Criminal Investigator - Special Agent (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment) Job

Vacancy No. BA2025-7RA Department Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary $90,025.00 to $117,034.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 10/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Nogales, AZPhoenix, AZSierra Vista, AZYuma, AZ


Summary

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking retirees of the Federal Employee Retirement System or Civil Service Retirement System (Reemployed Annuitants) to join our team to support our mission critical objectives; focused on enforcement, regulation; and protecting communities and working with partners to safeguard public health and safety.

As a DEA employee you will contribute to protecting public safety and supporting DEA's visions of a drug-free America.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Retirees under Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) who are eligible for re-employment as a Federal Annuitant AND previously worked as an 1811 for any Federal Government Agency and Federal, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), and Reemployment Priority List (RPL) eligibles. Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement.

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. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
  • Identifying and apprehending drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
  • Utilizing a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities;
  • Preparing written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations;
  • Collaborating with teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; making assignments and providing guidance and coordination to team members;
  • Developing and conducting polygraph examinations of investigative subjects identified in support of agency field offices;
  • Identifying information and reporting polygraph conclusions for potentially pre-disqualifying misconduct described by an applicant assisting agency in determining an applicants' eligibility.

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 periodic medical examinations to confirm continued fitness for duty.
  • A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Completion of Basic Agent Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), or the DEA Basic Agent Training Program, or equivalent.

Qualifications

Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents): 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 three years.

Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are eligible for:

  • Full annuity and full Federal salary
  • Annual and sick leave (not applicable for an intermittent work schedule)
  • Full-time work schedules
  • Receive overtime (on a full schedule). Overtime hours are counted towards maximum hour limitations
  • Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) - additional compensation of 25% of the base salary added to locality pay
  • New hires under this authority will be offered a non-status, term appointment in the competitive service not-to-exceed 3 years or 1 day before their 60th birthdate, whichever comes first.
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.

Reemployed annuitants may only receive one appointment per job series.

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

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:
  • Conducting complex criminal investigations, performing all phases required for successful completion;
  • Determining overall strategy, potential sources of information and investigative methods to use;
  • Planning operations concerned with major purchases of evidence, search, seizures, raids and arrests;
  • Promoting information exchange and maintaining relationships with representatives of local, state and Federal agencies;
  • Testifying in court proceeding and consulting with prosecuting officials; and
  • Serving as a team leader answering questions and reviewing written reports prepared by team members at a lower grade level.
Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

Polygraph: All applicants must successfully complete a full-scope pre-employment polygraph assessment.

Suitability: This position will require a top-secret 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.

Medical Requirements: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion including but not limited to walking, standing, running, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather, and exposure to potentially hazardous substances and/or environments. If selected, you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. Any physical or mental condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

Basic Agent Training Requirement: 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may qualify for a 3-week residential training program (FCIT Transcripts must be attached).

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.

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.

Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP/ICTAP): To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (score 85 or better on established ranking criteria); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

A Relocation Incentive may be authorized.

Based on the needs of the agency, initial placement may occur in a location not explicitly listed in this announcement. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, final placement decisions will be determined by operational requirements and organizational priorities.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application questionnaire. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment.

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application.

There are two evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position:

Phase 1: Basic Qualifications and Conditions of Employment: Candidates will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the specialized experience and eligibility requirements of this position. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

Phase 2: Structured Interview: Candidates who meet the specialized experience and eligibility requirements may be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete an in-person or virtual Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies:

  • Collaboration
  • Decision Making/Judgement
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Planning/Organizing
  • Problem Solving
  • Resilience
  • Oral Communication
  • Leadership
Candidates who have successfully completed the pre-employment phase 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, may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

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.

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.

Retirement SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): Submit a copy of your retirement SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code.

Federal Criminal Investigation Training (FCIT), if available: Transcripts for any FCIT and follow-on academy or in-service training should be submitted in order to be considered for the condensed 3-week DEA basic agent training course. Applicants who are unable to provide transcripts or proof of training will be required to complete a 16-week basic agent training course.

ICTAP/CTAP: Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable. This includes copies of your agency notice (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal), most recent performance rating and more recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level and duty location.

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 10/10/2025 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 be no more than two pages in length. 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/12805687
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
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.

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, 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.

Additional Locations

  • Imperial County, CA
  • San Ysidro, CA
  • Las Cruces, NM
  • Brownsville, TX
  • Del Rio, TX
  • Eagle Pass, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • Laredo, TX
  • McAllen, TX


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


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements