PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

Join to apply for the PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators role at Drug Enforcement Administration.

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator positions open to U.S. Citizens. 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 upon an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal 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 acceptance of relocation to any DEA location as needed.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required. Recipients of a partnered agency polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration (or exemption) required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Ages 21 per minimum and no older than 36 at appointment, unless veteran or eligibility preference applies.
• Must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Will serve a 1‑ to 2‑year trial period during which fitness and continued employment are evaluated.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  Completion of a 16‑ to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

All applicants must meet the required qualification criteria described below. One or more of the basic qualification requirements for this position must be satisfied.

• For The GL‑07 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL‑05 level or the GS‑07 pay band in the Federal service, 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:
  
  Experience may be substituted with one full year of graduate‑level education in a field demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties. OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) (bachelor’s degree with SAA) or graduate student grades meeting SAA criteria.
• FOR THE GL‑09 LEVEL: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL‑07 or GS‑09 pay band in the Federal service, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action related 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; and/or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.
• SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE FOR GL‑09: …