PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

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

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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.

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 acceptance of relocation to any DEA facility as needed.
• Completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph required.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment unless a preference eligible veteran or current, or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which fitness is evaluated.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Basic agent training required: 16 to 20-week basic agent training (BAT) course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program.

Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-05 level, including investigating alleged or suspected violations, writing reports, researching, collecting and analyzing data, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-07 level, including assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, conducting briefings, meeting or corresponding with court officials, and assisting prosecuting attorneys.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-09 level, demonstrating the ability to conduct or support federal criminal investigations, develop operational plans, operate undercover, develop information from confidential sources, interview or interrogate suspects, organize evidence, or testify in court.

• Mid-Senior level

• Part-time

• Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Law Enforcement

Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule

B) – Excepted Service Appointments. Individuals may be converted to permanent career appointments in the third or fourth year from initial appointment.

Trial period:
One to two-year trial period during which fitness is evaluated. Upon completion, employment will be terminated unless certification is received that the continued employment advances the public interest.

Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) compensates 25% of base salary.

All DEA applicants must disclose current and past drug usage and activity. Medical examination required. Firearms proficiency required.

Relocation expenses:
Full relocation expenses paid for individuals transferring from another Federal position.

Recruitment incentives may be offered. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.