Posted October 17, 2026

Criminal Investigator


Phoenix, AZOnsiteFull Time

Compensation: $78,117 to $101,558 Annually


This Criminal Investigator position is with Veterans Health Administration (Department of Veterans Affairs) in Phoenix, AZ. This position is located at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System in Phoenix, AZ, working in a unique VA environment where the continual existence and level of serious crimes are on par with crimes such as homicide, involve an extensive supply chain fraud network, large scale drug diversion, prostitution rings requiring surveillance, and/or sophisticated multi-state schemes to steal from or harm VA property, Veterans, or personnel visiting or working at a VA property. Key duties: • The single focus of the Senior Criminal Investigator is the investigation of suspected major offenses against Veterans Affairs (VA) patients, visitors and staff and U.S. government property and assets and the potential prosecution of criminals. The Senior Criminal Investigator reports to the Chief of Police. Major duties and responsibilities include: Performs criminal and non-criminal investigative duties with emphasis on white-collar crime Plans and conducts investigations of alleged violation of Title 18, United States Code, including fraud, bribery, larceny, embezzlement, collusion, conflict of interest, as well as the violations of Title 18 which involve VA/VHA employees Evaluates complaints and information to determine investigative merit Gathers, analyzes, and reports on complex financial, observational, and other information to establish its evidentiary value and sufficiency Obtains evidence, explains constitutional rights, performs search and seizures, and makes arrests Prepares and reviews reports, makes recommendations, and prepares cases for prosecution Collects enough evidence to support a court case against a criminal and explains to juries the significance of evidence as it relates to proof that a crime was committed Coordinates and conducts joint investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of criminal laws with other federal and state agencies such as the FBI, US Marshalls, etc. Perform other related duties as assigned. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 07:00AM to 03:30PM but tours may vary depending on the needs of the Service to include rotating days, nights, weekends and/or holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Criminal Investigator/PD14875A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license. Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9). Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/06/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of a Criminal Investigator, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience includes investigating serious crimes and complex misdemeanors; utilizing an extensive array of standardized, optional, and innovative investigation procedures, techniques and methods to detect, investigate, and resolve crimes and other activities that are beyond the scope or requirements for solutions associated with standard patrol assignments; acting as liaison officer and facilitating the investigations of other Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel involved in the investigation and disposition of major crimes; collecting and using forensic evidence to solve crimes and support court cases against criminals; analyzing, evaluating, and advising on law enforcement delivery systems and operations, as well as assessing the productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of the activities and operations; and, coordinating and/or participate in a taskforce or other team to conduct highly complex, difficult and sensitive criminal, civil and administrative investigations involving alleged misconduct, criminal activity and/or corruption. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. ~OR~ Education: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three (3) full years of progressively high-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field that is directly related to this position being filled (such as criminal law, criminal justice, etc.).This education must include courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Education must have been obtained in an accredited college, or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond a master's degree) and specialized experience as described above to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.
Expires November 16, 2026

Share this Job

Location

Map of Phoenix, AZ

Browse by Category

Jobs by City