PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

THIS IS NOT AN OPEN JOB ANNOUNCEMENT** This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on July 20th and October 19th, 2026. PLEASE READ THE DUTIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS. For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter. At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action. That action makes a difference for the security and well-being of our nation and the world every day.

Responsibilities

• 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

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 that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• 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
• 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
• 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
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing
• Individuals are required to successfully complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia

Qualifications

For the GL‑07 level: Must have 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; and 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 the 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 who are 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; prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that they maintained the required grades during their senior year. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing (upper third of the graduating class), (2) 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), OR election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
OR combination of education and experience: a combination may be used as long as the computed percentage of the