Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Overview

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 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 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 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 understanding of relocation to any DEA location.
• Complete pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Full‑scope polygraph required; 1811 applicants with prior polygraph may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption required for qualifying males.
• Age 21–36 at appointment unless veteran or federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement status qualifies.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness is evaluated.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Random drug testing subject.
• Complete 16‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band, including assistance in investigations, writing reports, and researching data from a variety of sources.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level, including assistance in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports and briefing, meeting court officials, and testifying or presenting evidence.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, demonstrating ability in federal criminal investigations, developing operational plans, operating undercover, eliciting information from confidential sources, interviewing and interrogating, and organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court.

Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be used if comparable. Graduate education of at least one year meets the experience requirement.

• Relocation expenses: full relocation expenses paid for individuals transferring from another federal position; new federal employees subject to limited relocation expenses.
• Mobility agreement required; families must be prepared for assignment locations.
• Probationary/trial period: 1‑to‑2‑year period during which fitness is evaluated.
• Medical requirements: moderate to arduous physical exertion, firearms proficiency, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent.