Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attache')

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Open: April 21, 2026 — Closes: May 4, 2026

Summary

These overseas assignments are within the R9-Chief, Office of Law Enforcement. A Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attaché) builds and strengthens partnerships at international and interagency levels by forming, participating in, and supporting multinational and multi-agency teams engaged in high-impact enforcement efforts. These efforts advance U.S. interests and support global and regional wildlife enforcement networks and other conservation-focused entities.

Major Duties

This is an overseas time-limited assignment. The initial tour of duty is three (3) years, as designated by the Department of State. This assignment may be extended in one (1)-year increments without further competition; however, the total duration may not exceed five (5) years. The assignment may be extended or terminated at any time based on the needs of the agency. Upon completion of the assignment, the selectee will be returned to the United States to their previous position or to a similar position, as determined by the needs of the agency.

The Criminal Investigator (Senior Special Agent/International Attaché) leads complex international investigations enforcing Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and other U.S. wildlife laws while building partnerships with foreign governments, U.S. agencies, and global organizations. The role analyzes intelligence, directs multi-agency teams, and provides training and outreach while representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) in high-impact global enforcement efforts.

Major duties include: Leads and coordinates extremely complex, high-risk international criminal investigations involving CITES and other wildlife protection laws, integrating intelligence, specialized technology, and multi-agency resources. Serves as the primary U.S. FWS liaison to foreign governments, U.S. embassy/consulate agencies, and international enforcement partners to resolve jurisdictional challenges and advance cooperative investigative efforts. Designs, develops, and delivers specialized law enforcement training to international investigators, and prepares guidance materials for new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements. Conducts outreach and compliance education with government officials, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and enforcement networks to prevent wildlife trafficking and strengthen international cooperation. Provides expert advice to leadership on investigative trends, emerging threats, and strategic enforcement priorities, helping shape international wildlife law enforcement policies and practices.

Physical Demands: The work involves significant physical effort, including extended periods of standing and walking over rough or uneven terrain, as well as repeated bending, lifting, and similar activities. Duties require a high degree of agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a foreign country where living and working conditions may be inadequate, and political or economic instability may pose safety risks. Duties occur in both office and outdoor settings and may involve exposure to adverse weather, noisy or dusty environments, and moderate hazards, including during surveillance activities using aircraft, boats, or motorized vehicles.

Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft. Due to the unpredictable and mission-critical nature of law‑enforcement operations, the incumbent may be required to work irregular or extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work may be performed at a primary duty station or across multiple locations in support of operational requirements.

Criminal Investigators in this position are covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). To maintain eligibility for LEAP, the incumbent must perform an annual average of two (2) hours of unscheduled duty per day, and LEAP is paid at a rate of 25 percent of the employee's annual base pay. Overseas pay adjustments will be applied, in accordance with authorized allowances, only after the employee reports for duty at the position's designated overseas duty location. Allowances and differentials for an overseas location (e.g., Post Allowance, Living Quarters Allowance, Post Differential, etc.) can be reviewed on the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) website: