PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

This is a public notice for 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.

Duties

• Help At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. 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. That action makes a difference for the security and well-being of our nation and the world every day.
  • Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
    • Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepares and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
      • Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
        • Gathers and analyzes evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
          • Testsifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Additional Information

For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)

THE PTA IS THE 1ST ASSESSMENT YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. You are highly encouraged to view the following PTA video to ensure you fully understand the protocols that are required to pass the PTA.

Phase 2: Proctored Testing

Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making.

Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review

Candidates who successfully complete the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

Phase 4: Structured Interview

Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete a Structured interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U. S. Citizenship Required.
  
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
    
    • Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy.
      
    • Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
      
  • Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
    
    • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
      
    • A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required.
      
  • 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
    
    • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
      
  • Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or a current, or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
    
    • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
      
      • To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
    • Selectee will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period, as appropriate, during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
      
      • This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
        
      • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
        
    • Location Availability: The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.
      
      • Spanish Language Skill Applicants who possess proficiency in the Spanish language (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply.
        
        • Spanish language skills are highly desirable in support of DEA's mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, particularly in investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.
          
      • Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process.
        
        • Applicants who indicate proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.
          
      • Basic Agent Training Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 16-week residential training program.
        
        • Special Agent Transition Program Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FLETC/CITP Transcripts must be attached).

  Qualifications

  For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
  Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment. All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.