Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

BE A PART OF DEA – TACKLE DRUG TRAFFICKING, MAKE A DAILY IMPACT ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL AMERICANS.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings to 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 on the individual's unique knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program.
• Current or former 1811 applicants who completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement and accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required (1801 applicants may seek reciprocity).
• Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service if eligible.
• Must be 21–36 years old at time of appointment (exceptions for veterans).
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness and public‑interest contribution are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must complete a 16‑week Basic Agent Training course at the DEA Training Academy.
• 1811 applicants may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Writing reports and researching, collecting, and analyzing investigative data.
  • OR one full year of graduate‑level education in a relevant field.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, conducting briefings, corresponding with court officials, and assisting prosecuting attorneys.
• Or Master’s/Graduate degree, 2‑year graduate education, or LL.B./J.D. (or equivalent).

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09 level, including:
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations.
  • Developing operational plans and investigative priorities.
  • Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, participating in raids and arrests.
  • Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources.
  • Interviewing and interrogating suspects.
  • Organizing evidence for prosecution and testifying in court.
• Or Ph.D./doctoral degree or three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or LL.M. (or equivalent).

• Education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized accrediting institution.
• Foreign education may be used if comparable to U.S. accredited education.
• For graduate education, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) constitute one year of full‑time study.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may qualify senior students expected to graduate within 9 months.
• Pass/Fail courses:
  If more than 10% of undergraduate courses were pass/fail, SAA must be based on class standing or honor society membership.

• Appointments made under 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule
  
  B), Excepted Service.
• Probationary/Trial period: 1–2 years with evaluation on performance, agency needs, and public interest.
• Special Agents may work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, weekends, and holidays;
  Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) provided.
• Medical requirements: moderate to arduous physical exertion, use of…