PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

DEA Criminal Investigator Public Notice

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL‑1811‑7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12 and April 6, 2026.

At the DEA, our people 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, 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 various 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 agency must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program.
• Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program 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 facility.
• Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance, annual medical exam, and full‑scope polygraph.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Age 21–36 at appointment unless preference eligible veteran or in a specific federal civilian retirement position.
• Must pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as appropriate.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete the 16‑20‑week BAT course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia if selected.

Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements by the closing date. Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The following outlines qualifications for GL‑07, GL‑09, and GS‑11 levels.

• GL‑07
  :
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, or one year of graduate education, or SAA. Experience includes assisting in investigations, writing reports, researching and analyzing data.
• GL‑09
  :
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, or Master's degree or 2 years graduate education, or SAA. Experience includes assisting investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, briefing court officials, and testifying.
• GS‑11
  :
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09, or Ph.D./LL.M. or 3 years graduate education, or SAA. Experience includes conducting federal investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, developing confidential sources, interviewing, organizing evidence, and testifying.

All education must be accredited. Foreign education can be accepted if comparable. For graduate education, 18 semester hours equal one full‑time year. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) requires top‑third class standing or a GPA of 3.0–3.5 or membership in a national honor society.

• Appointments are made via 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule
  
  B), Excepted Service. Conversion to permanent career appointment possible after the third or fourth year.
• Probationary/Trial period: 1–2 years to evaluate fitness and public‑interest contribution.
• Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, and must be readily available for unscheduled work.
• Medical requirements include moderate to…