PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions will be 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.

Duties

• 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 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

Applicants must be available to complete all four evaluation phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete any phase will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)
  • Evaluates the 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
  • Candidates who pass the PTA will be invited to complete a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center.
  • Assesses competencies such as Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.
  • Over 600 testing locations available across the United States.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review
  • Resume and supporting documents are reviewed to determine eligibility.
  • Self-ratings must be supported by application materials; errors or omissions may impact eligibility.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview
  • Candidates who pass Phase 3 will complete a structured interview.
  • Evaluates competencies such as 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 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 may be assessed during the hiring process and may support investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training must attend 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.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance; additional clearances may be required.
• Must sign a mobility agreement agreeing to accept relocation based on agency needs.
• Must complete a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required; reciprocity may be sought for prior polygraphs.
• 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 (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

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

GL-07 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level, 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 related to investigations.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: One full year of graduate-level education in a field demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities 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 such as teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and self-management. 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 required major courses in the 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 of education and experience totaling at least 100% of the requirements (e.g., months of experience divided by 12 plus semester hours of graduate education divided by 18).

GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from various sources related to investigations.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials.
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparing technical aspects of cases.
  • Testifying or presenting evidence in 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.