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

Evaluation and Selection Process

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 strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – candidates who successfully complete the PTA will 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 – panel evaluates candidates on: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Location and Training

• Location Availability: The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, assignments will ultimately be determined based on agency needs.
• Basic Agent Training: Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training must attend and complete a 14-week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Special Agent Transition Program: Applicants may be eligible for an abbreviated hiring process and a 4-week 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
• Pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required; 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph 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 a preference eligible veteran or current/previous Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification check
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license
• Subject to random drug testing

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 that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours (unofficial accepted at time of application; official/sealed transcript required 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 performing: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases; and researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations.
• 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.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree with SAA in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties. Courses should emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self-management. S.A.A. is based on:
  • Class Standing: Upper third of the graduating class; OR
  • Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher based on 4 years or final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher based on average of required courses in the major field or final 2 years of the major; OR
  • Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies
• Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students currently enrolled and expecting to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on grades at time of application. At application, provide documentation confirming expected graduation date; prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that required grades were maintained during senior year.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination may be used as long as the computed percentage of requirements is at least 100%.

For the GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level performing: 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 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.
• 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. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination may be used as long as the computed percentage of requirements is at least 100%.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.