Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Drug Enforcement Administration · Hagerstown, MD · 1 mo ago

On-siteInformation TechnologyFull-time

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) — Evaluates your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. You are highly encouraged to view the PTA video to ensure you fully understand the protocols required to pass.
Phase 2: Proctored Testing — Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center (over 600 locations across the U.S.). Assessments measure: Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making.
Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review — Candidates who pass the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet minimum qualification and eligibility requirements. The evaluation team may exclude candidates if self-ratings exceed supporting materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility. Preview assessment questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12985960
Phase 4: Structured Interview — Candidates who pass Phase 3 will be contacted to schedule a Structured Interview. A panel will evaluate: 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 Programs

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. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide if any additional clearance will be required
Must sign a mobility agreement confirming your 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 with the DEA during the hiring process
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/)
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
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
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
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

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements described below 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

Specialized Experience: 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

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 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 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: 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. Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe OR failure to maintain the required grades through their senior year may result in removal from consideration.

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
Honor Society Membership: 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%. To compute: divide total months of experience by 12, then divide semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages — total must equal at least 100 percent.

For the GL-09 Level

Specialized Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

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
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. Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

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%. To compute: divide total months of experience by 12, then divide semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages — total must equal at least 100 percent.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.