PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Summary

THIS IS NOT AN OPEN JOB ANNOUNCEMENT**

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 July 20th and October 19th, 2026.

Help

• 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.

There are four (4) evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are best qualified for the position.

Applicants must be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete any of the screening processes will result in the applicant being disqualified and removed from consideration.

• Phase 1:
  Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – assesses current ability to participate in strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training.
• Phase 2:
  Proctored Testing – includes a writing assessment measuring attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3:
  Basic Qualification Review – resumes and supporting documents are reviewed to determine if minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met.
• Phase 4:
  Structured Interview – interview panel evaluates competencies such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgement, self‑management, and flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

The agency is prioritizing positions in border locations. While preferences may be accommodated, location assignments will be determined based on the needs of the agency.

Applicants who possess proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. School may assess language proficiency during hiring.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program.

Eligible 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3‑week transition program.

• U. S. Citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement acknowledging relocation to any location.
• Complete pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; prior successful polygraph may qualify for reciprocity.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 unless eligible for preference as a veteran or prior federal civilian law enforcement retiree.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period; performance evaluated for continued employment.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑week basic agent training at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

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

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05, including assisting in investigations, writing reports, and researching data.

• For GL‑07:
  One year of graduate level education in a related field, or…