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.

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

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 GL‑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 to accept relocation to any DEA location as needed
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required
• Selective Service registration (or exemption) required for males born after 12/31/59
• Age 21‑36 at appointment (unless preference‑eligible veteran or federal civilian law enforcement retirement)
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate, to evaluate fitness and public interest
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license and subject to random drug testing
• Complete 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia>

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

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05 level or higher
• Experience includes investigating alleged or suspected violations of law, writing reports, researching data, and other related duties listed below

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07 level or higher
• Experience includes assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, briefing, and presenting evidence in court, or liaising with prosecutors

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09 level
• Experience includes conducting federal criminal investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, conducting surveillance, participating in raids, arresting, developing confidential sources, interviewing suspects, organizing evidence, and testifying in court

• Graduate education can substitute experience: one full year of graduate education or equivalent graduate degree (e.g., master’s, LL.B., J.D.)
• Government‑recognised accredited or foreign education, if comparable
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may be awarded to undergraduates with GPA 3.0 or higher or membership in an honour society
• Combined education and experience may be used if the computed percentage of required experience (experience months /12) plus graduate semester hours (over the minimum) /18 equals at least 100 %

Additional qualification requirements and guidelines are located in the Office of Personnel Management’s Qualifications Standards Handbook.

• Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service Appointments; career conversion possible after third or fourth year
• Probationary/Trial Period: 1‑ to 2‑year period, after which employment will be terminated unless…