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.

As a DEA Special Agent you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms talent into action, making a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• 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 GL‑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).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment unless a preference‑eligible veteran or federal civil‑law‑enforcement retiree.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as applicable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Successfully complete basic agent training (16‑20 weeks) if selected.

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.

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;
  
  -OR-

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,
-OR-

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…