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. An official job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12 and April 6, 2026.

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities;
• Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
• Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arrests individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
• Gathers and analyzes evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
• Testifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law‑enforcement training through another federal 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 be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate as needed.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; reciprocity possible for 1811 applicants with prior polygraph.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Minimum age 21 and not older than 36 at appointment unless a preference‑eligible veteran or former federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successful e‑Verify employment verification check.
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period to evaluate fitness and continued employment.
• Valid state driver’s license and subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement: 16‑20 week BAT course at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who completed a federal criminal investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week transition program.

• GL‑07:
  One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level; tasks include assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data, or related duties.
• Substitution of education for experience at the GS‑7 level: one full year of graduate-level education or two full years of progressive graduate education, or SAA recognition (see criteria).
• GL‑09:
  One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level; tasks include assisting in investigations, collecting/analyzing data, writing reports, briefing officials, and testifying.
• Substitution of education for experience at GS‑9:
  Master’s degree or equivalent, or two full years of higher‑level graduate education, or LL.B./J.D.; or SAA recognition.
• GS‑11:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level; tasks include conducting/supporting federal investigations, developing operational plans, undercover operations, developing sources, interviewing, and testifying.
• Substitution of education for experience at GS‑11:
  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressive graduate education.
• Combination of education and experience may be used; compute percentage by total months of experience ÷12 plus total graduate semester hours ÷18 (or subtract 18/36 etc. per level). A combined percentage of at least 100% qualifies.
• All education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education‑recognizable accreditor; foreign education may be considered if comparable.
• Pass/fail courses may affect SAA status; must rely on class standing or honor society membership if >10% pass/fail.
• One year of graduate education equals 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours). If not defined, use 18 semester hours.

• Appointments will be made under 5 CFR § 213.3210 (Schedule
  
  B); may convert to…