PUBLIC - DEA Criminal Investigators

PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

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This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. An official job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026. Please read the Additional Information and How You Will Be Evaluated sections.

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 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. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy.
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming acceptance of relocation to any DEA location.
• Position requires completion of 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 with the DEA during hiring.
• 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.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Selectee will serve a 1‑year or 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:
  If selected, individuals must complete a 16‑ to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• 1811 applicants with a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts required).

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below. For more information on eligibility requirements see DEA Employment Eligibility.

• Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level that includes:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
  • Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for law‑enforcement activities and/or court cases;
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR

EXPERIENCE:

The experience requirement for the GS‑7 level may be met by one full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the position duties.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA): Applicants completing a bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study directly reflecting…