Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Summary

TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.

• 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.

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 confirming relocation to any DEA facility as needed.
• Position requires a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 applicants who have previously passed a polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Applicant must be at least 21 and not older than 36 at appointment, unless preference veteran or federal civilian law enforcement retirement eligible.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period (as appropriate).
• Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must successfully complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week transition program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).

Applicants must meet the required qualification for the applicable GL level at the time of closing. Requirements are summarized in the following categories.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑05 level, including assistance in investigations, writing reports, and researching/collecting data.
• Substitution of education:
  One full year of graduate level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA):
  Completion of a bachelor’s degree with SAA or senior students expected to graduate within 9 months with required grades.
• Combination of education and experience: total percentage ≥ 100% (experience months/12 + graduate semester hours/18).

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑07 level, including assistance in investigations, collecting/analysing data, writing reports, briefing, meeting court officials, assisting attorneys, and testifying.
• Substitution of education:
  Master’s degree or equivalent, or 2 full years of graduate education, or LL.B./J.D.
• Combination of education and experience: total percentage ≥ 100% (experience months/12 + (graduate semester hours – 18)/18).

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS‑09 level, demonstrating abilities in federal investigations, operational planning, undercover operations, developing sources, interviewing, evidence organization, and testimony.
• Substitution of education:
  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of advanced graduate education, or LL.M. if related.
• Combination of education and experience: total percentage ≥ 100% (experience months/12 +…