PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Public Notice - DEA Criminal Investigators

It 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. 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 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 to accept relocation to any location as needed by DEA.
• Must complete pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; 1811 applicants who have previously passed a polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Minimum age 21, maximum age 36 unless a preference‑eligible veteran or federal law‑enforcement retiree.
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, during which fitness is evaluated.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Incumbent subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, must successfully complete the 16‑ to 20‑week BAT course at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who completed a federal criminal‑investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week transition program (FCIT transcripts required).

Applicants must meet the following qualification requirements by the closing of this announcement. For GL‑07:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05 level that includes performing:
  • 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.
• Certification of graduate education may substitute the experience requirement with one full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (SAA).

For GL‑09:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level that includes performing:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
  • Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources;
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments;
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel;
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases; testifying or presenting evidence for proceedings.
• Subtitle:
  Substitute education – Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of graduate education, or LL.B./J.D.;
  Combination of education and experience may also qualify.

For GS‑11 Level:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑09 level that includes performing:
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with agencies;
  • Dev…