PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

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

• 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.

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 based on DEA needs.
• This position requires completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless a preference‑eligible veteran or a current or former Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness and ability to advance the public interest will be evaluated.
• Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement: 16‑ to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 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).

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application.

Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band that includes performing the following duties:

• 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

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.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA)

Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in a course of study that directly reflects the…