PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

Apply for the Public Notice – DEA Criminal Investigator (GL‑1811‑7/9/11) positions open to U.S. Citizens.

Updated: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12, 2026 and April 6, 2026.

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. Your work impacts the security and well‑being of our nation and the world.

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and deliver briefings to 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 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 federal law‑enforcement training through another 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 agency may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement and accept relocation to any DEA facility.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance, annual medical exam, and a full‑scope polygraph.
• Eligibility for Selective Service (males born after 12/31/59).
• Age: at least 21 and not older than 36 at appointment, unless veteran or qualifying federal civil‑service retirement position.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as appropriate.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license; subject to random drug testing.
• Complete 16‑ to 20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at the DEA Training Academy if selected.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, or one full year of graduate‑level education.

• Experience:
  
  assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data.

Substitution of education for experience or combination of education and experience is allowed as described in the official OPM standards.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, or one full year of graduate‑level education.

• Experience:
  
  assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, coordinating with court officials, assisting prosecuting attorneys, testifying or presenting evidence.

Substitution of education for experience or combination of education and experience is allowed as described in the official OPM standards.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09, or one full year of graduate‑level education.

• Experience:
  
  conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations, developing operational plans and priorities, operating undercover, conducting surveillance, participating in raids, seizures and arrests, developing information from confidential sources, interviewing and interrogating, organizing evidence and testifying.

Substitution of education for experience or combination of education and experience is allowed as described in the official OPM standards.

Accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are required. Foreign education may be accepted if comparable. Pass/fail coursework limits the application of Superior Academic Achievement.

• Appointments are made under 5 CFR 213.3210, Schedule B; conversion to career appointment possible after 3–4 years.
• Trial period: 1–2 years. Performance and conduct evaluated annually. Termination without certification of continued employment if performance is inadequate.
• Special Agents may work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, and weekends. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is paid.
• Physical and firearms requirements: moderate to arduous physical exertion, firearms proficiency, compliance with Lautenberg Amendment, no misdemeanor domestic‑violence convictions.
• Drug policy: disclosure of current and past drug use; assessed case‑by‑case. Relocation expenses: full for transfers from another federal position; otherwise partial for new federal employees.

Benefits depend on position type (full‑time, part‑time, intermittent). Contact the agency for specific benefits information.