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 phases of the Special Agent applicant process:

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – Evaluates ability to participate in strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center, measuring competencies such as attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, and decision making
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine minimum qualification and eligibility requirements
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Evaluates competencies such as 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.

Spanish Language Skill

Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is highly desirable, particularly for investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Applicants indicating proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.

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 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 possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Subject to random drug testing
• Must complete a 16-week basic agent training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia

Qualifications

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
• OR One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field
• OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) with a bachelor’s degree emphasizing skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and self-management

Senior students expecting to graduate within 9 months may be considered based on grades at time of application and maintained eligibility through graduation.

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
  • Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases
  • Testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings
• OR Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education