Computer Investigative Forensic Analyst

WHAT IS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION? A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions Position(s) are to be filled in the following area(s): CI - Criminal Investigation, Digital Forensics Consider each location carefully when applying. If you are selected for a location, that location will become your official post of duty. REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Major duties

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position. Serves as a national technical lead and subject matter expert for assigned digital forensic tools, platforms, technologies, and operational capabilities used throughout Criminal Investigation. Provides technical oversight, lifecycle management, strategic planning, governance, and operational direction for forensic software, hardware, evidence processing systems, cloud-enabled capabilities, automation platforms, and investigative technology solutions. Develops national requirements, technical specifications, validation methodologies, testing standards, implementation strategies, and operational guidance for forensic technologies, both internal to IRS-CI's operations and within larger national and international associations and workgroups that advise on policy and best practices. Evaluates commercial, government-developed, and emerging solutions to determine operational suitability, technical performance, investigative value, evidentiary reliability, security implications, and compatibility with existing CI environments. Coordinates nationwide deployment, integration, sustainment, modernization, and operational use of forensic technologies. Develops and maintains technical guidance, standard operating procedures, validation documentation, and best practices to ensure consistent, effective, and legally defensible use of forensic tools throughout CI. Provides technical leadership and recommendations regarding technology investments, modernization initiatives, acquisition planning, capability development, licensing strategies, resource allocation, and future state forensic technology requirements. Monitors operational effectiveness, utilization, capability gaps, and emerging requirements associated with forensic tools and programs and recommends enhancements that strengthen CI's national digital forensic mission.

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume. You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below: Specialized Experience GS-14: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Working with computer forensics principles, network operations, and protocols to plan and carry out assignments and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures in computer forensics. Interacting orally and in writing to provide advice and instruction to industry professionals, local, federal, and state agencies on all aspects of digital forensics. Applying laws, regulations, and investigative methods to the analysis of digital evidence. Utilizing computer and network equipment, forensic software applications, specialized forensic equipment, programming languages, and computer scripting to support investigative actions. Conceiving and identifying innovative new approaches and new concepts, guides, and methodologies to solve unprecedented problems, and then training peers to perform the same procedure. AND You must also meet the following requirements MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum age for federal employment is 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and have: Graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or Completed a formal vocational training program; or Received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing your education. For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. 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 (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions. We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).

Requirements

Probationary Period - All newly appointed employees to the competitive (or excepted) service are subject to a probationary (or trial) period. During this time, your performance, conduct, and suitability for continued employment will be evaluated. You will not automatically convert to permanent status at the end of the probationary (or trial) period. Your supervisor must affirmatively determine that continued employment is in the best interest of the Federal service. If no certification is made before the probationary (or trial) period ends, your appointment will be terminated. You are encouraged to actively engage with your supervisor, seek feedback, and understand role expectations. Additional guidance and support will be provided during onboarding. Government Credit Card - Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel. Security Clearance - Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance/SCI Drug Test - Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. A negative result is required. Key Eligibility Requirements: U.S Citizenship - Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. Selective Service Registration - Males born after December 31, 1959 are required to be registered with the Selective Service System or prove they are exempt from having to do so. Personal Identity Verification (PIV) - Must provide 2 forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS SHOWN IN QUALIFICATIONS OR ADDTIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS