PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions GL‑1811‑7/9/11 open to U.S. Citizens; a formal USAJobs announcement will be posted on July 20 and October 19 2026.

About the role

As a DEA Special Agent you will work on an elite criminal investigative team targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities, conducting investigations, preparing reports and briefings, apprehending traffickers, gathering and analyzing evidence, and testifying in federal proceedings.

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 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.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and experience.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance (additional clearance may be required per agency suitability).
• Sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation to any location as needed by DEA.
• Complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• Undergo a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph (reciprocity possible for prior polygraph).
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at time of application (exceptions for preference‑eligible veterans or current/former federal civilian law‑enforcement retirement covered positions).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Agree to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as appropriate.
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Submit to random drug testing.
• Complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia (or a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program if prior federal criminal‑investigation training is documented).
• While preferences will be considered, location assignments are ultimately determined by agency needs, with current priority given to border locations.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements for the GL‑07 or GL‑09 level.

GL‑07 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑05 performing: assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments; researching, collecting, and analyzing data from various 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 ability to perform the duties.
• OR – Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): bachelor’s degree with SAA