PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for upcoming 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.

About the role

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. Your work will make 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 delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies.
• Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arrests 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.

Applicant Availability

There are four evaluation phases used to determine the best-qualified applicants for the position. Applicants must be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete or pass any of the screening processes will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – The first assessment evaluates your ability to participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. View the PTA video for full protocols.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Candidates who pass the PTA will complete a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center (over 600 locations nationwide). Assessments measure competencies such as Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Resumes and supporting documents are reviewed to verify minimum qualifications. Self-ratings must align with application materials. Preview assessment questions.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Candidates who pass Phase 3 will complete a structured interview evaluating 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 border locations, and assignments will be determined based on agency needs. While preferences will be considered, final assignments depend on operational requirements.

Spanish Language Skills

Applicants proficient in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable for investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants without prior federal law enforcement training must complete a 16-week residential training program. Current or former 1811 applicants with completed Federal Criminal Investigation training may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FLETC/CITP transcripts required).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance; suitability review may require additional clearances.
• Must sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation based on DEA needs.
• Pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examinations required.
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required (reciprocity may apply for prior 1811 applicants).
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt (www.sss.gov).
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless a preference-eligible veteran or previously served in a federal law enforcement retirement-covered position.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification (www.dhs.gov/E-Verify).
• 1-year or 2-year trial period required.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• 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

Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements by the closing of the announcement. If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts displaying conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours (unofficial transcripts accepted initially; official transcripts required if selected).

GL-07 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GL/GS-05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Writing reports of findings or accomplishments for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from various sources relating to investigations.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Completion (or expected completion within 9 months) of a bachelor’s degree with SAA in a relevant field. SAA is based on:
  • Class standing (upper third of graduating class).
  • Grade-point average (3.0+ overall or 3.5+ in major/last 2 years).
  • Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A computed percentage of 100% or more (months of experience ÷ 12 + semester hours of graduate education ÷ 18).
• Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students expecting to graduate within 9 months may apply with documentation of expected graduation date and proof of maintained grades through senior year.

GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from various sources relating to investigations.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Meeting with court officials or law enforcement personnel to discuss case materials.
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparing technical aspects of cases and/or testifying in court.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.