I agree with mdguy and Duetooversight, read this thread towards the bottom about the job.
Yes contractors have had it bad and the federal side is better but I will tell you, the grass is not greener. Since this agency is so numbers driven, the SACS will expect more and more until a few years in you burn out. Also after working your tail off on your existing batch of cases then getting another bunch of cases assign is a horrible feeling which causes tons of stress. To those that are looking at this job, I HIGHLY suggest something else. The people that are in this job are so used to the freedom/flexibility of the job but to those that aren’t or haven’t experienced it much, I suggest finding another field. Supervisors are trying to suck up and get a better promotion from their area chiefs and to do so, they have to show the team is producing. To get the team to produce they add more work or create unfair practices because the SAC can create team rules. Not to mention that they have a integrity/internal affairs type team that catches false reporting. Now let’s think about that, not every false reports or anyone for that matter at this point if they are smart enough and don’t want to end up in jail. So what will that integrity section do? Find minuscule things to audit and complain about which could have a negative impact on you. This has happened to a few people I know. Then let’s talk about the unfairness of the numbers driven job. If you show up for an interview and the subject/source forgets, it counts against your numbers. If you requested a record from a provider whom did not respond after follow ups, your part of the case is recorded as uncompleted which you don’t the full credit for which counts against your numbers. Both these scenarios are not your fault but will still make you look like you didn’t work.
Listen, with all due respect I congratulate you for getting on with the ever elusive DCSA Federal Investigator position. Did they offer you more than the starting rate of a GS-7? This will require you to put in three years to earn $72,000 and get to a GS12 salary and that’s if you meet all of your expectations and grade increases for the next three years. A GS-7 is nothing to be in awe about but I get it why you left the Contractor workforce.
An old OPM federal agent however once told me that working on the fed side vs. the contractor side is just a different cow pasture with different crap to wade through each day.
My other question is are you a veteran or have you had previous federal service in the federal government in order to be selected as a DCSA Investigator? Also, where do you reside, where were you offered the job, and how much experience do you have as a Background Investigator?
I have seen more fed investigators complaining on these forums than I can count. That’s not an insult, just an observation. I’ve been in the game for some time and I know it can be brutal. My question for you is, do fed investigators often move on to bigger and better things? Does the experience count towards anything in terms of other agencies/opportunities? I think a lot of people use the DCSA position as a potential stepping stone so I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
DCSA is the HMO of background investigations. Agencies who dont utilize DCSA bypass the DCSA middle man, red tape bureaucracy and customize what they want done in their background checks. I have a gold badge friend who literally thought her HMO agency was the only game in town and had no idea other agencies were running their own BIs. Cutting out the middle man is also more lucrative which is why companies fight over those contracts.
If you don’t mind I’m going to piggyback on this comment of yours. I think your observations are spot on and a little unfortunate as I am certain there are brand new folks getting into this community that are reading some of these threads and likely feeling a bit deflated
I would say this, if you are new to the Fed or Investigations for that matter and you got the job; pop the champagne cork. And, ignore all the negative stuff. No offense to those that just don’t like DCSA or the work; I really do get it.
Now let’s look at what you get.
Top Secret Security clearance - Check.
Solid job with a ladder to climb - Check.
An agency that I know first hand has considerable clout in the NCR - Check.
An actual federal investigations academy paid for - Check.
And this is just me; you’ll be a “Gatekeeper”. That’s going to look amazing on your resume.
Transitional opportunities galore - Check.
Benefits there over the top - Check.
I could go on but I’m thinking whoever reads this will get my point. Yes, you are going to work your a** off. And, you may very well have dismal leadership with crazy expectations. Do your best, see the bigger picture, if you don’t like it after a year or ten, move into something else.
Maybe I drank the coolade, maybe I’m just overly patriotic; is that a thing, lol. I’ve worked as a Combat Medic, Police Officer/Paramedic, ER Nurse for the VA all kinds of stress and expectations. Whatever DCSA has in store for me; I eagerly await the journey.
I agree with thor. A foot in the door can be golden. It can be the start of a great career. It’s what you make it. Also everyone is not pressed for the big check upfront. They know it will eventually come. Sometimes you take 3 steps back to make 10 steps forward.
As GS-7 start is great if it’s the career you want. Its not the end of the pay scale.
Any job that comes with any type of guaranteed federal pension is a rare and unique perk. The transferability for those individuals whose spouse is active duty or works for another federal agency is a perk as well. Everyone knows government pay is nothing spectacular but there are other perks that can make it better for some and not others.
I wasn’t; I kinda gave a little nudge in that direction and was politely informed they would only match my current grade. Which I am totally fine with. The position has enough room to grow for me.
I was not able to negotiate either. The job listing was pretty clear that only two grades would be considered for the position and this was reiterated to me during the initial interview. If they offered you the lower of the two grades, I’m sure you could try to negotiate but outside of that, probably no chance.
I hope to share the same news at some point.
. I know the wait is the hardest part.