PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

Join to apply for the PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators role at Drug Enforcement Administration
.

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 12th and April 6th, 2026.

Please read the additional information and How You Will Be Evaluated sections.

• 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 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 be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location.
• Complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Complete a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph (reciprocity available for 1811 applicants with prior polygraph).
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at appointment (exceptions for veterans and certain federal law enforcement retirement positions).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑20 week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants with prior Federal Criminal Investigation training may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.

Applicants must meet at least one of the basic qualification requirements for the following levels, as described below:

Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05 level or pay band that includes:

• Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
• Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.

Substitution of Education for Experience
:
One full year of graduate‑level education in a field demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA):
Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all requirements for a bachelor’s degree with SAA can be considered. Eligibility criteria include high class standing, GPA thresholds, and national scholastic honor society membership.

Combination of Education and Experience
: A combination may be used if the computed percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 plus graduate semester hours ÷ 18).

Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level or pay band that includes:

• Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
• Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
• Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action…