PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

Join to apply for the PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators role at Drug Enforcement Administration
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This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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 succinct criminal investigative reports and present 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 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 obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation to any DEA facility.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical exam required.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
• Selective Service registration (for applicable males).
• Age 21‑36 (with exceptions for veterans or certain eligible positions).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑ or 2‑year trial period.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑20 week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at the DEA Training Academy.
• Qualify for the 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program if applicable.

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements at the closing of the announcement. If qualifying by education, submit a transcript that clearly displays degrees and/or credit hours.

GL‑07 Level

• One (1) year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level (or equivalent) performing duties such as assisting in investigations, writing reports, and researching data.
• Substitution of education:
  One full year of graduate‑level education meeting competency, or Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) with outlined criteria.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Compute percentages as per outlined formula; must equal 100%.

GL‑09 Level

• One (1) year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level (or equivalent) performing duties including assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, meeting with court officials, and assisting prosecutors.
• Substitution of education:
  Master’s degree, 2 full years of graduate education, or LL.B./J.D.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Compute percentages as per outlined formula; must equal 100%.

GS‑11 Level

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level (or equivalent) performing duties such as conducting investigations, developing plans, undercover operations, and testifying.
• Substitution of education:
  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of graduate education.
• Combination of education and experience:
  Compute percentages as per outlined formula; must equal 100%.

Additional information:
Qualification requirements are located in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook. Education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized institution.

Employment

Terms:

Appointments will be made under Schedule B; probationary/trial period of 1–2 years with evaluation criteria. Law enforcement availability and medical/physical requirements apply. Firearms proficiency and anti‑violence certification required.

Mobility agreement and relocation:
Position subject to reassignment; family support required. Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from another federal position.

Recruitment incentives may be offered. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Benefits:
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits. Review the specific benefits offered for this position.