PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

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

Posted 4 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.

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.

• 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 DEA location.
• This position requires the completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• 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 during the hiring process.
• 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 a preference‑eligible veteran or a current or previously served in a federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement covered position.
• Must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate, during which the agency will evaluate fitness and continued employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.

GL‑07 Level

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level, including: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for law‑enforcement activities and/or court cases; and researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources.
• Substitution of education for experience: one full year of graduate‑level education in a relevant field.
• Superior academic achievement (SAA): completed or expect to complete a bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study directly reflecting the required competencies.
• Combination of education and experience may qualify if computed percentage of requirements is at least 100%.

GL‑09 Level

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level, including: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; collecting and analyzing data; writing reports and conducting briefings; meeting or corresponding with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel; and assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases.
• Substitution of education for experience: master’s degree, 2‑full years of graduate education leading to such a degree, LL.B. or J.D.
• Combination of education and…