Summary

THIS IS NOT AN OPEN JOB ANNOUNCEMENT**

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 April 20th, July 20th, and October 19th, 2026.

PLEASE READ THE DUTIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS. For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

Duties

• Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug-related activities.
• Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver 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 a variety of other means.
• Testify 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

There are four (4) evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are best qualified for the position. Applicants MUST be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete/pass any of the screening processes will result in the applicant being disqualified and removed from consideration.

• Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA) – the first assessment to evaluate present ability to participate in basic agent training. Candidates are encouraged to view the PTA video to understand protocols required to pass the PTA.
• Phase 2: Proctored Testing – candidates who complete Phase 1 receive an invitation to schedule a proctored writing assessment. Assessments measure attention to detail, memory, teamwork, problem solving, decision making.
• Phase 3: Basic Qualification Review – resume and supporting documents are reviewed to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements.
• Phase 4: Structured Interview – candidates who pass Phase 3 are scheduled for a structured interview evaluating teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication, decision making/judgement, self‑management, and flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

Location Availability

The agency is prioritizing filling positions in border locations. Location assignments will ultimately be determined based on agency needs.

Spanish Language Skill

Applicants who possess proficiency in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process and may require a language assessment.

Basic Agent Training

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another 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 may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached).

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to any DEA location.
• Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required.
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males.
• Age 21‑36 (unless preference eligible for veterans or federal civilian law enforcement retirement).
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as appropriate.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Must complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) course at DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements for the position. For details on eligibility requirements see DEA Employment Eligibility and OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook.

• GL‑07 Level – one year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level, or one year of graduate education equivalent, or superior academic achievement (SAA) if a senior student.
• GL‑09 Level – one year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level, or two years of graduate education, or LL.B./J.D., or SAA.
• GS‑11 Level – one year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level, or Ph.D./LL.M. equivalent, or combination of education and experience meeting 100% criteria.

Substitution of education for experience and combination of education and experience calculations are provided in the original announcement.

Additional Information

This position has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.

Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service Appointments. Individuals appointed via the Schedule B authority may be converted to permanent Career appointments by the third or fourth year.

Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, occasionally irregular schedules, weekends, and holidays. LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) is provided at 25 % of base salary.

Medical Requirements: Modest to arduous physical exertion, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather. A pre‑employment medical examination is required.

Firearms Requirement: Authorization to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency, subject to the Lautenberg Amendment. Applicants must verify no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.

Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Previous drug use may be considered case‑by‑case.

Mobility Agreement: Position is subject to reassignment to any DEA facility. Applicants must ensure family support for any assignment location.

Relocation Expenses: Full relocation expenses will be paid for individuals transferring from another federal position. New federal employees are responsible for uncovered costs.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on position type and employment status. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.