PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

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

This is a public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator positions (GL-1811-7/9/11) 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 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 the individual’s unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law‑enforcement training must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have successfully completed a federal criminal‑investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (require FCIT transcripts).

• 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 to any DEA location.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. Applicants who have passed a polygraph at a prior agency may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Must be at least 21 and not older than 36 at appointment, unless a preference‑eligible veteran or former federalforcement retirement holder.
• Must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• In order to succeed, you will serve a 1‑ or 2‑year trial period. The incumbent must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Required to complete 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia if selected.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date.

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, or one full year of graduate‑level education.

• Experience preparing investigative findings and reports.
• Researching, collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources.

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, or appropriate graduate education (master’s degree or equivalent).

• Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
• Collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, conducting briefings.
• Corresponding with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel.
• Assisting prosecutors or testifying in court or administrative proceedings.

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09 (experience may have been gained in the private sector).

• Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations.
• Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities.
• Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, participating in raids, seizures, and arrests.
• Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources.
• Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law.
• Organizing evidence for prosecution and testifying in court.

• Appointments will be made under 5 CFR § 213.3210 (Schedule B); may transition to permanent career appointments after 3‑4 years.
• Special agents may be required to work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, and may be required to be readily accessible for unscheduled work.
• Medical requirements include the ability to perform moderate to arduous physical exertion, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. A pre‑employment medical examination is required.
• Firearms proficiency is required; compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment is mandatory.
• All applicants must disclose current and past drug usage; past drug use will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Relocation expenses are paid for federal employees transferring from another federal position; new federal employees may cover expenses not covered by DEA policies.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the position type (full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent). Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.

Mid‑Senior level

Part‑time

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