Diversion Investigator

Summary

TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.

The salary listed is based on the 2026 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.

• Conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record‑keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
• Collect and analyze information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
• Research and prepare a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and provide guidance to other State, Local, and Federal investigators.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
• Plan, implement, and participate in multi‑jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate investigation results and registrants' input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration or exemption (males born after 12/31/1959).
• 1‑year probationary period (or 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate) during which fitness and public interest advancement are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview.
• Successful completion of a mandatory 12‑week in‑residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course in Quantico, Virginia.
• Successful background investigation and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.
• Medical examination.
• Polygraph examination – must pass.
• Urinalysis for illegal drug use screening prior to appointment.
• Sign mobility agreement – accept relocation to any needed DEA and Diversion Control Program location.
• Pass E‑Verify employment check.

To qualify for employment with the DEA, applicants must not violate any of the automatic employment disqualifiers or the drug policy criteria.

GS‑07 – One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑05 level, including tasks such as gathering data, evaluating priorities, presenting information, collaborating, and accomplishing assignments independently. Equivalent experience may be met by at least one year of graduate‑level education.

Superior academic achievement, such as an upper‑third class standing, GPA ≥3.0, or membership in a national honor society, may substitute for experience.

Combination of education and experience may also meet requirements.

GS‑09 – One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑07 level, including preparing written materials, collecting/analyzing information, presenting, collaborating, and following sequential steps. Equivalent experience may be met by a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.

• Accountability
• Achievement Motivation
• Arithmetic
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Memory
• Oral Communication
• Problem Solving
• Reading
• Reasoning
• Self‑Confidence
• Self‑Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Writing
• Motor Vehicle Operation