Digital Forensic Specialist (Computer and Media Exploitation)

Duties

This position is located in the Office of Field Operations, Special Operations Division, Digital Forensic Branch in Sterling, VA.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Digital Forensic Specialist (DFS) and is an expert in conducting digital device forensics acquisitions, processing and analytics support activities relating to ATF criminal enforcement operations.

As a Digital Forensic Specialist (Computer and Media Exploitation), GS-1801-13, your typical work assignments may include:

• Functions as a digital forensic expert, coordinator and advisor. Collects, processes, preserves, analyzes, presents and archives digital evidence including data retrieval, password recovery, and finding deleted and or hidden information; executes verification tests of forensic software and hardware, and methods to independently validate functionality; generates reports of findings to use in the prosecution of offenses; testifies in court.
• Conducts forensics processes, acquisitions, extractions and examinations of digital evidence; creates forensics images. Creates working copies of evidence for case agents; maintains evidentiary chain of custody and property and property controls; sterilizes storage media; extracts mobile device data; conducts examinations of computer images and mobile device extractions; assists with analytics of all sources of digital evidence; document findings, develops conclusions, produces reports; testifies in court cases as a fact or expert witness.
• Assists with DFB property inventory management and logistical duties to include shipping and receiving of evidence; document findings, develops conclusions, produces reports; testifies in court cases as a fact or expert witness.
• Installs, images, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains hardware and software used in forensic digital device examination processes. Operates, modifies, and adapts a variety of computer hardware and software systems and equipment to conduct forensic examinations. Analyzes, evaluates, and recognizes new directions and modifications. Develops new processes to successfully complete a wide variety of complex and frequently unique forensic examinations. Maintains the highest level of competency utilizing complex electronic equipment and computers to support ATF criminal investigations in processing and recovering digital evidence.
• Occasionally provides advice, assistance, and instruction to special agents and other law enforcement personnel. Prepares, maintains, and safeguards all file documentation, reports and materials.
• Attends and receives briefings on the objectives of specific investigations, available intelligence on the identified suspects and evidence collection requirements for the activity, which must be documented. At briefings, provides options and recommendations pertaining to forensic digital evidence collection and support. Reviews affidavits and court orders before conducting forensic examinations to ensure legal authority and appropriateness of techniques utilized. Monitors all legislative and judicial actions that impact ATF digital forensic operations, including court decisions, legislative initiatives and conflicting State statutes.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test
• Must successfully complete a background security investigation
• Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF’s mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

  If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, you may be eligible to use leave under the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015. This act grants leave for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for a disability instead of using regular sick. For additional information see: Disabled Veteran Leave

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  • Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional)
  • Veterans' preference documentation, if applicable.
  • CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable.
  • An unofficial college transcript (Note: If you’re selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day.)
  • It is your responsibility to ensure all documents are received on time and the materials are readable. If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, please contact us at the telephone number listed on this announcement. Applicants MUST CONTACT US PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Paper applications submitted without prior approval from the agency point of contact may be handled as incomplete. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If your contact information changes after the closing date of this vacancy announcement, update your profile information in MYUSAJOBS as well as contact the Human Resources Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement to ensure you can be contacted throughout the selection process.

  
  

  
  Prior to selection, the candidate may be required to provide an original copy of any supporting/validating documentation as well as other documentation to verify eligibility. All required materials must be uploaded using the supporting documentation instructions described in the announcement.

  Failure to provide the required documentation by the closing date of this announcement will result in elimination of further consideration for this position.

• How to Apply

  This job is filled through a 3-step on-line application process.
  
  STEP ONE - (Online Resume - USAJOBS) You must create a user account and at least one Federal resume at USAJOBS. Information you provide in USAJOBS is general information completed by all applicants. The information you provide and your Federal resume will become part of your application and will automatically be transferred to ATF’s Seeker when you apply online. If you have an existing USAJOBS account, simply login and select the resume you wish to include with your application package for this announcement.
  
  STEP TWO - (Vacancy Specific Questions USAJobs) In USAJobs, you will answer vacancy specific questions necessary to evaluate your qualifications for the job to which you are applying. When completed, the information you provided at USAJOBS and the answers to the USAJob questions will become your application package.
  
  STEP THREE - (Supporting Documentation) You may upload supporting documentation in one of two ways:
  
  (l) Once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement, you will be prompted to upload your document(s) to your application package. You will be given the choice to either upload the document as part of the application process, or you can select a document that you've already loaded on USAJOBS, or simply fax supporting documentation, which will provide you the necessary cover sheets for each of your documents so that they will be correctly submitted to the appropriate vacancy announcement. The fax number will be available on the cover sheet.
  
  (2) You can upload a document to an existing application by logging into your USAJOBS account profile. Click on "My Applications" and search for the vacancy. Once you have located the vacancy, click on the vacancy and select "Apply Online". Move through your existing application to the Documents page and select "Upload" in order to add a document to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation that the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g. DD-214) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

  Agency contact information

  Carroll Moak

  Phone

  202-648-8801

  Fax

  202-648-9642

  Email

  RecruitSystemAdmin@atf.gov

  Address

  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
  Human Resources Operations Division
  99 New York Ave NW
  Room 2.S-127
  Washington, District of Columbia 20226
  United States

  Next steps

  After the vacancy closes, the Human Resources Office will use the application package to automatically rate, rank and certify candidates. You can check the status of your application anytime by accessing the USAJOBS online application system at http://www.usajobs.gov. You will need to provide your USAJOBS User ID and Password to access the Track your Online Job Application feature. You may also click on the link provided to access additional information on USAJobs. All applicants will be notified at four (4) stages in the hiring process:
  
  (1) upon receipt of your application;
  
  (2) after your qualifications have been assessed;
  
  (3) whether or not you've been referred to the Selecting Official; and
  
  (4) whether or not you've been selected for the position. The hiring manager makes a selection from among applicants in the Gold category. If your name is sent to the hiring manager, you may be invited for an interview.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens.