PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

Drug Enforcement Administration – Public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator GL‑1811‑7/9/11 positions open to U.S. citizens. A federal job announcement will be posted on USAJOBS on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and brief senior personnel and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Identify and apprehend drug traffickers; arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities.
• Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, search warrants and other means.
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law‑enforcement training through another federal agency must attend a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Agree to a mobility agreement with relocation to any DEA location as needed.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examinations.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must register or be exempt from Selective Service.
• Age 21‑36 at appointment (unless eligible for veteran preference).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑ or 2‑year trial period during which performance and suitability are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Random drug testing will be conducted.
• Successful completion of a 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Eligibility requirements vary by grade level. Applicants must meet the experience or education requirements of the GL‑07, GL‑09, or GL‑11 level, as applicable.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, including investigation duties, report writing, research, and data analysis.
• Or one full academic year of graduate education; or superior academic achievement; or a combination of education and experience totaling at least 100 %.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, including investigative support, briefing, court interaction, and evidence testimony.
• Or advanced graduate education (master’s or equivalent) or multiple years of progressive graduate education; or a combination totaling at least 100 %.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09, demonstrating abilities in federal criminal investigations, operational planning, covert operations, source development, interviewing, and evidence organization.
• Or doctoral level education or equivalent; or a combination totaling at least 100 %.

• Appointments will be made under Schedule B (Excepted Service). Conversions to permanent Career appointments may occur after the third or fourth year.
• Special Agents may work substantial overtime and irregular schedules;
  Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) based on 25 % of base salary.
• Medical examination required; effective physical endurance, firearm proficiency, and suitability to operate in adverse environments.
• Firearm authorization required; adherence to the Lautenberg Amendment.
• Disclosures of current and past drug use required; past use assessed case‑by‑case.
• Mobility agreement signed; willingness to relocate to any DEA location.
• Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from another Federal position; limited for new Federal employees.