PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Public Notice - DEA Criminal Investigators

Open to U.S. Citizens. This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions. A formal job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12 and April 6, 2026.

At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities
• Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies
• Identify, apprehend drug traffickers and arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities
• Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and other means
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries
• Additional duties may be assigned based on an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience

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

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance; additional clearance may be required after agency suitability review
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate to any DEA facility as needed
• Complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; reciprocity possible for certain 1811 applicants
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for qualifying males
• Must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at appointment (unless veteran or former Federal civilian law‑enforcement employee)
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness and contribution to public interest are evaluated
• Hold a valid state driver’s license; subject to random drug testing
• Complete a 16‑to‑20‑week Basic Agent Training course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, or a qualifying short‑term program for 1811 applicants

Applicants must meet at least one of the qualification paths described below. Education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized accrediting institution. Foreign education must be comparable.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, including: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; writing reports of findings; researching, collecting, and analyzing data; or equivalent graduate education for one year
• Superior Academic Achievement: one‑semester or more of graduate education; GPA ≥ 3.0 (or 3.5 for specific courses) and/or membership in an honor society; or enrollment as a senior completing the degree within 9 months of closing
• Combination of education and experience: percentages based on months of experience and semester hours of graduate education totaling ≥ 100 %

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, including: assisting in investigations; collecting and analyzing data; writing reports and briefings; meeting with court officials; assisting prosecutors; testifying; or equivalent graduate education or professional degrees (master’s, law, etc.)
• Combination of education and experience: percentages based on months of experience and graduate semester hours beyond the first year totaling ≥ 100 %

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09, including: conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations; developing operational plans; operating undercover; developing confidential sources; interviewing and interrogating suspects;…