Investigator

Summary TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans. The salary listed is based on the 2026 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position. Duties Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public. The Incumbent Will Perform The Following Duties Conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record-keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry. Collecting and analyzing information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions. Researching and preparing a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and provide guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators. Developing and maintaining working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies in order to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges. Planning, implementing, and participating in multi-jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations. Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Diversion Investigators This announcement is being used to recruit CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis. A dual compensation waiver may be approved in accordance with applicable regulations under certain specified circumstances, not to exceed August 21, 2029. Annuitants reemployed with full salary and annuity under an exception granted in accordance with 5 CFR 533 Are not considered employees for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code. May not elect to have retirement contributions withheld from their pay; May not use any employment for which an exception is granted as a basis for a supplemental or recomputed annuity; and May not participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen. Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Successful completion of an one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed). This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required. Successful completion of a mandatory 12 week in residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia. Required if not previously completed. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance. Medical examination required. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbent is subject to random drug testing. Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Diversion Control Program. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: Polygraph may be required. Qualifications To qualify for employment with the DEA, applicants must not violate any of the automatic employment disqualifiers or the drug policy criteria. For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. GS-13 Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Preparing reports, presenting findings and making recommendations; 2) Performing complex inspections and investigations to ensure compliance and detect violations; 3) Planning and organizing debriefing formal and informal presentations; 4) Providing advice and guidance to customers on matters relative to organizational operations and policies; and 5) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information. -OR- Competencies Accountability Arithmetic Attention to Detail Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Memory Oral Communication Problem Solving Reading Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Writing Motor Vehicle Operation A job applicant study guide for the assessments used to evaluate you on these competencies is available here: Assessment Preparation Guide and Sample Questions for Diversion Investigator Applicants April 2026. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site. Education Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement. Additional information Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Selectee placement will be based on requirements of the agency to effectively meet goals and objectives. Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Additional Vacancies May Be Filled From This Vacancy Announcement Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP) This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: Required As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If eligible, telework may be permitted with supervisory approval. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr