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.

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

Applicants must be available to complete all four evaluation 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) – 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 – Candidates who pass the PTA will complete a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Assesses competencies including attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Resumes and supporting documents are reviewed to determine minimum qualification and eligibility. Self-ratings must be supported by application materials.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Candidates who pass Phase 3 will complete a structured interview evaluating 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, though 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 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
• Must sign a mobility agreement agreeing to accept relocation 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 of age and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless preference eligible veteran or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position
• Successfully 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

Qualifications

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

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 relevant field
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Applicants who have completed or expect to complete all bachelor’s degree requirements within 9 months may qualify 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), or 3.5 or higher (based on required major courses in the final 2 years)
  • 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% when computed as described in the posting

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
  • 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