Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Department of Justice

Drug Enforcement Administration

Special Agent Recruitment

Summary

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Criminal Investigator GS-1811-7/9/11. This is a multi-grade announcement, providing strong potential for career growth and advancement. We are seeking motivated, detail-oriented professionals with strong analytical, communication, and investigative skills.

Position: Criminal Investigator, GS-1811-7/9/11
Open Date: 7/20/2026
Close Date: 7/27/2026

PLEASE READ ALL SECTIONS BEFORE APPLYING.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens - Open to the Public

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.

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 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 2: Proctored Testing
Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 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 3: Basic Qualification Review
Candidates who successfully complete the PTA and Written Assessments 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.

You may preview the assessment questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12985960

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 a Structured interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Location Availability:

The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.

Basic Agent Training:

Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 14-week residential training program.

Special Agent Transition Program:

Applicants may be eligible for an abbreviated hiring process and a 4-week Special Agent Transition Program if they meet one of the following criteria:

Current or former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators who have successfully completed a federal criminal investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency. (FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached); OR
Current or former deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officers or Agents

Spanish Language Skill:

Applicants who possess proficiency in the Spanish language (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable in support of DEA's mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, particularly in investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.

Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process. Applicants who indicate proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U. S. Citizenship 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 completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
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 36 at the time of application, 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 will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period, as appropriate, during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Individuals are required to successfully complete a 14- week basic agent training (BAT) course 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 GL-07 Level:
Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases; and
Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations; -OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position, -OR-

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA): Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize the development of skills in teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self-management.

Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students who are currently enrolled in a degree program and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement, may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on their grades at the time of application. To be considered:
- At the time of application, senior students must provide documentation confirming an expected graduation date AND;
- Prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that they maintained the required grades during their senior year.

Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe OR failure to maintain the required grades through their senior year, may result in removal from consideration.

S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership:

Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class, based on completed courses;
Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a grade point average of:
- 3.0 or higher: Based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR;
- 3.5 or higher: Based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR;
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies 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 your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

For the GL-09 Level:
Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations;
Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case-related materials; and
Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases; and/or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings; -OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2-full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D. -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 first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

For the GS-11 Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGL/GS-09level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) 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 federal 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; and
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 (http://www.ed.go v/admins/finaid/accred/).

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: www.naces.org/members.php.

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.

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.

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.

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

Current or former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators 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 and Agents may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

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 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 4-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. 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 to 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. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. You may preview the assessments questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12985960
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 Recruitment

Email: DEASAJobAnnouncement@dea.gov

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 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.

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:

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

Criminal Investigator- Special Agent Job in DEA - US Locations

Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Summary

This job is open to

The public

Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How you will be evaluated

Required Documents

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

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps