PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Summary

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 obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement and accept relocation to any DEA location.
• Position requires a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/59.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at appointment, unless a preference eligible veteran or a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the 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 Basic Agent Training (BAT) of 16 to 20 weeks at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants with previous FBI training may qualify for 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.

All applicants must meet at least one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position at the closing of this announcement.

• For the GL‑07 Level: one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05 with duties such as assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data.
• Education substitution: one full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (SAA) may satisfy experience requirements.
• For GL‑09 Level: one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07 with duties including investigations, data analysis, reporting, court interactions, and assisting attorneys.
• For GS‑11 Level: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09 with duties such as conducting investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, developing sources, interviewing, and organizing evidence.
• Substitution of education for experience may apply as specified for each level.
• Combination of education and experience may be used if the computed percentage equals at least 100%.

• Appointments and probationary/trial periods are described under federal employment policies.
• Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and medical, firearms, and drug policy requirements are detailed in the job posting.
• Relocation expenses may be covered for transfers from another Federal position.

Mid‑Senior level

Part‑time

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