PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for upcoming Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions at the GL-1811-7/9/11 levels, open to U.S. citizens. Job announcements will be posted on USAJobs on July 20th and October 19th, 2026.

About the Role

As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team, transforming talent into action to enhance national and global security. Your work will directly impact the disruption and dismantling of narcotics and drug-related criminal activities.

Responsibilities

• 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, arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities.
• Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and other means.
• Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.
• Additional duties may be assigned based on unique knowledge, skills, and experience.

Applicant Evaluation Process

Applicants must successfully complete four evaluation phases to be considered for the position:

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – Evaluates your ability to participate in strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. View the PTA video for protocols.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Includes a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center (over 600 locations nationwide). Assesses competencies such as Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Reviews resumes and supporting documents to verify minimum qualifications. Self-ratings must align with application materials. Preview assessment questions.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Evaluates competencies including Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for an abbreviated hiring process.

Location Availability

The DEA is prioritizing positions in border locations. While preferences will be considered, assignments are based on agency needs. Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, writing) is highly desirable and may be assessed during the hiring process.

Training

• Applicants without prior federal law enforcement training must complete a 16-week residential Basic Agent Training program.
• Current or former 1811 applicants with prior training may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FLETC/CITP transcripts required).

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance; suitability review conducted.
• Must sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation based on DEA needs.
• Pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examinations required.
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required (reciprocity may apply for prior polygraphs).
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at application (exceptions for preference-eligible veterans or prior federal law enforcement retirees).
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• 1-year or 2-year trial period required for selectees.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must successfully complete the 16-week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification requirements by the announcement closing date. Transcripts must be submitted if qualifying based on education.

GL-07 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GL/GS-05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Writing reports of findings for law enforcement activities or court cases.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from various sources.
• Education Substitution: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree completion (or within 9 months) with:
  • Upper-third class standing, or
  • GPA of 3.0+ (overall or final 2 years), or 3.5+ in major courses, or
  • Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
• Combination: Equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., 6 months experience + 9 semester hours graduate education).

Senior students may apply if graduating within 9 months, provided they maintain required grades and submit proof of graduation.

GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from various sources.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings for law enforcement activities.
  • Meeting with court officials or law enforcement to discuss case materials.
  • Assisting prosecutors in case preparation or testifying in court.
• Education Substitution: Master’s degree or equivalent, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.