PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators

THIS IS NOT A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT**

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.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED SECTIONS. For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

Duties

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
• Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepare 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.

Basic Agent Training

• 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).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually under agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide if any additional clearance will be required.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and an annual medical examination.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity during the hiring process.
• 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 are required to successfully complete a 16 to 20-week BAT course held atREATE in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility.

For GL-07 Level

• Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
• Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
• Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
• Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating 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 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position, or by
  • Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with SAA in a course of study directly reflecting the job-related competencies necessary for the role. Courses should emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and self-management.

Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates

• Senior students who are currently enrolled in a degree program and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on their grades at the time of application.
• To be considered: inturds?
  • At the time of application, seniors must provide documentation confirming an expected graduation date and maintaining the required grades during their senior year.
  • Failing to provide proof or maintain required grades may result in removal from consideration.

Class Standing and GPA Requirements

• Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class.
• Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on four-year education or final two years) or 3.5 or higher (based on required major courses). Membership in a national scholastic honor Carlys may also qualify.

Combination of Education and Experience

• A combined education and experience must equal at least 100% of the required total, calculated by dividing total months of experience by 12 and total graduate semester hours by 18 and adding the percentages.

For GL-09 Level

• Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent toីឡ at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
  • Collecting and analyzing data from multiple source;
  • Writing veel reports and conducting briefings on findings, results, or accomplishments;
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials;
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.

Substitution conference for Education Experience

• Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D.; or a combination totaling 3+ years of graduateелиться Education.

For GS-11 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-09 level, including:
  
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations with other federal law enforcement agencies;
  • Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities of federal cases;