PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

Duties

• 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 investigative methods.
• Testifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.
• Additional duties may be assigned based upon an individual’s unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.

Applicant Availability and Selection Process

Applicants must be available to complete all four evaluation phases. Failure to successfully complete any phase results in disqualification.

• Phase 1 – Physical Task Assessment (PTA): First assessment to evaluate ability to perform the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. A PTA video is provided for protocol review.
• Phase 2 – Proctored Testing: Candidates who pass the PTA receive an invitation to complete a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center (over 600 locations nationwide). Competencies measured include attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3 – Basic Qualification Review: Resumes and supporting documents are reviewed for minimum qualification and eligibility. Self‑ratings must be supported by application materials.
• Phase 4 – Structured Interview: A panel interview evaluates 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 agency may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

Location Availability

The agency is prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations. While preferences will be considered, final location assignments will be based on agency needs.

Spanish Language Skill

Applicants with proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish skills are highly desirable for investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process, and applicants indicating proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.

Training

• Basic Agent Training: Applicants without prior federal law‑enforcement training must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• Special Agent Transition Program: Current or former 1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another agency may qualify for a 3‑week transition program (FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached).

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate as needed.
• Pre‑employment medical clearance, annual medical examination, and a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph (reciprocity may be sought for applicants with a prior polygraph).
• Selective Service registration (or exemption) for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Age 21‑36 at the time of application, unless the applicant is a preference‑eligible veteran or a former federal civilian law‑enforcement retiree.
• Successful completion of the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• One‑year or two‑year trial period, during which fitness and performance are evaluated.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Random drug testing.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements for the GL‑07 or GL‑09 level by the closing date of the announcement.

• GL‑07 Level:
  • One (1) year of specialized experience at the GL/GS‑05 level, including:
    • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
    • Writing reports of findings for law‑enforcement activities or court cases.
    • Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from various sources.
  • OR one full year of graduate‑level education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) – completion (or expected completion within 9 months) of a bachelor’s degree with:
    • Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, or
    • GPA of 3.0 (4‑year) or 3.5 (major‑specific), or
    • Membership in a nationally recognized honor society.
  • Upcoming graduates may be considered if they provide documentation of expected graduation and maintain required grades through the senior year.
  • Combination of education and experience may be used if the combined percentage equals at least 100 % (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours ÷ 18 ≥ 100 %).
• GL‑09 Level:
  • One (1) year of specialized experience at the GL/GS‑07 level, including:
    • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
    • Collecting and analyzing investigative data.
    • Writing reports and conducting briefings for law‑enforcement or court actions.
    • Interacting with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel regarding case materials.
    • Assisting prosecuting attorneys with technical case aspects and testifying or presenting evidence.
  • OR substitution of education for experience:
    • Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or
    • Two (2) full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education.