PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

1 day ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Criminal Investigator positions (GL‑1811, GL‑07/09, GS‑11 levels) open to U.S. Citizens. A formal job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026. Applicants are invited to read the additional information and evaluation criteria.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive 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 other means.
• Testify on behalf of the federal government in court or before grand juries.
• Additional duties may be assigned based on an individual’s unique knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Applicants without previous federal law‑enforcement training must attend a 16‑week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program with another federal agency 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 to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• Complete pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examinations.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required; prior successful polygraph may allow reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Age requirement: at least 21 years and not older than 36 at appointment, unless veteran preference or certain former federal positions apply.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness and public‑interest advancement are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• As a Special Agent, may work substantial overtime and irregular schedules;
  Law Enforcement Availability Pay granted.
• Medical and physical fitness for duties involving firearms, walking, standing, and inclement weather.
• Weapon proficiency and verification of no misdemeanor domestic‑violence convictions required (Lautenberg Amendment).

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date. Submit transcripts or academic documentation as required.

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level with duties: assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data.
• Substitution of education: one full year of graduate‑level education or superior academic achievement (SAA) as defined by class standing, GPA, or honor society membership.
• Combination of education and experience: compute combined percentage of experience and graduate semester hours; must total at least 100 %.

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level with duties: assisting investigations, collecting data, reporting, court interactions, and testimony.
• Substitution of education: master’s degree, two full years of graduate education, LL.B., or J.D.;
• Combination of education and experience: compute combined percentage; must equal at least 100 %.

• One year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level with duties: supporting federal criminal investigations, operational planning, undercover operations, surveillance, and evidence organization.
• Substitution of education:
  Ph.D. or 3 years of progressive graduate education; LL.M. if related.
• Combination of education and experience: compute combined percentage; must equal at least 100 %.

Additional qualification details are available in the Office of Personnel Management’s Qualifications Standards Handbook. Education must be accredited by a U.S. department‑recognized institution; foreign education…