PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

Apply for the PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators role at Drug Enforcement Administration
.

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. A 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 and succinct investigative reports and brief senior personnel and partner agencies.
• Identify and 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.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, or experience.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law‑enforcement training must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former 1811 applicants who 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 a top‑secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• Complete pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examinations.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; reciprocity may apply for experienced applicants.
• Register or exempt from Selective Service (males born after 12/31/59).
• Age must be 21–36 unless qualified as a veteran or former federal law‑enforcement employee.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period depending on the position.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training: 16–20 weeks at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Same 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program applies to eligible 1811 applicants.

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of the announcement. Submission of a transcript showing degree conferred or relevant credit hours is required.

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged violations of law.
  • Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from multiple sources.
• Education substitution:
  One year of graduate‑level education.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) option for senior students completing a bachelor's degree with high grades or award in a related field.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Percentage of requirements = 100% (compute as described).

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from investigations.
  • Writing reports and briefings for law‑enforcement personnel.
  • Meeting with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel.
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in case preparation or testifying.
• Education substitution:
  Master’s degree or two years of graduate education, LL.B. or J.D.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Percentage of requirements = 100% (compute as described).

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level including:
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations.
  • Developing operational plans and investigative priorities.
  • Operating undercover and conducting surveillance operations.
  • Developing sources of confidential information.
  • Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations.
  • Organizing evidence and testifying in court.
• Education substitution:
  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of graduate education leading to such degree.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Percentage of requirements = 100% (compute as described).

• Appointments will be made under 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted…