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.

At the DEA, our agents are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. 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. That action makes a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• 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; each applicant will be reviewed individually for agency suitability policy.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms agreement to accept relocation to any location, depending on the needs of the DEA.
• Position requires completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 applicants who previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity during the hiring process.
• Selective Service:
  Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless a preference‑eligible veteran or a current or former Federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate, during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Basic Agent Training Requirement:
  If selected, individuals must successfully complete a 16‑ to 20‑week BAT course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants who 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).

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education, submit a transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours.

• One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments; researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
• SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
  :
  The…