PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

Summary 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 July 20 and October 19 2026. Duties 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 upon an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience. Applicant Availability Candidates must be available to complete all four phases of the application process: Physical Task Assessment, Proctored Testing, Basic Qualification Review, and Structured Interview. Failure to complete any phase will result in disqualification. Requirements U.S. citizenship required. Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Must sign a mobility agreement for relocation to any domestic DEA facility. Completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required. Full-scope pre-employment polygraph required. Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males. Age 21‑36 (or older if veteran or federal insurance covered). Pass E‑Verify employment verification check. Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period during which fitness is evaluated. Valid state driver’s license required. Random drug testing required. Complete 16‑week basic agent training at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, Virginia. Qualifications All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements for the GL‑07, GL‑09, or GS‑11 levels. See below for details. GL‑07 Level One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level in performing: Assisting 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 related to investigations; or One full year of graduate level education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) Approved by SAA criteria: class standing in top third, GPA 3.0+ (or 3.5+ for major courses), or national honor society membership. GL‑09 Level One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑07 level in: Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law; Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources; Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings for law enforcement; Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel; Assisting prosecuting attorneys and/or testifying in legal proceedings.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree or equivalent; 2 years of progressive graduate education; LL.B. or J.D.; GS‑11 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to GL/GS‑09 level in: Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations with agencies; Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities; Operating undercover, surveillance, raids, seizures, and arrests; Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources; Interviewing and interrogating suspected violators; Organizing evidence for prosecution and testifying in court.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (GS‑11)

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of progressive graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or LL.M.; Additional Information Location availability prioritized for border locations; assignments determined by agency needs. Spanish language proficiency is strongly encouraged and may be assessed during hiring. Basic agent training: 16‑week residential program for those without prior federal law enforcement training. Special Agent Transition Program: 3‑week program for those with prior federal criminal investigation training. Applicants must sign mobility agreement; family must support relocation. Relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions; limited for new federal employees. Recruitment incentives may be offered. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees and families. Benefits depend on location, full‑time status, and position type. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Drug Enforcement Administration