PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions, open to U.S. Citizens.

Updated: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

DEA Special Agent positions involve complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities. Agents conduct investigations, prepare reports, deliver briefings, execute search warrants, and testify in court.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations of narcotics and drug-related activities
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and deliver briefings to senior personnel and other agencies
• Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and individuals involved in criminal drug activity
• Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, and warrants
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries
• Perform additional duties assigned based on individual skills

Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training 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 must be attached.

• U.S. citizenship required
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance (or higher if required)
• Sign a mobility agreement permitting relocation
• Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination required
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; prior polygraph may qualify for reciprocity
• Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must register with Selective Service
• Age 21–36 at appointment unless Veteran preference or federal civilian retirement
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period; performance evaluated to determine continued employment
• Valid state driver’s license required
• Subject to random drug testing
• 16‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, VA, required for selected candidates

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements. The following outlines the experience/education requirements for GL‑07, GL‑09, and GS‑11 levels.

• 1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level, including:
  • Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
  • Writing reports of findings and results for law enforcement purposes
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing investigative data
• Substitution of education: one full year of graduate‑level education in a related field, or superior academic achievement (SAA)
• Combination of education and experience may qualify if calculated percentage ≥ 100%

• 1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level, including:
  • Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
  • Collecting and analyzing investigative data
  • Writing reports and briefings
  • Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys and testifying in proceedings
• Substitution of education:
  Master’s degree or equivalent, or two full years of graduate education; LL.B/J.D. qualifies
• Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%

• 1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level, including:
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations
  • Developing operational plans and investigative priorities
  • Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, raids, seizures, arrests
  • Developing confidential sources
  • Interviewing and interrogating suspected violators
  • Organizing evidence and testifying in court
• Substitution of education:
  Ph.D., LL.M., or three years of graduate education toward Ph.D.
• Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%

• Appointments will be made under 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B) and may convert to permanent career appointments at year 3–4.
• Trial period of 1–2 years; performance and conduct evaluated against agency and governmental public‑interest criteria; employment may be terminated if standards not met.
• Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) provided for overtime and irregular schedules.
• Medical, firearms, and drug‑policy requirements as specified in the detailed announcement.
• Mobility agreement and possible relocation to any DEA domestic facility; full relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions.
• Recruitment incentives may be offered.

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, see the DEA Federal benefits program.