PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions are open to U.S. citizens. A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on July 20 and October 19, 2026. Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable for investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.

Duties

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities
• Prepare comprehensive criminal investigative reports and briefings for 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 phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete any phase will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – Evaluates ability to participate in strenuous activities required during basic agent training
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center measuring attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine minimum qualification and eligibility
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Evaluates teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgment, self-management, and flexibility

Current or former 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for an abbreviated hiring process.

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 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 to any location 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 completion)
• 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 time of application (preference eligible veterans or current/former Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered positions may be exempt)
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification
• Serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing

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 One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field
• OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) with a bachelor’s degree emphasizing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self-management
• OR Combination of education and experience totaling 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
  • Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases
  • Testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings
• OR Master’s or equivalent graduate degree OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education