PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator GL‑1811‑7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens.

• Positions will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive 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 other means.
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training must attend a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

• 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.
• Must complete 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 (exceptions for veteran preference or certain retired positions).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Successfully complete 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, VA.

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

• One year of specialized experience at the GL/GS‑05 level or equivalent, including assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching, collecting, and analyzing data.

• One full year of graduate‑level education in a relevant field may satisfy the experience requirement.

• Senior students expected to graduate within 9 months may be considered based on grades.

• Computed percentage of requirements must be at least 100% (experience months/12 + graduate semester hours/18).

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level or equivalent, including assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports and briefings, meeting court officials, and assisting attorneys.

• Master’s or equivalent graduate degree; 2‑full years of graduate education; LL.B. or J.D.; or other equivalents.

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level in federal criminal investigations, including operational planning, undercover operations, watch, raids, evidence organization, and courtroom testimony.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher‑level graduate education, LL.M., if related.

• Must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting institution.
• Foreign education may be considered if comparable.
• Pass/Fail courses: more than 10% of undergraduate coursework on pass/fail requires class standing or honor society membership.
• Graduate education:
  One year equals 18 semester hours.

• Appointments will be made under 5 CFR 213.3210 Schedule B (Excepted Service). Conversion to permanent Career appointments may occur at 3–4 years.
• Trial period of 1 to 2 years with evaluation of performance and public interest.

Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays. LEAP pay provided.

• Pre‑employment medical examination required. Physical fitness adequate.
• Authoriz…