Criminal Investigator- Special Agent Job in DEA - US Locations

Vacancy No. BA2025-8B11 Department Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary $63,163.00 to $82,108.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 10/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
DEA - US Locations


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.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED SECTIONS BEFORE APPLYING.

Duties

At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. 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. That action makes a difference for the security and well-being of our nation and the world every day.

  • Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
  • Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepares and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
  • Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
  • Gathers and analyzes evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
  • Testifies 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.

Basic Agent Training: Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 16-week residential training program. Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3-week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT Transcripts must be attached). Current or Former Deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officers may qualify for a condensed training program.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U. S. Citizenship is Required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
  • Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
  • A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously passed a polygraph with their current agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process. Limited scope polygraphs or waivers may be offered.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/)
  • Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 37 at the time of appointment, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or a current, or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a 1 to 2- year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • This position requires that the incumbent possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Individuals are required to successfully complete a 16- week basic agent training (BAT) course or 3- week Special Agent Transition Program held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.

For the GS-11 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-09 level in the Federal service that demonstrate your ability in the following:
  • Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies;
  • Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities of cases;
  • Operating undercover, conducting surveillance operations, participating in raids, seizures and arrests etc.;
  • Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources;
  • Interviewing, and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law;
  • Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court; OR;
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Have a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leader to a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or LL.M, if related; OR;

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education DAPIP | Homepage).

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: Members - NACES

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One year of graduate education in considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Additional information

Appointments: If selected, 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 at the third or fourth year from the initial appointment.

Probationary/Trial Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial 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 trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and occasional irregular work schedules, to include weekends and holidays. Special Agents must be readily accessible to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided to Special Agents to ensure their availability and are compensated based upon 25 percent of the respective grade's base salary.

Medical Requirements: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. If selected, you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

Firearms Requirement: This position requires individuals to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Special Agent positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Individuals are required to verify that they have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants are required to disclose their current and past drug usage and activity. The DEA recognizes some otherwise qualified applicants may have used illegal drugs or abused legal drugs or substances in their past. These circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Mobility Agreement: This position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility, depending on the needs of the DEA. Individuals selected for this position are required to sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment. Applicants must ensure that family members are prepared for and support any assignment location.

Relocation Expenses: Full relocation expenses will be paid for individuals transferring from another Federal position. New Federal government employees are subject to limited relocation expenses and are responsible for moving expenses not covered by DEA policies.

Recruitment Incentives may be offered.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and the hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.

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.

Benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

There are four evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position.

Applicant Availability: 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: Minimum Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

Phase 2: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)
THE PTA IS THE 1ST ASSESSMENT YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. You are highly encouraged to view the following PTA video to ensure you fully understand the protocols that are required to pass the PTA.

Phase 3: Proctored Testing
Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 3 of the recruitment process. Phase 3 requires candidates to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making.

Phase 4: Structured Interview
Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete an in-person Structured interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Oral Communication.

Candidates who have successfully completed the pre-employment assessments and structured interview will be referred for employment consideration.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, and current or former Deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officers may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

You are highly encouraged to review the Special Agent Test Preparation Guide in order to familiarize yourself with the required phases of the selection process. The guide will give you an opportunity to review some test question examples and provide you with an overview of the assessments you will be required to complete.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed ahead of all candidates. Other 10-point preference eligible and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible applicants. View information on veterans' preference on OPM's Fed Hire Vets website.

Required Documents

All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

1. Resume: must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information.

2. SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), if applicable: SF-50(s) must show the effective date, position title, series, grade, salary, tenure, competitive status, position occupied, full promotion potential, and name of agency.

3. Transcripts, if applicable if applicable and you are qualifying based on education: See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.

4. Federal Criminal Investigation Training (FCIT), if applicable: Transcripts for any FCIT and follow-on academy or in-service training should be submitted in order to be considered for an abbreviated hiring process and condensed 3-week DEA Special Agent Transition Program. Applicants who are unable to provide transcripts or proof of training will be required to complete all phases of the hiring process and a 16-week basic agent training course.

5. State Police Officer Standards and Training, if applicable: A copy of your current and valid certification issued by your state's Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) board or another state certifying agency. The document must clearly indicate your certification status and the issuing authority.

6. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable:

  • To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
  • To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
  • To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
  • To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
  • For all preference claims:
    • DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
  • For more veterans' preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Prepare your application in USAJOBS:
To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents.

During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement 10/10/2025to complete the application process.

STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Must be no more than two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. Resume should be no longer than two pages.
STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. You may preview the assessments questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12805876
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.

Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.

Agency contact information

Special Agent Staffing
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

Next steps

After all application packages are received, we will review applications and evaluate applicants' qualifications and will refer candidates, as described in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section, to the hiring manager for selection consideration. Candidates who are determined to be minimally qualified must successfully complete a series of pre-employment assessments and interview to determine if the individual attains the skills, knowledge, and ability to successfully carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a series of pre-employment screenings to include a polygraph examination, medical evaluation, urinalysis drug screening, psychological assessment, and background investigation to determine if they attain the ability to successfully carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. All Special Agent candidates will be reviewed by a DEA hiring panel.

If an applicant is or was in the 1811 series, as a federal employee and graduated from a Criminal Investigation training program through a federal law enforcement agency, or was a Deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer, they may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

Failure to complete the pre-employment screenings will result in the termination of employment consideration.

Your application status will be updated up to four times during the following hiring phases:

  1. After applications are received.
  2. After applications are assessed to determine qualifications.
  3. After candidates are referred to the hiring manager.
  4. If selected, candidates may receive additional notifications regarding the next steps in the hiring process.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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