PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

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.

• 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 on an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.

Applicants who have not completed prior 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 location dependent on the needs of the DEA.
• Completion of pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required. Applicants with prior successful polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males.
• Age: at least 21, not older than 36 unless preference veteran or eligible federal civil law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Will serve 1‑year or 2‑year trial period for evaluation of fitness.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must complete 16‑to‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Applicants with prior federal criminal investigation training may qualify for 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.

For details on eligibility requirements see DEA Employment Eligibility.

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements for this position.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05 level, including: 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.
• Substitution of education for experience: one full year of graduate level education in a relevant field; or equivalent.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on class standing, GPA, or honors society membership; eligibility requires at least 3.0 GPA or SAA criteria.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level, including: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
• Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
• 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; or presenting in court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.
• Substitution of education for experience:
  Master's or equivalent grad degree; or 2 full years of grad education; or LL.B. or J.D.; or equivalent.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑09 level, including: conducting or supporting federal…