PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

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, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action. That action makes a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• 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. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA location depending on agency needs.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and an annual medical examination is required.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity with the DEA.
• Selective Service:
  Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless you are a preference‑eligible veteran or a current/previously served Federal civilian law enforcement retirement‑covered position.
• Must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, individuals must successfully complete a 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).

• GL‑07 Level – One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band, including:
  • 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 is available, as is Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or a combination of education and experience.
• GL‑09 Level – One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at…