PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

Join the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Criminal Investigator (GL-1811, 7/9/11). Open positions are for U.S. Citizens. A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12 and April 6, 2026.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings to 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 courts or before grand juries.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on unique knowledge, skills, or experience.

Applicants without prior federal law‑enforcement training must complete a 16‑week residential:

System:
Basic Agent Training (BAT).

If previously completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program, a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program may be an alternative (attach FCIT transcripts).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation to any DEA facility.
• Complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical exam.
• Undergo a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph.
• Registered or exempt from Selective Service (for eligible males).
• Age 21–36 (exception for eligible veterans or those in a Federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement position).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification.
• ież is required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete the basic agent training (BAT) if selected.

See DEA Employment Eligibility for full details. Applicants must meet at least one of the following basic qualification requirements:

• GL‑07:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05 level, or
• GL‑09:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS hikwalaho.
• GS‑11:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09seks. Substitutions for experience may include graduate or professional degrees, and a combination of education and experience is acceptable if it meets the required percentage of the total qualifications.

• Law enforcement availability: considerable overtime, weekends, holidays, and unscheduled work may be required.
• Medical essere: moderate to arduous physical exertion, firearm proficiency, and suitable physical condition required.
• Firearms: authorization to carry a firearm and comply with the Lautenberg Amendment.
• Drug policy: disclose current and past drug use; assessment may be case‑by‑case.
• Mobility agreement: agree to relocation to any domestic DEA facility.
• Relocation expenses: full relocation paid if transferred from another Federal position; new Federal employees may incur limited expenses.
• Probationary/Trial period: 1–2 years, after which performance is evaluated to determine continuation.

Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits portfolio. Eligibility depends on full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent status. Contact the agency or visit the DEA careers site for details.