PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

5 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

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. Applicants should read the additional information and how you will be evaluated sections. For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

• 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 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.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must register or be exempt from Selective Service.
• Applicants must be at least 21 and not older than 36 at appointment, unless preference eligible veteran or federal civilian law enforcement retirement coverage applies.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Required to successfully complete a 16‑ to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position. Applicants must submit transcripts and other documentation as required.

• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band, including: supporting investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data.

• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level, including: supporting investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, conducting briefings, meeting/corresponding with court officials, assisting prosecutors, testifying or presenting evidence, and/or other law‑enforcement duties.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑09 level demonstrating: conducting or supporting federal investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, developing and eliciting information from confidential sources, interviewing/interrogating suspects, organizing evidence, and testifying in court.

Education may substitute for experience as specified for each level (e.g., one full year of graduate education for GL‑07, master’s or equivalent for GL‑09, Ph.D. or equivalent for GS‑11). Details and calculations for combined education and experience are provided in OPM guidelines.

Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be considered if it is comparable. Documentation is required for transcripts, graduation dates, grades, and honors.