Summary This position is located in the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance (BEIC), Office of Compliance (OC). The incumbent's primary responsibilities include administering and monitoring the Vessel Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) Review Audit Program and the Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) - Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF) Review Audit Program. Responsibilities Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate has experience administering and coordinating international ocean documentation relating to Ocean Transportation Intermediary transactions (i.e. a customs broker, direct importer or exporter, etc.) They have strong analytical skills and experience performing reviews and investigations to ensure compliance with program initiatives, particularly with the shipping industry. They also have the ability to administer and coordinate auditing programs that impact the mission of an organization or business, as related to the shipping industry. As an Investigative Analyst, you will: Collect, examine, and analyze data, evidence and other relevant information to develop detailed reports and to determine leads for further research and analysis. Conduct research utilizing databases, systems (general and legal) such as Regulated Persons Index, FMC-1, and FMC-18 information, Lexis, Westlaw and affiliated databases. Prepare correspondence and internal documents for BEIC management, Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Bureau of Trade Analysis or other government agencies to assist with more complex cases. Communicate with representatives of regulated entities and legal counsel of OTIs to clarify information provided and to obtain more definitive data as well as respond to inquiries initiated by the public, regulated OTIs and tariff publishers. Analyze and evaluate licensing, certification and/or practices regarding individuals or entities operating in international trade or transportation. Utilize a wide range of analytical investigative techniques to provide recommendations or solutions to investigate issues and develop leads for further fact-finding/investigation. Use analytical techniques or procedures to reconstruct complicated industry practices and find evidence to resolve issues of contradictory, missing or inconclusive data. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen. A 1-year probationary period is required. A 2-year supervisory or managerial probationary period is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a background investigation. Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer. FMC participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. May be required to obtain and use a government-issued charge card for business-related travel. May be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Qualifications Selective Placement Factors: This position requires special qualifications that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties of this position and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified: You must have a comprehensive understanding of international ocean import/export shipping operations essential to reviewing OTI related processes, activities, and documentation such as: booking of international ocean cargo transportation with OTIs/agents/ocean common carriers, negotiating rates, collecting/paying freight charges, reviewing international ocean master bills and house bills of lading along with shipper's letter of instruction, tariffs, invoices, cargo arrival/availability notices, VOCC service contracts, pickup/delivery orders, dock receipts, etc. You must have experience in resolving various types of OTI shipment issues such as with unlicensed/unregistered OTIs, improper tariffs, misuse of service contracts, OTI issued documentation as well as complaints relating to VOCC account holds, customs and other government agency holds, detention & demurrage, rolled cargo, container availability, freight accessorial/surcharges, general rate increases, free time, etc. Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes exercising discretion in conducting follow up actions, including obtaining additional documents directly from carriers or intermediaries; Facilitating communication with various contacts such as related businesses and/or other agencies, the maritime industry, and the general public; Conducting research utilizing tariff publishing websites to locate and review NVOCC & VOCC tariff publications and VOCC service contracts; Developing audits and compiling findings; Reviewing, scrutinizing, and analyzing audit responses and related documents, to detect inconsistencies or omissions in the information provided which could point to violations; Analyzing the full range of data received, preparing summaries and recommendations for enforcement action. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector, or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. It is your responsibility to ensure your resume states complete information for each job entry. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year (MM/YYYY), and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume. If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position. To preview questions click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12595913.You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement: Education There is no substitute for education at this level. Additional Information We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. We may fill like positions within 12 months of the close of the announcement. Federal employees are required to adhere to the 14 Principles of Ethical Conduct. This is a non-bargaining unit position.