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.

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 to accept relocation to any location depending on DEA needs.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required; 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption (males born after 12/31/59).
• Age: 21‑36 unless a preference eligible veteran or previous Federal civilian law enforcement retirement cover.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, during which fitness and public‑interest advancement will be evaluated.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑20 week basic agent training at DEA Training Academy if selected.

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

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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.

• The experience requirement for the GS‑7 level may be met by one full year of graduate level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position, or by Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a bachelor’s program.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the 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 for information or action relating to law‑enforcement activities and/or court cases.
• Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials.
• Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases, or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, including:
• Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law‑enforcement agencies.
• Developing operational plans and determining…