GS-1811

Criminal Investigator

Performs criminal investigation work including investigation of alleged violations of federal laws.

📊Administrative📈GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14📁1800

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Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1811

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions

Individual Occupational Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, forensics, or related field

Experience: Experience in criminal investigation, law enforcement, or related investigative work.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to pass medical examination and meet physical fitness requirements
Must be able to carry firearms
Subject to random drug testing

Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):

This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.

Grade	Education	Experience	Combined
GS-5	Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university	3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4	Equivalent combinations qualifying
GS-7	1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5	Combinations of graduate education and experience
GS-9	2 years graduate education or master's degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience
GS-11	3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience
GS-12+	Not applicable	1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade	N/A

Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):

Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
Election to membership in national scholastic honor society

Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

🎖️Tips for Veterans

✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.

🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk

Military jobs that transition to GS-1811

Marine Corps5821

★★★★★Match

Criminal Investigator CID Agent

Direct translation to federal criminal investigator positions.

Skills:

criminal investigationevidence collectioninterviewingcase management

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12GS-13

Air Force7S0X1

★★★★★Match

Special Investigations

Criminal Investigator series. Direct path to OIG, FBI, DCIS, ICE-HSI.

Skills:

Criminal InvestigationInterviewingEvidence CollectionCounterintelligence

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12GS-13

Marine Corps0211

★★★★★Match

CI/HUMINT Specialist

Criminal investigator roles value interview and investigation skills.

Skills:

investigationinterviewinganalysisreporting

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12

Marine Corps0372

★★★★★Match

Critical Skills Operator

Criminal investigator roles value SOF skills.

Skills:

investigationtactical operationsanalysisleadership

Entry Grades:

GS-11GS-12GS-13

Army35L

★★★★★Match

Counterintelligence Agent

Counterintelligence is NOT criminal investigation. GS-1811 requires federal law enforcement training (FLETC) and typically a 4-year degree. CI skills are tangentially related. GS-1810 General Investigation is more realistic.

Skills:

Criminal InvestigationInterviewsEvidence CollectionSurveillance

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12GS-13

💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.

📋Typical Duties

•Investigate federal crimes and violations
•Conduct surveillance operations
•Execute search and arrest warrants
•Interview suspects and witnesses
•Gather and preserve evidence
•Prepare cases for prosecution

🎯Key Competencies

Criminal Investigation

Expertise in conducting criminal investigations.

Case Development

Ability to build cases for prosecution.

Interviewing

Skill in interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.

Evidence Handling

Knowledge of evidence collection and chain of custody.

Legal Knowledge

Understanding of criminal law and procedures.

Firearms Proficiency

Skill in use of assigned firearms.

Report Writing

Ability to prepare detailed case reports.

Collaboration

Skill in working with other agencies and prosecutors.

🔑Resume Keywords

Conduct surveillance operationsCriminal InvestigatorExecute search and arrest warrantsGather and preserve evidenceInterview suspects and witnessesInvestigate federal crimes and violationsPrepare cases for prosecution

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems find your qualifications.