PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions (GL-1811-7/9/11) will be posted on USAJobs on July 20 and October 19, 2026. These roles are open to U.S. citizens only.

Duties

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities
• Prepare comprehensive criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings to 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 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/or experience

Applicant Availability

Applicants must be available to complete all four evaluation phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete or pass any phase will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)

  The PTA is the first assessment and evaluates the ability to participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. Applicants are encouraged to review the PTA video to understand protocols.

• Phase 2: Proctored Testing

  Candidates who pass the PTA will receive an invitation to complete a proctored Writing Assessment at one of over 600 testing centers nationwide. Assessments measure competencies including attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.

• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review

  Candidates who pass the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resumes and supporting documents reviewed for minimum qualification and eligibility. Self-ratings must be supported by application materials; errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

• Phase 4: Structured Interview

  Candidates who pass Phase 3 will be scheduled for a structured interview. A panel evaluates competencies including teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgement, self-management, and flexibility.

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

Location Availability

The agency is prioritizing positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. Location assignments are determined based on agency needs.

Spanish Language Skill

Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is strongly encouraged. Spanish language skills may be assessed during the hiring process and may support investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training must attend and complete a 16-week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program. FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• Must sign a mobility agreement agreeing to accept relocation based on DEA needs
• Completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required; reciprocity may be sought for prior polygraph examinations
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless a preference eligible veteran or a current/former Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position employee
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check
• Must serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing
• Must successfully complete a 16-week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia

Qualifications

GL-07 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law
  • Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for 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 demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position
• OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study directly reflecting job-related competencies, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self-management

Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students currently enrolled and expected to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on grades at the time of application. Proof of graduation and maintained grades must be provided prior to entry on duty.

SAA is based on:

• Class standing: Upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses
• Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher (based on 4 years or final 2 years), 3.5 or higher (based on required major courses in final 2 years), or election to membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies
• Combination of education and experience: Total percentage must equal at least 100%

GL-09 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • 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 law enforcement activities and/or court cases
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases
  • Testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings
• OR Substitution of Education for Experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education