Job Opening : 55346
Open to ALL U.S. Citizens
Opening Date: June 4, 2024
Closing Date: June 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm (EST)
Questions regarding this opening should be directed to cljenkins@fbi.gov or smmccullough@fbi.gov
Job Summary
Position: Legal Instruments Examiner, GS 5/6/7
Division: Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS)
Section: National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
Unit: NICS Operations
Location: Clarksburg, WV
Working Hours:
We currently have a variety of day, mid, and night shifts, with hours starting as early as 6:00 a.m. and ending as late as 1:30 a.m. Shifts are 8 or 10 hours long with a ½ hour non-paid lunch. Shifts are filled by seniority and performance, and all shifts work at least one weekend day. Newer employees typically start on a mid or night shift. Also, shifts periodically change to ensure the needs of the Bureau are met.
When the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section experiences an extremely high volume of firearm background checks, the Legal Instruments Examiners are sometimes required to work a set number of mandatory overtime hours. Management attempts to provide as much notice as possible when overtime will be mandated.
The firearm industry is considered a retail business. As such, expect to work Black Friday and Christmas Eve. Leave restrictions are set in place during the holiday shopping season and during the Valentine's Day/tax season. All Legal Instruments Examiners are considered essential employees. This means you could be expected to work holidays and weekends. Additionally, as an essential employee, you should also be prepared to travel to work even during inclement weather.
Salary:
GS-5 $39,576.00 - $51,446.00
GS-6 $44,117.00 - $57,354.00
GS-7 $49,025.00 - $63,733.00
Full Performance level: GS-9
Number of Positions Available: Multiple
Duration: Full Time/Permanent
Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• This position is designated as "emergency". As an "emergency" employee, you may be expected to report to work during periods of adverse weather conditions or other types of emergency situations when it is announced that an "unscheduled leave policy" is in effect or that federal agencies are closed in your immediate vicinity.
• Because this position involves conducting background checks for individuals wanting to purchase firearms, to avoid any actual or even an appearance of a conflict of interest, employees and contractors in this position are not permitted to hold a current Federal Firearms License (FFL) or otherwise be employed by an FFL. Any newly hired employee, or a contractor, holding an FFL or otherwise employed by an FFL, would be required to relinquish that FFL or employment if offered this position. If someone in the employee's (or contractor's) immediate family holds or is otherwise associated with an FFL, an assessment would need to be conducted to determine if a conflict of interest exists.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the FBI is to protect the American People and uphold the Constitution of the United States.
Major Duties:

• Serves as an examiner in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Operations Center. Reviews and analyzes criminal records and documents and determines within three days, as established by the Brady Act, if there are prohibiting factors that prevent potential gun buyers from purchasing firearms.
• Receives telephonic inquiries and performs a name only search in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Interstate Identification Index (III), and the NICS Index.
• Reviews descriptive data on the potential gun buyer provided by the Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) and compares it to possible hits.
• If the search is negative and there is no criminal record, advises FFL that the sale may proceed. If a hit or potential hit occurs, it may be necessary to ask for additional descriptive information. Incumbents review the criminal records and determine whether the name and information match the subject (potential gun buyer).
• Verifies the FFL number and password, remaining constantly alert of possible attempts by unauthorized persons to gain access to the NICS by pretext.
• Ensures adherence to security regulations so that at no time will criminal history information be made available to the FFL.
• Receives, reviews and analyzes those cases which require limited research for a determination to be made. May require review of several records. Reviews the record to determine if charge is a felony or misdemeanor, which may require research of state and federal law. If there is not a disposition, must contact the state bureau and/or court, provide information and request the final disposition. If a hit is against a manual record, must review the record and request or ensure it is automated.
• Reviews the record, documents and information; determines if a prohibiting factor exists; and advises the FFL of decision made.

Qualifications and Evaluations
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Most Competitive, Competitive, or Least Competitive. Names of candidates in the Most Competitive category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Veterans' preference will be applied.
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

• Analytic Thinking
• Communication
• Customer Service
• Problem Solving/Judgment
• Technology Application

Specialized Experience (SE):
Please make sure your SE/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume.
A copy of your resume providing all relevant work experience MUST be submitted in PDF format by the closing date of this job announcement.
GS 5: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 4 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Orally gathered and conveyed information, using tact to gain cooperation.
• Performed research and analyzed information to reach conclusions.
• Performed work under stress on short deadlines and/or difficult individuals.

GS 6: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 5 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Orally gathered and conveyed information, using tact to gain cooperation.
• Summarized data in writing.
• Performed research to develop information.
• Analyzing information to reach conclusions.
• Performed work under stress on short deadlines and/or difficult individuals.

GS 7: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 6 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Orally communicated to exchange information with cooperative and hostile individuals.
• Prepared written documents to support findings.
• Performed additional research to further develop information.
• Evaluated information to make decisions.
• Maintained composure when dealing with diverse personalities and/or stressful situations.

Education:
GS-5: Education may be substituted for SE at this grade level.
Applicant must have four (4) years of education above the high school level.
GS-6: Education may be substituted for SE at this grade level.
Applicant must have a bachelor's degree.
GS-7: Education may be substituted for SE as follows:
Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one (1) full year of graduate level education. Superior academic achievement is the completion of all the requirements of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average of 3.0 or higher as recorded on an official transcript, or as based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum, or (3) honor society membership.
All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. A copy of your transcripts MUST be attached to your application.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements provided you can show foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.
How to Apply

For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply . If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
Required Documents
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:

1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
2. A complete assessment questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents ( if applicable ):

• College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
• Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50; not applicable to current FBI employees
• Memorandum for Record (MFR), Please see Additional Information
• Most recent Performance Appraisal; not applicable to current FBI employees
• Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF-15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later

Documents that were uploaded one or more years ago will need to be uploaded again. Although an applicant may see these documents within their current profile, the HR Specialists may not have access to view them. All applicants are being asked to upload another copy (if applicable) to ensure the staffing units can review the complete application.
You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online is a hardship, please contact the HR Specialist listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
Additional Information

• Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols. Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
• The FBI is in the Executive Branch of the federal government. It is one of the components of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The FBI is the principle investigative arm of the DOJ. All FBI positions are in the excepted service.
• As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for Federal employment; as determined by a background investigation.
• Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. You application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
• Management may select any grade for which this position has been announced.
• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
• If you are hired, you will be required to serve a two-year probationary period. Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary Employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
• Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):

a. Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
b. The month/year work began
c. Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
d. Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application in the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type "Other."
Veterans' Preference
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume and application. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
Nepotism
Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process, and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative's appointment or promotion.
During the hiring process, all selected candidates and FBI hiring managers will be required to certify they are not related to anyone involved in the hiring process.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either e-mail at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODA@fbi.gov , telephone at 202-324-2158, or FAX at 202-324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.
This e-mail address is only for reasonable accommodation requests. Please do not submit your application and/or any questions unrelated to reasonable accommodations. Should any applications be received, they will not be forwarded for consideration during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.
Benefits
The FBI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp

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