PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

About the role

DEA Criminal Investigator (GL-1811) positions will be posted on USAJobs on July 20 and October 19, 2026. As a DEA Special Agent you will work on an elite criminal investigative team targeting narcotics and drug-related activities, preparing investigative reports and briefings, gathering and analyzing evidence, and testifying in court.

Duties

• 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 activities required during basic agent training. View the PTA video to understand protocols.
• Phase 2 – Proctored Testing: Writing assessment at one of over 600 U.S. testing centers measuring attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making.
• Phase 3 – Basic Qualification Review: Resume and supporting documents reviewed for minimum qualification and eligibility; self-ratings must be supported by application materials.
• Phase 4 – Structured Interview: Panel evaluates 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 through 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.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training must attend 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
• Sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation anywhere based on DEA needs
• Complete a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• Pass a full-scope pre-employment polygraph; reciprocity may be sought for prior polygraph
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
• Be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at time of application, unless preference eligible veteran or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position
• Pass E-Verify employment verification
• Serve a 1- or 2-year trial period
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following basic qualification requirements by the closing of the announcement.

GL-07

• Specialized experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-05 that includes assisting in investigations, writing reports, and researching/collecting/analyzing data.
• Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate-level education in a field demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree with SAA in a course of study reflecting job-related competencies (teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, self-management). SAA can be based on class standing, GPA, or honor society membership. Senior students expecting to graduate within 9 months may apply; proof of graduation and maintained grades required before entry on duty.
• Combination of education and experience: Compute total months of experience and semester hours of graduate education; the sum must equal at least 100%.

GL-09

• Specialized experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GL/GS-07 that includes assisting in investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports and briefings, meeting with officials, assisting prosecutors, and testifying.
• Substitution of education for experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.