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. 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. For more information about Special Agent positions, 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 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 acceptance of relocation to any location.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; eligible for reciprocity if previously passed by another agency.
• Selective Service registration or exemption for males born after 12/31/59.
• Age 21 to 36 at appointment (older if veteran or former federal law‑enforcement retirement position).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period for fitness evaluation.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete a 16‑20 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. If you meet eligibility based on education, submit a copy of your transcript with your application.

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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.

The experience requirement for the GS‑7 level may be met by one full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position, or by superior academic achievement through university honors.

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level 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 relating to law‑enforcement activities and/or court cases;
• Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel;
• Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying in court.

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level demonstrating:

• Conducting or supporting…