PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

Summary

THIS IS NOT AN OPEN JOB ANNOUNCEMENT**

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 July 20th and October 19th, 2026. PLEASE READ THE DUTIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS. For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action. That action makes a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• 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.

There are four (4) evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are best qualified for the position. Applicants must be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete or pass any of the screening processes will result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

• Phase 1:
  Physical Task Assessment (PTA) - The PTA is the first assessment you will be required to complete to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. It is highly encouraged to view the PTA video to understand the protocols required to pass.
• Phase 2:
  Proctored Testing - Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Assessments measure attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3:
  Basic Qualification Review - Candidates who successfully complete the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position.
• Phase 4:
  Structured Interview - Candidates who pass Phase 3 will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete a Structured interview evaluating teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgement, self‑management, and flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.

Applicants who possess proficiency in the Spanish language (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable in support of DEA's mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, particularly in investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process. Applicants who indicate proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.