Intelligence Research Specialist

Summary

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This position is located in Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, HQFDNS Front Office, Intelligence Division.

As an

Intelligence Research Specialist, you will represent the organization on committees and working groups; participate in developing and drafting policies, procedures, and guidelines; analyze and evaluate large volumes of intelligence materials.

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

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• The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity.
  
• Produces immigration intelligence for major functional and geographical areas and for the dissemination of intelligence products.
  
• Identifies intelligence information through the analysis of data captured from applications and petitions.
  
• Produces intelligence products that address Key Intelligence Questions for the administration of the lawful immigration process.
  
• Produces raw intelligence reporting.
  
• Analyzes complex data captured from applications, petitions, and information obtained from a variety of sources.
  

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position
  
• Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure
  
• You must pass a drug screening
  
• You must submit resume and supporting documentation
  
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
  
• Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding
  
• USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program
  

This position

IS NOT considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.

THIS IS NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT (COVERED) POSITION.

Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.

Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.

Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle. You must possess a current valid driver's license.
Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/08/2025.

Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.

Selective Placement Factor: Have you completed one or more of the following formal, accredited United States Government Intelligence Community training programs for All-Source Intelligence, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), Imagery intelligence (IMINT), or Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)? Your resume must specify the title of the course completed and the related intelligence discipline. You must provide documentation (such as a certificate, transcript, or DD-214) to validate your response. Failure to provide this information will result in an ineligible rating.

A list of U.S. Intelligence Community organizations can be found at: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/what-we-do/members-of-the-ic

This experience must be documented in your resume. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

• Prepare intelligence related reports;
  
• Produce intelligence products related to national security, public safety, and fraud trends that address Key Intelligence Questions (KIQ's);
  
• Support the Request for Information (RFI) program; and
  
• Provide open source monitoring.
  

GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

• Apply established intelligence practices to specific problems, which involve many variables;
  
• Research, evaluate, and analyze large volumes of classified, unclassified, and sensitive intelligence information;
  
• Assess, report, and present significant intelligence studies, analyses, and evaluations which could impact National Security and Intelligence Community Programs and initiatives;
  
• Establish and maintain contacts with law enforcement and intelligence organizations; and
  
• Conduct daily monitoring of current events, conduct research and provide actionable information.
  

Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 08/08/2025

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Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education.

USCIS will only review the first 2 pages of your resume to determine your initial eligibility/qualifications for a position. As such, please be sure to include content to support your eligibility/qualifications for this position within the first 2 pages. Please note that your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

• Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
  
• Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
  
• Employer's name and address
  
• Supervisor name and phone number
  
• Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
  
• Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
  
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  
• Salary
  

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.

Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build criteria competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer service.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at these grade levels.

The

Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) was established within USCIS to strengthen national security and the integrity of the country's legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits and services with the identification of potential threats to national security and/or public safety, the detection and deterrence of fraud, and the use of law enforcement and intelligence information to ensure optimal security for U.S. communities. FDNS systematically identifies updates, and records indicators of fraudulent activities; manages fraud cases; identifies vulnerabilities and other weaknesses that compromise the integrity of the legal immigration system; and coordinates and provides logistical support in law enforcement and national security matters. FDNS is the primary conduit for information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Training: If you have not already done so, you will be required to attend the residential, paid FDNS Officer Basic Training course. Additionally, if you have not already done so, you will be required to attend any FDNS RAIO Division-specific course(s), that relate to this position. In addition, if you have not already done so, you may be required to attend the residential, paid USCIS BASIC Officer training program, lasting six weeks, at a USCIS training facility. All three trainings must be completed successfully 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.

Additional information

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.

If a

SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to our Staffing Helpdesk.

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 the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this position and placed in one of the three categories below based upon information reflected in your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the job specific assessment questionnaires https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776555

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level of education claimed, experience, and/or training. To remain in consideration for this position, please ensure your resume covers this requirement and that your resume has been successfully submitted as part of your on-line application package.

• Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
  
• Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of the evaluation criteria.
  
• Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  

Creation of this package includes completing the on-line assessment(s), uploading your resume, and uploading any required supporting documents. (See the "How To Apply" section of this announcement.)

NOTE: Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. If you rated yourself higher than what is supported by your application material, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

If you are found best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview.

The assessment for this job will measure the following competencies:

• Analytical Skills
  
• Research
  
• Technical Competence
  

Veterans: Qualified Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position is not considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligible:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP or ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ ICTAP, you must be placed in the Well-Qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to complete a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of its selection process, a designated contractor or Agency representative will contact you to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Required Documents

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Resume: You must submit a resume that clearly demonstrates you have experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. USCIS' Human Resources Office will only review the first 2 pages of your resume to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

In order to ensure that you include all necessary information within the first 2 pages of your resume, you are highly encouraged to save and submit your resume as a PDF instead of submitting it through Resume Builder or a word-processing program such as Word or Google Docs.

Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776555, which are submitted through the on-line application process in USAJOBS, DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application.

Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit a copy of your official SF-50* (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document that shows the following information:

• your appointment in the competitive service
  
• tenure
  
• grade and step
  
• full performance level
  

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit:

• a copy of your agency notice,
  
• a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
  

a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50*, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

• Position Title
  
• Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
  
• Agency
  
• Beginning and ending dates of appointment
  
• A General Adjustment, Detail, Any Award (Cash, Time Off, Performance, etc.) or Realignment SF-50 may NOT have the information needed.
  

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application.

Application Limit: This vacancy is limited to the first 300 applications received. All applications received prior to midnight 11:59 PM (ET) of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, all applications received during the open period will be considered. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. If you choose to edit your application after it has been submitted, it will be removed from consideration until you re-submit your application. The date your application is last submitted will be used to determine whether you meet the cut-off criteria.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/08/2025 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

• To begin the application process, click the Apply Online
  

• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  

• Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) 08/08/2025.
  

To update your application, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account (https://secure.login.gov/). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides the Announcement Status and a "You applied on" date. This information does not confirm the agency application status. Use the "Track this Application" link for additional information regarding the agency application status, the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Announcement Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Announcement Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resource Office listed below at least one business day prior to 08/08/2025 for instructions. Applications will not be accepted by mail.

Agency contact information

HROC Staffing Help Desk

Phone

952-697-8380

Email

HROCStaffingHelpDesk@uscis.dhs.gov

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Track this Application." We expect to make a final job offer within 90 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Telework: USCIS provides episodic telework opportunities for eligible employees serving in positions approved to work at an alternate work site in accordance with agency policy. Teleworkers are expected to work during dismissals and closures or request leave. You will be expected to report for work at a USCIS facility based on the needs of the hiring office.

USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy.

Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the closing date of the job opportunity announcement; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.

Conditions of Employment Reminder: If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

08/04/2025 to 08/08/2025

This job will close when we have received

300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Salary

$101,401 to - $156,755 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 12 - 13

Location

21 vacancies in the following location:

Camp Springs, MD

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time - This position may be subject to shift work, shift differential may apply.

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

13

Job family (Series)

• 0132 Intelligence
  

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process

• Credentialing
  
• Suitability/Fitness
  
• National security
  

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

No

Announcement number

12776555-FDSID-DE-25

Control number

842252100