Criminal Investigator- Special Agent (Pilot) (Reemployed Annuitant)

Summary The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking retirees of the Federal Employee Retirement System or Civil Service Retirement System to fill pilot positions. This role involves operating aircraft to support critical enforcement operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, fugitive transport, and specialized missions aimed at combating drug trafficking. Position Title: Criminal Investigator (Pilot) Open Date: 07/06/2026 Close Date: 07/20/2026 Duties Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities. Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities. Utilize intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities. Prepare written documentation supporting investigations. Collaborate with teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; make assignments and provide guidance and coordination to team members. Operate aircraft, plan and execute flights, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for investigative purposes. Coordinate operational flight missions with supported units domestically and with host nation countries to support enforcement operations. Provide real‑time guidance during operations to enhance the success of drug trafficking investigations. Dual Compensation Off‑Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents) This announcement is recruiting CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis. A dual compensation waiver is approved under applicable regulations, subject to certain circumstances and expiration dates. Eligible annuitants receive full annuity and full Federal salary; annual and sick leave (not applicable for intermittent schedules), full‑time work schedules, overtime compensation, and Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) of 25% of the base salary. Full salary and annuity under exception: Annuitants are not considered employees for subchapter III/IV purposes, may not elect retirement contributions, may not use grant‑exception employment as basis for supplemental or recomputed annuity, and may not participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. Flight Assessment Applicants must complete a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot. The assessment will be conducted in Fort Worth, Texas, or in the applicant’s geographic location as determined by DEA. Requirements U.S. citizenship required. Eligible for Top‑Secret security clearance. Sign mobility agreement for relocation to any DEA location. Complete pre‑employment medical clearance and periodic examinations. Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required. FAA Class 1 Medical at time of flight assessment for multi‑engine operations (date within 12 months). Current FAA Commercial or ATP Airplane Rating with Instruments. Pilot‑On‑Duty minimums: 1,500 flight hours, with at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). Eligible males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. Valid state driver’s license. Subject to random drug testing. Completion of Basic Agent Training (FLETC, CITP, or DEA Basic Agent Training). Successful flight assessment completion. Qualifications Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements present by the closing of this announcement. GS‑13 Level Experience (Specialized Experience) One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑12 level, including: Conducting complex criminal investigations and all phases required for successful completion. Planning operations for major evidence purchases, searches, seizures, raids, and arrests. Operating aircraft to plan and execute investigative flights, including air/ground surveillance, air photography, fugitive transport, undercover role enhancement, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, sensitive cargo transport, marijuana eradication, and prisoner transport. Providing real‑time operational flight mission guidance. Promoting information exchange and maintaining relationships with local, state, and Federal agencies. Testifying in court proceedings and consulting with prosecuting officials. FAA Certifications Dual Rated: Airplane Multi‑Engine Land with Instrument Rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with Instrument Rating; or Airplane Rated: Airplane Multi‑Engine Land with Instrument Rating. Medical Certification FAA Class 1 Medical at time of flight assessment for multi‑engine flight operations. Medical certification must be dated within 12 months. Flight Hours 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). Flight Review A documented flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months is required. Preferred Experience Flight experience in ATR, King Air 200/300. Additional Information Specialized experience includes paid, unpaid, and volunteer work such as National Service programs, professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social organizations. Volunteer work earns credit for qualifying experience. Time‑In‑Grade Requirement Applicants must meet time‑in‑grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by closing date. Education Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy. Polygraph All applicants must pass a full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph assessment. Reciprocity may be considered. Suitability Position requires Top‑Secret clearance, reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Medical Requirements Duty involves moderate to arduous physical exertion; applicants must pass a pre‑employment medical examination. Conditions that make the applicant a hazard to self or others are disqualifying. Basic Agent Training Requirement 1811 applicants who have completed another federal law‑enforcement agency’s training program may qualify for a 4‑week residential training program (FCIT transcripts required). Law Enforcement Availability Special Agents may work substantial overtime, irregular schedules including weekends and holidays, and must be readily accessible for unscheduled work. LEAP ensures compensation for availability. Firearms Requirement Must be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency; meets Lautenberg Amendment requirements and no misdemeanor domestic‑violence convictions. Employment Drug Policy Applicants must disclose drug usage history. Past use is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. Mobility Agreement Position subject to reassignment to any federal DEA facility; mobility agreement required. Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP/ICTAP) To receive priority, applicants must meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility, score ≥85 on ranking criteria, and submit supporting documentation. More information at OPM website. Benefits A federal employee benefits package is available, including health, retirement, leave, and other benefits. Eligibility depends on full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent status. Contact DEA for specific benefit details. #J-18808-Ljbffr Drug Enforcement Administration