NOTES:

One or more vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.

This position is located at the Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operational Support Division, Office of Forensic Sciences, in the Digital Evidence Laboratory, Lorton, Virginia.

This position is being advertised concurrently under merit promotion procedures as vacancy announcement DEA-DELAB-05-0702-MP. Status eligible candidates who wish to be considered under both merit promotion and competitive procedures must apply under this vacancy announcement as well as vacancy announcement number DEA-DELAB-05-0702-MP.

DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

Preserves, identifies, extracts, and/or documents potential evidence from computer systems and data storage media.

Uses information technology such as computer databases to perform case-related research and investigation involving the authenticity of documents.

Presents and interprets forensic evidence for judges, courts of law, or other triers of fact.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:(The KSAs below may not apply at all grades)

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Knowledge of computer languages, utilities, machines, and access methods.

Ability to plan and execute work.

Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques of digital evidence (computer forensics) examinations.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to perform as an expert witness.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 09: Qualifying experience for the GS-9 level includes one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.



Specialized experience for positions at the GS-9 level includes experience that demonstrates knowledge of computer requirements and techniques in carrying out project assignments consisting of several related tasks, such as typically is the case in development of minor modifications to parts of a system on the basis of detailed specifications provided. The assignments must have shown completion of the following, or the equivalent:

-analysis of the interrelationships of pertinent components of the system;

-planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment;

-personal responsibility for at least a segment of the overall project.



OR



EDUCATION: Completion of two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's or equivalent degree, such as an LL.B. or J.D., at a college or university that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Education must have included major study in computer science, information science, information systems management, mathematics, statistics, operations research, or engineering; or course work that required the development or adaptation of computer programs and systems and provided knowledge equivalent to a major in the computer field.



COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet the total qualification requirements.

Grade 11: Qualifying experience for the GS-11 level includes one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.



Specialized experience for positions at the GS-11 level includes experience that demonstrates accomplishment of computer project assignments that required a range of knowledge of computer requirements and techniques. Accomplishments normally involve the following, or the equivalent:

- knowledge of the customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to an assigned computer applications area or computer specialty area in an organization;

-planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls; and

-adaptation of guidelines or precedents to the needs of the assignment.



OR



EDUCATION: Three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education in an accredited college or university, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must have included major study in computer science, information science, information systems management, mathematics, statistics, operations research, or engineering; or course work that required the development or adaptation of computer programs and systems and provided knowledge equivalent to a major in the computer field.



COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet the total qualification requirements.

 

Grade 12: Qualifying experience for the GS-12 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. Examples of specialized experience include experience analyzing a number of alternative approaches when advising management concerning major aspects of IT system design. The experience demonstrates accomplishment of computer project assignments requiring knowledge of computer requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled.

Grade 13: Qualifying experience for the GS-13 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. Examples of specialized experience include experience analyzing a number of alternative approaches when advising management concerning major aspects of IT system design. The experience demonstrates accomplishment of computer project assignments requiring knowledge of computer requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

Drug testing is required for this position. All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire when applying for this position. This questionnaire is part of the on-line application process and must be completed before the application can be certified and submitted. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of the other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.

The primary method of applying for this vacancy is online via the Internet at www.avuedigitalservices.com/dea/applicant.html. If you do not have access to the Internet you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment commission, or a commercial establishment that provides Internet access to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you may call the contact phone number listed on this announcement to obtain a copy of the vacancy announcement, applicant qualification form (Form No. F-16488-AVUE), and instructions for completing the form. No other form of application will be accepted.

Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

BASIS OF RATING: You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you report relative to this position which show the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed on this vacancy announcement.

If you are using education to qualify for this position, you must submit proof of successful completion of the education; i.e., a transcript from an accredited U.S. business or technical school, junior college, or university, or proof that foreign education has been deemed creditable in accordance with the provisions listed under Foreign Education on the vacancy announcement. Failure to submit the required proof of education will result in you being deemed not qualified for the position.

Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to 253-573-9869, or mailed to the following address: Drug Enforcement Administration, c/o Avue Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be identified with applicant's name and vacancy announcement number.

Applicants who apply online will automatically receive email acknowledgement of receipt of their application.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is an equal opportunity employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, handicapping condition, age, sex, sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

The Drug Enforcement Administration provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

BENEFITS: A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holiday; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation, flexible work schedule, training and development opportunities, family/worklife program, etc.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation.

As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. You will need to submit a Standard Form (SF) 15 and proof of your claim.



If you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, or you are applying for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act or Veterans' Recruitment Appointment Authority, attach a copy of your DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or other proof of eligibility. If you are applying for consideration under the 30% or more Disabled Veteran Authority, you must attach a SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

This appointment requires completion of a one-year probationary period. During this time period, employee's conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.