PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Public Notice - DEA Criminal Investigators

Apply for the Public Notice - DEA Criminal Investigators role at the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This is a public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. An official job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

Please read the Additional Information and How You Will Be Evaluated sections. For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit "Talk to a Recruiter".

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive and 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 a variety of other means.
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Additional duties may be assigned based upon an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement 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 law enforcement 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; each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming acceptance of relocation to any DEA location.
• Position requires completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required. 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59. See http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless preference eligible veteran or current/future Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Learn more: http://.
• Selectee required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period, as appropriate, for fitness evaluation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbent subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, individuals must complete a 16-20 week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, VA.
• 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).

Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If qualifying based on education, submit a transcript with clear degree or credit hour information; unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application, but official sealed transcripts are required prior to employment if selected.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level, including performing:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
• Substitution of education for experience:
  One full year of graduate level education may satisfy the experience requirement.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA):
  Applicants with a bachelor's degree and SAA may be considered. Eligibility for incoming graduates:
  Senior students who are enrolled and expected to graduate within 9 months may be considered based on grades at application time. Requirements include documentation of expected graduation and maintenance of required grades during senior year.
• Combination of education and experience may be used if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
  • Compute by dividing total months of experience by 12, plus semester hours of graduate education divided by 18.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to…