PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator 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 and arrests, execution of search warrants, and 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. Existing 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a federal criminal‑investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement for relocation based on DEA needs.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; eligible 1811 applicants may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Applicant must be at least 21 and not older than 36 unless veteran or retired federal civilian law‑enforcement eligible.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification check.
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness is evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Random drug testing.
• 16‑20 week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at Quantico, Virginia required.
• Eligible 1811 applicants may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05 level, including:
• 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.
• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.

Substitution of education for experience:
One full year of graduate level education in a related field or superior academic achievement may satisfy the experience requirement.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level, including:
• Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
• Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
• Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments.
• Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials.
• Assisting prosecuting attorneys in the preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying in court.

Substitution of education for experience:
Master’s degree, or 2 full years of graduate education leading to a Master’s, or LL.B./J.D. eligible.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑09 level, including:
• Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law‑enforcement agencies.
• Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities of federal cases.
• Operating undercover, conducting surveillance operations, participating in raids, seizures, and arrests.
• Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources.
• Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law.
• Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court.

Substitution of education for experience:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or…