PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

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, making a difference for the security and well-being of our nation and the world every day.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities
• Prepare comprehensive and succinct 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 upon unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience

Applicant Availability

There are four evaluation phases used to determine applicants who are Best Qualified for the position. Applicants must be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete or pass any screening process will result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)

  The PTA is the first assessment required to evaluate your ability to participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. View the PTA video to understand the protocols required to pass.

• Phase 2: Proctored Testing

  Candidates who complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2, which requires a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Over 600 testing locations are available across the United States. Assessments measure competencies including attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.

• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review

  Candidates who pass the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine if they meet minimum qualification and eligibility requirements. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

• Phase 4: Structured Interview

  Candidates who pass Phase 3 will be contacted to schedule a Structured Interview. A panel will evaluate candidates on 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 positions in border locations, and availability is limited. Location assignments will be determined based on agency needs.

Spanish Language Skill

Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is strongly encouraged. 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 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 through another federal law enforcement agency 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; additional clearances may be required
• 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 examinations
• 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 the time of application, unless a preference eligible veteran or a current/former Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered employee
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check
• Must serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing
• Must successfully complete a 16-week basic agent training course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below by the closing of the announcement.

GL-07 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level in the Federal service, 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 various sources relating to investigations
• 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 of the position
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all requirements for a bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study directly reflecting job-related competencies. Eligibility is based on:
  • Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class
  • Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (based on 4 years or final 2 years), 3.5 or higher (based on major field or final 2 years), or election to membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination totaling at least 100% of the requirements, calculated by dividing total months of experience by 12 and semester hours of graduate education by 18

GL-09 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level in the Federal service, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law
  • Collecting and analyzing data from various sources relating to investigations
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings for law enforcement activities and/or court cases
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases
  • Testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings
• Substitution of Education for Experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education