PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

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 criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local 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 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 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.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless a preference eligible veteran or a current or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period, as appropriate.
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, individuals are required to successfully complete a 16 to 20-week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 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 of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

• 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

The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA)

Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize the development of skills in teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self-management.

• Senior students who are currently enrolled in a degree program and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on their grades at the time of application.
  • At the time of application, senior students must provide documentation confirming an expected graduation date.
  • Prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that they maintained the required grades during their senior year.

Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe or failure to maintain the required grades through their senior year may result in removal from consideration.

S.A.A. is based on…