Intelligence Research Specialist

Summary

This position is located in Multiple CGIC Field Offices and Multiple Field Divisions involved in performing work in the collection, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and dissemination of information on conditions, trends, and forces in foreign and domestic areas that directly or indirectly affect the national security.

Duties

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The major duties of the Intelligence Research Specialist position at the GS-9, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of operational intelligence functions that facilitate the investigations conducted by case agents and performs a variety of routine tasks on a recurring basis under the direction and guidance of senior IRSs or special agents on comparatively moderate-complex cases or high-impact operational intelligence initiatives
• Assists senior IRSs in liaison services and the debriefing of sources, individual(s) arrested, and/or detainees to exploit the intelligence information for analysis.
• Works with counterparts from other intelligence organizations in securing and validating information, checking judgments and conclusions, and resolving mutual and individual problems.
• Participates in portions of or contributes to larger studies and statistical compilations or preparation of intelligence publications.
• Assists in the preparation of collection instructions, guides, and manuals for ATF entities and interaction with outside entities to facilitate their initiatives.
  
  

The major duties of the Intelligence Research Specialist position at the GS-11, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of intelligence analysis tasks within an assigned geographic or functional area by collecting and evaluating raw intelligence data from internal and external sources. Assists higher-graded specialists in interpreting data to identify trends or patterns.
• Produces routine link, visual, and toll-record analyses to support criminal investigations. Contributes to the development of analytical products that aid operational decision-making.
• Drafts descriptive and current intelligence reports and prepares segments of briefings for special agents and senior intelligence personnel. Communicates findings clearly, focusing on factual accuracy and the identification of obvious intelligence gaps.
• Participates in liaison activities with internal components and external partners. Supports task forces and working groups by providing requested data and preliminary findings.
• Utilizes computerized intelligence databases to store and retrieve information. Reviews incoming data for completeness and generates standard statistical and relational reports for field and headquarters use.
  
  

The major duties of the Intelligence Research Specialist position at the GS-12, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs complex all-source intelligence analysis within an assigned geographic or functional area by collecting, evaluating, validating, and interpreting raw intelligence data from multiple internal and external sources. Produces link, visual, crime-mapping, and toll-record analyses to support criminal investigations and operational decision-making.
• Prepares descriptive, current, and operational intelligence reports, analytical products, and oral briefings for special agents, supervisors, senior intelligence personnel, and partner agencies. Communicates findings clearly and professionally, identifying trends, patterns, discrepancies, and intelligence gaps relevant to investigative and national security priorities.
• Serves as a liaison with internal ATF components and external federal, state, local, and international partners. Participates in task forces, working groups, and crisis or special-event operations.
• Develops, maintains, and utilizes computerized intelligence databases to store, retrieve, and analyze intelligence information. Reviews incoming data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards, and generates statistical, relational, and analytical reports for field divisions and Headquarters programs.
• Ensures all intelligence activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, executive orders, and ATF policies, including classified information handling requirements.
  
  

These duties are reflective of the promotion potential of this position. The specific duties of the position will be similar yet developmental, based on the grade at which selected.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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

Key Requirements

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
  
  

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. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-9/11/12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7/9/11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of

GS-9 -You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:

• Has an understanding of standard work procedures independently, exercising judgment in adapting basic intelligence techniques to a specific situation and in evaluating validity and pertinence of data and reports; AND
• Completes most assignments without assistance, but detailed advice and assistance are available from the supervisor and senior-level IRS; AND
• Has knowledge of intelligence-gathering techniques, operations, and activities in order to compile useful data to support the field divisions investigative operations; AND
• Understanding of automated information systems in order to review incoming intelligence data and enter it into intelligence databases
  
  

Duties

GS-11 -You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:

• Performing a variety of analytical tasks in support of law enforcement or intelligence operations, specifically involving the collection and preliminary evaluation of information from multiple sources; AND
• Assisting in the conduct of all-source intelligence analysis by identifying trends and patterns within datasets to support criminal investigations; AND
• Drafting intelligence products, such as segments of reports or operational briefings, for review by senior specialists or investigators; andapplying a working knowledge of automated intelligence systems to retrieve, organize, and present data; AND
• Collaborating with investigators and analysts to provide data that supports established investigative goals; AND
• Demonstrating adherence to laws, regulations, and procedures regarding the handling and dissemination of sensitive or classified information.
  
  

GS-12-You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing all of the following duties:

• Performing analytical work in support of law enforcement or intelligence operations involving the collection, evaluation, validation, and analysis of information from multiple sources; AND
• Experience includes conducting all-source intelligence analysis; preparing written analytical products and briefings; AND
• Assessing the reliability and relevance of intelligence information; AND
• Maintaining and using automated intelligence or data systems; AND
• Coordinating with investigators, analysts, or partner agencies to support ongoing investigations; AND
• Experience must demonstrate knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and procedures governing intelligence activities, information handling, and dissemination.
  
  

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (05/29/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
  
  

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation:ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

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.

Help

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.