PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions are posted on USAJobs on July 20 and October 19, 2026. The role involves conducting complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities, preparing investigative reports and briefings, identifying and apprehending drug traffickers, gathering and analyzing evidence, and testifying in court or before grand juries.

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 on unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience

Applicant Availability

There are four evaluation phases to determine Best Qualified applicants. Applicants must be available to complete all phases; failure to pass any phase will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1 – Physical Task Assessment (PTA): Evaluates ability to participate in strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. Applicants are encouraged to review the PTA video to understand protocols.
• Phase 2 – Proctored Testing: Invitation sent after PTA. Requires completion of a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Assesses attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3 – Basic Qualification Review: Resume and supporting documents reviewed to confirm minimum qualification and eligibility. Self-ratings must be supported by application materials.
• Phase 4 – Structured Interview: Panel evaluates teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgement, self-management, and flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program at another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for an abbreviated hiring process.

Location Availability

The agency is prioritizing positions in border locations; location assignments are determined by agency needs.

Spanish Language Skill

Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is strongly encouraged. Spanish language skills 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 at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Current or former 1811 applicants with prior training 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
• Sign a mobility agreement agreeing to accept relocation based on DEA needs
• Complete a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Pass a full-scope pre-employment polygraph; reciprocity may be sought for prior polygraph exams
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
• Be at least 21 years old 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
• Pass the E-Verify employment verification check
• Serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing

Qualifications

GL-07 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-05, 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 a variety of sources relating to investigations
• Substitution of Education for Experience: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study reflecting job-related competencies (teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, self-management). Eligibility based on class standing, GPA, or honor society membership. Senior students expecting to graduate within 9 months may apply with documentation of expected graduation and maintained grades.
• Combination of Education and Experience: Total percentage must equal at least 100% when combining months of experience and graduate semester hours.

GL-09 Level

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-07, including:
  • 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 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