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.

• 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.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming relocation to any location.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Applicant must be at least 21 and not older than 36 at time of appointment unless veteran preference or former Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification check required.
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness and continued employment evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑to‑20‑week basic agent training at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position. Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band in the Federal service, including performing investigation duties such as assisting in investigations, writing reports, and researching.
• Graduate‑level education may substitute experience as defined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may qualify applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree with SAA.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements can be found in the Office of Personnel Management’s Qualifications Standards Handbook.