Criminal Investigator
About this role
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General is hiring a Criminal Investigator in Washington, DC, at GS grade 12 or 13. The role supports the mission to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in DOT programs and operations. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, prepare case reports, and work with prosecutors and other agencies. The application period runs October 28 to November 11, 2026, and the announcement closes after 150 applications or on November 11, whichever comes first — so early application matters.
We added this government jobs opening on October 29, 2026 after reviewing the employer's posting. The role is based on site in Washington, DC, so it suits candidates within commuting distance. The advertised pay for the position is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by the employer. Read the sections below before applying — they break down what the job involves day to day, who it suits, and how the application process works.
Job snapshot
| Employer | U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General |
|---|---|
| Job title | Criminal Investigator |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | $99,000 – $153,000/yr |
| Posted | October 29, 2026 |
| Listing source | U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General (LinkedIn) |
What you will do day to day
Based on the employer's posting, a typical week in this position at U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General would centre on the following duties:
- Investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in DOT programs and operations
- Gather and preserve evidence to investigative standards
- Interview witnesses, subjects, and agency personnel
- Prepare clear, detailed investigative reports
- Coordinate with prosecutors and partner law enforcement agencies
- Support audits and inspections with investigative findings
What you will need
- Eligibility as a current or former federal employee or under a special hiring authority
- Qualifying specialized experience at the GS-12 or GS-13 level
- Knowledge of criminal investigation methods and federal procedures
- Strong analytical, interviewing, and report-writing skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain any required clearance
- Willingness to travel for investigative work as needed
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
The advertised salary range for this position is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. Final offers in US hiring typically depend on experience, qualifications, and location, and the official listing remains the authoritative source for pay details. Alongside pay, weigh the benefits below — health cover, paid leave, and retirement contributions can add significant value on top of the base figure.
Benefits listed by the employer
- Federal salary at GS-12/13 levels for the Washington, DC area
- Federal health, retirement, and paid leave benefits
- Meaningful oversight work protecting public transportation programs
- Professional development and law enforcement training
- Stable federal career with structured grade progression
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the official listing (U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General (LinkedIn)), where applications are submitted directly to U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.
- Complete every field of the official application and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
When does this announcement close?
November 11, 2026, or earlier once 150 applications are received.
Who can apply?
Eligible current and former federal employees and applicants qualifying under certain special hiring authorities.
What is the salary for this Criminal Investigator role?
The advertised range is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by the employer. The final offer depends on experience, qualifications, and location, so confirm the current figure on the official listing before you apply.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Washington, DC and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.