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. This role makes 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 other means.
• Testifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.
• Additional duties may be assigned based on 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 phase 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 receive an email to schedule a Writing Assessment at one of over 600 testing centers 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 positions in border locations. While preferences will be considered, assignments are based on agency needs. Spanish language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing) is strongly encouraged and 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 prior 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.
• Requires pre-employment medical clearance and annual examinations.
• 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).
• Must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at application (exceptions for preference-eligible veterans or prior federal law enforcement retirees).
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification (www.dhs.gov/E-Verify).
• 1- 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 one of the following requirements by the announcement closing date. If qualifying by education, submit transcripts displaying conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours (unofficial accepted initially; official required if selected).

GL-07 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year equivalent to GL/GS-05 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Writing reports for law enforcement activities or court cases.
  • Researching, collecting, and analyzing investigative data.
• Education Substitution: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree (or completion within 9 months) with:
  • Upper-third class standing, or
  • GPA of 3.0+ (overall or final 2 years), or 3.5+ in major courses, or
  • Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

  Senior students must provide expected graduation date documentation and maintain grades through senior year.

• Combination: Education and experience may combine to meet 100% of requirements (e.g., 6 months experience + 9 semester hours graduate education).

GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year equivalent to GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected law violations.
  • Collecting and analyzing investigative data.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings for law enforcement or court cases.
  • Meeting with court officials or law enforcement to discuss case materials.
  • Assisting prosecutors or testifying in court proceedings.
• Education Substitution: Master’s degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.