PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

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.

Duties

• Help 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.
  • 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;
          • Testsifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Additional Information

• For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)

• The PTA is the 1st assessment you will be required to complete to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. You are highly encouraged to view the following PTA video to ensure you fully understand the protocols that are required to pass the PTA.

Phase 2: Proctored Testing

• Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States.

Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review

• Candidates who successfully complete the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

Phase 4: Structured Interview

• Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete a Structured interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Requirements

• Conditions of employment:
  • U. S. Citizenship Required.
    • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
  • Must be able to sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
  • The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.
  • 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.
  • Basic Agent Training:
    • Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.
  • Location Availability:
    • The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited.
  • Selective Service:
    • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • Employment Verification Check:
    • To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Drug Testing:
    • 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.
  • Driver's License:
    • The position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
  • Pre-employment Polygraph:
    • A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required.

  Qualifications

  • For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility.

  Education and Experience

  • 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;
      • Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations;
  • SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE:
    • The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by 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 (SAA) in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  • COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
    • 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.
  • COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
    • A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

  GL-09 Level

  • Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
    • 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 information or action 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 ed