PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Position: PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

This public notice announces the opening of Criminal Investigator positions (GL‑1811‑7/9/11) with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Positions will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026. The notice is open to U.S. citizens.

Duties

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and briefings for senior personnel and partner agencies.
• Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and individuals engaged in drug‑related crimes.
• Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, search warrants, and other means.
• Testify on behalf of the federal government in court or before grand juries.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants who have not completed prior federal law‑enforcement training must attend a 16‑week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy. Candidates who have completed a federal criminal investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FC changement required).

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate as needed.
• Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope polygraph; prior completed polygraph may be accepted.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31कार्य.
• Age 21–36 years unless a preference veteran or former law‑enforcement officer qualifies for an older age bracket.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification check.
• 1‑ or 2‑year trial period before potential permanent appointment.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Random drug testing.
• Completion of 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training upon selection.

Qualifications GL‑07 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05.
• Experience includes: assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching, collecting, and analyzing data for investigations.
• Substitution of education: one full year of graduate
  
  SEARCH level education or Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may replace experience.
• Combination of education and experience: compute percentage; must equal or exceed 100%.

GL‑09 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07.
• Experience includes: assisting in investigations, collecting/analyzing data, writing reports, briefings, coordinating with court officials, assisting prosecutors, testifying.
• Substitution of education:
  Master’s, 2‑year graduate education, LL.B. or J.D. can qualify.
• Combination of education and experience: compute percentage to meet 100% threshold.

GS‑11 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑09.
• Experience includes: conducting federal criminal investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, surveillance, raids, seizures, interviewing, organizing evidence, testifying in court.
• Substitution of education:
  Ph.D., 3‑year postgraduate education, LL.M. may qualify.
• Combination of education and experience: compute percentage to meet 100% threshold.

Education Requirements

• Accredited degree from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Foreign education must be comparable to U.S. accredited credentials; evidence required.
• Pass/Fail courses: < 10% credit hours pass/fail only if class standing or honor society.
• Graduate education: one year counts as 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours).

Appointments & Probation

• Appointments under 5 C‑213.3210 (Schedule B); may convert to permanent Career after 3–4 years.
• 1‑ orhj–2‑year trial period with evaluation of performance, agency needs, public interest, and federal service efficiency.
• Termination after trial if not certified to advance public interest.

Law Enforcement Availability

• Ongoing overtime, weekend, holiday, irregular schedule, and unscheduled work.
• LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) at 25% of base salary.

Medical & Firearms Requirements

• Pre‑employment medical examination; physical conditions disqualifying them from duties.
• Authorization to carry firearms; proficiency in firearms, compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment.
• Verification of no misdemeanor domestic‑violence convictions.

Employment Drug Policy

• All DEA applicants must disclose past and present drug use; assessments are case‑by‑case.

Mobility Agreement

• Position requires reassignment to any DEA facility; families must prepare for relocation.

Relocation Expenses

• Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from another Federal position; new employees incur limited expenses.

Recruitment Incentives

• Recruitment incentives may be offered at the discretion of the agency.

Job Details

• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior
• Employment Type:
  
  Part‑time
• Job Function:
  Other, Information Technology, and Management
• Industries:
  Law Enforcement

#J-18808-Ljbffr