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

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel, as well as 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 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).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• 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.
• Minimum age 21 and maximum age 36 (with possible exceptions for preference‑eligible veterans or previous federal civilian law enforcement retirees).
• Successful pass of E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Trial period of 1‑year or 2‑year as appropriate, during which fitness and public‑interest contribution are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Incumbent subject to random drug testing.
• Completion of a 16‑to‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who completed a federal criminal investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
• Substitution of education for experience:
  One full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates requisite knowledge, skills, and ability.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA):
  Baccalaureate degree with SAA or anticipated completion within 9 months, meeting specified GPA, class standing, or honor society membership.
• Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours ÷ 18).

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings and results for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials.
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying in court.
• Substitution of education for experience:
  Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of higher‑level graduate education, or LL.B. / J.D.
• Combination of…