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.

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 obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually under agency suitability policy.
• Must sign a mobility agreement committing to relocation as required by the DEA.
• Complete a pre‑employment medical clearance, annual medical examination, and a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph. 1811 applicants with prior polygraph experience may seek reciprocity.
• Selective Service registration or exemption as required for males born after 12/31/59.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at appointment, unless eligible as a veteran or federal civilian law enforcement retirement position.
• Pass an E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period to evaluate fitness and ongoing public interest.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Complete the 16‑week Basic Agent Training at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

All applicants must meet the basic qualification requirements below. The following sections outline the specific experience or education needed for GL‑07, GL‑09, and GS‑11 levels.

• GL‑07 Level
  • One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05, including assisting in investigations of suspected violations of law, writing reports, and researching, collecting, and analyzing data.
  • Substitution:
    One full year of graduate level education or college-level superior academic achievement.
  • Combination of education and experience (computed percentage at least 100%):
    Percentage of experience divided by 12 plus semester hours of graduate education divided by 18.
• GL‑09 Level
  • One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07, including assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, meeting court officials, and assisting prosecutors.
  • Substitution:
    Master’s degree or 2 full years of graduate education, or an LL.B./J.D.
  • Combination of education and experience (computed percentage at least 100%):
    Percentage of experience divided by 12 plus graduate semester hours beyond 18 divided by 18.
• GS‑11 Level
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09, demonstrating ability to conduct or support federal investigations, develop operational plans, operate undercover, develop confidential sources, interview, and organize evidence for prosecution.
  • Substitution:
    Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of graduate education leading to such a degree.
  • Combination of education and experience (computed percentage at least 100%):
    Percentage of experience divided by 12 plus graduate semester hours beyond 36 divided by 18.