Investigator jobs in Costa Mesa, CA

ICE is hiring for law enforcement jobs that have an exciting opportunity! Once onboarded and if in the DC local area, you may be assigned for up to one year to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The law enforcement component of the D.C. Task Force is a partnership of over 20 federal and local agencies working together to make D.C. the safest city in America. Once the assignment ends, you'll transition back to support ICE. Visit the D.C. Task Force page for more information. Summary ICE is hiring for law enforcement jobs that have an exciting opportunity! Once onboarded and if in the DC local area, you may be assigned for up to one year to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The law enforcement component of the D.C. Task Force is a partnership of over 20 federal and local agencies working together to make D.C. the safest city in America. Once the assignment ends, you'll transition back to support ICE. Visit the D.C. Task Force page for more information. Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 11/06/2025 to 12/31/2025 Salary $105,383 to - $171,268 per year Pay scale & grade GS 13 Locations Many vacancies in the following locations: Phoenix, AZ Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Show morefewer locations (25) Denver, CO Washington, DC Miami, FL Tampa, FL Atlanta, GA Honolulu, HI Chicago, IL Kansas City, KS New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Baltimore, MD Detroit, MI Saint Paul, MN Charlotte, NC Newark, NJ Buffalo, NY New York, NY Philadelphia, PA San Juan, PR Nashville, TN Dallas, TX El Paso, TX Houston, TX San Antonio, TX Seattle, WA Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Term - 1 Year Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive Promotion potential 13 Job family (Series) * 1811 Criminal Investigation Supervisory status No Security clearance Top Secret Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk Trust determination process * Suitability/Fitness Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No Announcement number HSI-12830647-RHA Control number 849707200 This job is open to Help Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants. Special authorities Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path. Clarification from the agency Retirees under Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) who are eligible for re-employment as a Federal Annuitant AND previously worked as an 1811 for any Federal Government Agency and Federal CTAP, ICTAP and RPL eligibles. Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement. Duties Help As a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent), you will perform duties such as: * Serve as a Special Agent for interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations; * Conduct investigations of unusual difficulty and responsibility associated with trade, travel, finance, and immigration for combatting illicit activities associated with individuals, businesses, employers, criminal organizations or criminal conspiracies, and cyber systems and networks; * Utilize a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities; * Apply knowledge of the trends, laws, and investigative case development, independently or in coordination with other law enforcement officers (LEOs) or agencies to accomplish work; * Prepare written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations; * May lead teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; make assignments and provide guidance and coordination to team members; and * May instruct special agents in the appropriate use of Firearms and application of Defensive Tactics. Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages. Are you ready to return to mission? Resume your impactful and thrilling career as a Criminal Investigator with HSI at ICE! Rejoin an elite team dedicated to defending the U.S. by tackling complex criminal threats and securing our nation's safety. This role offers up to $50,000 in signing and retention bonuses, a Dual Compensation Waiver, and a streamlined onboarding process. If you're ready to serve with pride once again, apply and reclaim your vital role in preserving homeland security! You have the opportunity to identify one location preference Special Agent in Charge (SAC) office area of responsibility. Note that multiple duty locations fall within the area of responsibility (AOR) of each SAC office. Please view the duty locations within each SAC AOR here. Your location preferences are NOT guaranteed. The duty locations offered will be based on the needs of the agency. If you decline the duty locations offered during the official job offer, you will be removed from further consideration. Note: Selectees for the Glynco, GA, Huntsville AL and Charleston, SC locations may be assigned as Firearms and Defensive Tactics instructors. Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies based on the needs of the Agency. View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations in multiple locations. This is a term position not-to-exceed 1 year (may be extended based on the needs of the Agency). Recruitment and retention incentives available to eligible candidates require a service agreement. Requirements Help Conditions of employment * You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. * You must successfully pass a background investigation. * You must successfully pass a drug screen. * Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service. * Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. * Time in Grade: Time in grade restrictions must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of service equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position to be filled * Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment. * This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)). * Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying. * Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations. * Travel: You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice. * Medical Requirements: You may be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. * You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station. * You may be required to testify at court. Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment. Qualifications Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) Approved for Rehires: This announcement is being used to recruit CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis with a waiver of salary offset (if a dual compensation waiver is requested) under certain specified circumstances not to exceed 6/30/2028 excluding annuitants with early voluntary and buyout retirements. Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are eligible for: * Full annuity and full Federal salary * Annual and sick leave (not applicable for an intermittent work schedule) * Full-time work schedules * Receive overtime (on a full schedule). Overtime hours are counted towards maximum hour limitations * Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) - additional compensation of 25% of the base salary added to locality pay * New hires under this authority will be offered a non-status, term appointment in the competitive service not-to-exceed 1 year (may be extended based on the needs of the Agency). Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are NOT eligible for: * Additional retirement coverage (other than Social Security coverage). * TSP Contributions. Reemployed annuitants may only receive one appointment per job series. To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements: Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing the following duties/duties such as: * Conducting a broad range of investigations of a very high order of difficulty and responsibility, and exercising specialized expertise in programmatic areas such as narcotics, money laundering, financial crimes, human trafficking, fraud, international trade, network intrusion response, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, counterproliferation or general criminal investigations; * Reviewing files and performing complex federal, state, and local law enforcement-related database queries, using law enforcement sensitive and classified databases; * Maintaining, developing, and enhancing inter-agency partnerships, and connections with other governmental and private sector entities; * Planning and implementing strategies for the collection and analysis of information to support long-term criminal investigations; * Conducting interviews and interrogations using advanced techniques with a wide variety of individuals (e.g., suspects, witnesses, sources, and/or victims) to gather information; * Preparing reports, using expert knowledge, in support of general criminal actions; * Leading immigration-related law enforcement actions or investigations (e.g., worksite cases, visa overstays, immigration fraud investigations, administrative immigration enforcement). Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. 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 critical 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 experience. Current or Former Political Appointees: 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. Education Medical Requirement: You may be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment. Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons. Additional information To support operational needs, applicant lists will be generated every two weeks or earlier and offers of employment may be extended prior to the close of the announcement. These are non-bargaining unit positions. This position is at the full performance level. E-Verify: 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. Suitability: 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. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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. Polygraph: ICE has designated this position for polygraph testing, which you may be required to complete. If referred for polygraph testing, you may be required to travel to a testing location. Expand Hide additional information 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 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 window Learn more about federal benefits. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis. Upon entering on duty, LEAP will be paid to reemployed annuitants. Benefits: 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. 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 You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job: * Conscientiousness * Decision Making and Judgment * Interpersonal Skills * Manages Human Resources * Managing and Organizing Information * Teamwork Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. Benefits 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 window Learn more about federal benefits. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime. You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek. You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis. Upon entering on duty, LEAP will be paid to reemployed annuitants. Benefits: 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. 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. Required documents Required Documents Help * Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the two-Page Resume Limit). * 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 and beginning and ending dates of appointment. * Please provide a copy of your retirement SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement. * You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. 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.