PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

This is a public notice for upcoming Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. Job announcements will be posted on USAJobs on July 20th and October 19th, 2026.

About the Role

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. Your work will make a difference for the security and well-being of our nation and the world every day.

Responsibilities

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

Applicant Availability and Evaluation Phases

There are four evaluation phases to determine the best-qualified applicants. Applicants must be available to complete all phases. Failure to pass any phase will result in disqualification.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – Evaluates your ability to participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. View the PTA video for protocols.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – Includes a Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center (over 600 locations available). Assesses competencies such as Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – Reviews resumes and supporting documents to verify minimum qualifications. Preview assessment questions.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – Evaluates competencies including 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 prioritizes filling positions in border locations, with limited availability. While preferences will be considered, assignments are based on agency needs.

Language Skills

Applicants proficient in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable for investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships. Proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process.

Training

• Applicants without prior federal law enforcement training must complete a 16-week residential training program.
• Current or former 1811 applicants with prior training may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FLETC/CITP transcripts required).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance; suitability review may require additional clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement accepting relocation based on DEA needs.
• Requires pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examinations.
• Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required (reciprocity may apply for prior polygraphs).
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt (www.sss.gov).
• Must be at least 21 years old and not older than 36 at application (exceptions for preference-eligible veterans or prior federal law enforcement retirees).
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification (www.dhs.gov/E-Verify).
• 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.
• Must successfully complete a 16-week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all required qualifications by the closing date of the announcement. If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts displaying conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours (unofficial transcripts accepted initially; official transcripts required if selected).

GL-07 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to 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 various sources relating to investigations.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor’s degree completion (or within 9 months) with SAA in a relevant field. SAA is based on:
  • Class standing (upper third of graduating class).
  • Grade-point average (3.0+ overall or 3.5+ in major courses).
  • Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A mix of education and experience totaling 100% of requirements.

Senior students may apply if they provide documentation of expected graduation within 9 months and maintain required grades through their senior year.

GL-09 Level

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GL/GS-07 level, including:
  • Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law.
  • Collecting and analyzing data from various sources relating to investigations.
  • Writing reports and conducting briefings for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
  • Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel.
  • Assisting prosecuting attorneys in case preparation and/or testifying in court.
• Substitution of Education for Experience: Master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.