PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Summary

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens.

UPDATED: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED SECTIONS. For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

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At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action. That action makes a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
• Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepares 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.

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 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).

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
• This position requires the completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
• Selective Service:
  Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or a current, or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate, during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, individuals are required to successfully complete a 16 to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 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).

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.

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