Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Duties

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities
• Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepares and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies
• Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities
• Gathers and analyzes evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means
• Testifies 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

Applicant Process

There are four evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position. Applicants MUST be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete/pass any of the screening processes will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – The first assessment to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Candidates who successfully complete the PTA receive an email invitation to schedule the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Assessments measure: Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Resume and supporting documents are reviewed to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualification and eligibility requirements.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Candidates who pass Phase 3 are contacted to schedule a Structured interview. A panel evaluates: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Location Availability

The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.

Training

• Basic Agent Training: Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 14-week residential training program.
• Special Agent Transition Program: Applicants may be eligible for an abbreviated hiring process and a 4-week Special Agent Transition Program if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Current or former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators who have successfully completed a federal criminal investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency (FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached); OR
  • Current or former deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officers or Agents

Spanish Language Skill

Applicants who possess proficiency in the Spanish language (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable in support of DEA's mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, particularly in investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process. Applicants who indicate proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance
• Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA
• Completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required
• 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
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or a current or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check
• Will be required to 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
• Individuals are required to successfully complete a 14-week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements by the closing of this announcement. If qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.

For the 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: 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; and Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.

OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: 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 SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA): Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize the development of skills in teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or 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. At the time of application, senior students must provide documentation confirming an expected graduation date AND prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that they maintained the required grades during their senior year.

S.A.A. is based on:

• Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class, based on completed courses
• Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum
• Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies

OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Divide total months of experience by 12, then divide semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages — the total must equal at least 100 percent.

For the GL-09 Level: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes: Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations; Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases; Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials; and Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases; and/or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.

OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR 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., if related.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.