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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

Equal Employment Specialist

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $52,727 - $99,404/year
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Denver, CO
  • Chicago, IL
  • Kansas City, KS
  • Saint Paul, MN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Dallas, TX
  • Seattle, WA
July 16, 2026

Job Description

This position is in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Office of the Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice. This office is responsible for ensuring that Bureau actions comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other relevant anti-discrimination laws and regulations. Incumbent serves as the Bureau's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EEO Specialist.

Duties

The major duties of the Equal Employment Specialist position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Manages the informal EEO complaint process for standard and complex cases, including conducting intake, counseling, and framing claim(s).
  • Assists in organizing investigative materials, coordinating document requests, and ensuring files are complete for review.
  • Provides administrative and program support, including maintaining records, supporting training activities, and conducting basic EEO research.
  • Performs fact-finding activities, including interviews and evidence review, and ensures case files meet regulatory requirements.
  • Conducts EEO counseling by explaining rights, responsibilities, ADR options, and procedural requirements to aggrieved individuals.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Salary
  • $52,727 - $99,404/year
Conditions of Employment

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Key Requirements:

  1. Must be U.S. Citizen or National
  2. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  3. May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  4. Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
  5. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
  6. You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
  7. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Equal Employment Specialist position at the GS-9 level, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Minimum Qualifications
GS-09
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of the following:
  • Conducting fact-finding and processing informal and formal EEO complaints by applying Federal EEO laws and regulations (e.g., Title VII, ADA, ADEA, 29 C.F.R. Part 1614) to specific factual situations AND
  • Conducting intake activities, gathering facts, explaining EEO rights and procedures, and preparing draft counseling summaries or case documentation. AND
  • Maintaining EEO case files and tracking systems (e.g., ETK, iComplaints, FedSep) to monitor case status and regulatory deadlines. AND
  • Providing administrative training, or program support for EEO operations.
OR

Completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or at least 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related to the requirements of the position.

GS-11
To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience must include all of the following:
  • Managing independently informal EEO complaints by applying Federal EEO laws, regulations, and guidance (e.g., 29 C.F.R. Part 1614, EEOC MD-110). AND
  • Conducting EEO counseling, intake interviews, claim analysis, and preparing counseling reports and supporting documentation. AND
  • Drafting acceptance/dismissal letters, coordinating investigations, and reviewing Reports of Investigation (ROI) for compliance. AND
  • Advising management officials and employees on EEO policies, complaint procedures, and rights.

OR
Completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or at least 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related to the requirements of the position.


GS-12
To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience must include all of the following:
  • Managing Independently complex EEO complaints through the informal and formal compliant process by applying advanced knowledge of Federal EEO laws, regulations, and guidance (e.g., 29 C.F.R. Part 1614, EEOC MD-110).
  • Conducting complex intake and counseling activities, analyzing allegations, gathering and evaluating evidence and determining appropriate claim processing.
  • Processing complex formal complaints by drafting acceptance/dismissal decisions, reviewing investigative files and Reports of Investigation (ROI), and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Providing technical guidance and training to employees and managers on EEO processes and handling cases involving multiple or complex issues.
Quality Ranking Factor (Preferred):
Applicants who possess an EEO Counselor Certificate are encouraged to submit documentation with their application package. This qualification is preferred and may be considered during the evaluation of application materials but is not required for eligibility.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (07/27/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Other Information Additional selections may be made from this announcement. 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Reasonable Accommodation: ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Workforce Wellness and Services Division at (202) 648-7477 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Required Documents

Resume - All Applicants:(a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history. Showing relative permanent and volunteer work experience, education, and training, your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations.

  • Official position title,
  • Employer name and contact information,
  • Start and end dates (including month and year),
  • Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time,
  • Your Pay Plan/Series/Grade for all federal positions, and
  • A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Only the most recent resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications.
If you are a current or former Federal employee:
  1. You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Do not submit an award SF-50, these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step,organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status.
  2. An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
    • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
    • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
    • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
    • Multiple SF-50s may need to be submitted to show one year
A Veteran or a qualifying parent or spouse:
  1. When claiming a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
  2. If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
  3. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
  4. For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.
If you are applying for consideration under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority:
  1. Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
  2. Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent; and 2) documentation of marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
  3. Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
A person with a disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A:
  1. You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability).
  2. You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
  3. For more information about Schedule A and verification requirements, please see OPM's Schedule A site.
A displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP:
  1. You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency OR if you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force.

Submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location OR Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/27/2026 to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  2. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  3. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  4. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.

If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements)

Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.


To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit My Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement is closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. Your applications will appear on the Welcome page. Navigate to the job application and click Track this application to view your application status. The link will take you to the hiring agency application system, which has the most up-to-date status of your application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means click here.

NEED HELP? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.



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