructions to field collectors;

* evaluate incoming reports/information;
*
make agreements/commitments at meetings and conferences in accordance with previously received instructions;

* perform liaison functions with other organizations, including effectively presenting the organization's needs and establishing harmonious working relations with counterparts

You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience performing duties such as:

reviewing/processing/evaluating intelligence information from a variety of sources using creative methodologies to develop trends/patterns/profiles/estimates/studies, and tactical interdiction information as well as to solve unusual problems

developing intelligence collection plans, including the most complex/difficult assignments; collecting intelligence to support specific long range planning/programs/activities

selecting the proper methods of dissemination for intelligence products, disseminating intelligence products, researching/analyzing information to develop and publish intelligence products

participating in/leading inter-agency committees/making agreements/commitments in accordance with received instructions.

With education:

You must meet one of the following qualifications to qualify for a GS-09 position:

You may substitute a Master s degree or two (2) full years of graduate education in a qualifying field or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree for the experience required at the GS-09 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. (A course of study in the natural or social sciences, engineering, or military science is qualifying.) Check with your school or university to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.

You must meet one of the following qualifications to qualify for a GS-11 position:

You may substitute successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree for the experience required at the GS-11 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills needed to do the work. A course of study in the natural or social sciences, engineering, or military science is qualifying. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Security Clearance: This position requires a security clearance. If selected for this position, you should be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance. If selected for a position with a duty location of Washington, D.C., you will be required to obtain a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), which requires that both you and members of your immediate family be U.S. citizens.

Drug Screening: All non-DHS selectees for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Travel: You will be required to travel occasionally. Overtime and Shift Work: Regular, and recurring, overtime and shift work is required. You must be available for such assignments.

Training: You will be required to attend the Basic Intelligence Threat and Analysis Course (BITAC), which is located in Virginia. The five-week course is designed for Department of Homeland Security intelligence analysts, providing them with an introduction to the department's intelligence operations and the structure and activities of the other U.S. intelligence agencies. This technical training must be successfully completed as well as agency specific intelligence training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA., according to the standards of the agency. Failure to do so will be grounds for mandatory removal from the position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures.

Proof of Education: If basing your qualifications on education, you must submit TRANSCRIPTS or list of college courses, with credit hours, major(s) and grade point average or class ranking. (Prior to appointment, an official college transcript may be required.) This education must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire. The questions are related to the following fundamental competencies (or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) needed to perform the duties of this job: Knowledge of Federal laws, regulations, precedent decisions, policies, and procedures; skill in the use of investigative and detection techniques and procedures from automated databases; ability to analyze and evaluate intelligence information; ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100. Those applicants who score the highest will be referred to the hiring manager and may be called for an interview.

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 www.dhs.gov/careers and select "benefits."

OTHER INFORMATION:

Promotion Potential : When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.