PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) positions are posted twice yearly on USAJobs (July 20 and October 19, 2026). The role involves working as part of an elite criminal investigative team targeting narcotics and drug-related activities, gathering and analyzing evidence, preparing investigative reports and briefings, 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 disqualifies the applicant.

• 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: Invited after passing PTA. Requires a Writing Assessment at one of over 600 proctored testing centers nationwide, measuring competencies such as attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3 – Basic Qualification Review: Resume and supporting documents are reviewed to confirm minimum qualifications and eligibility. Self-ratings must be supported by application materials.
• Phase 4 – Structured Interview: Panel evaluates competencies including 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 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 and complete a 16-week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Current or former 1811 applicants with completed training may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program.

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 relocate anywhere based on DEA needs
• Completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required; reciprocity may be considered for prior examinees
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
• 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 civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification
• 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, 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 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, GPA, or honor society membership:
  • Class Standing: Upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses
  • Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher (based on 4 years or final 2 years), 3.5 or higher (based on required major courses 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% when computed as (months of experience ÷ 12) + (semester hours of graduate education ÷ 18)

GL-09 Level

• 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 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 to discuss case-related materials
  • 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