Deputy Assistant Administrator Forensic Science Job in Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. SES-25-07-GYC Department Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary $150,160.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/11/2025 Close Date 9/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Arlington, VA


Summary

The Assistant Administrator (DAA) Office of Forensic Science serves as the principal advisor to the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on all scientific and technical matters. This includes the development of scientific research and the coordination of scientific matters within DEA and with other Federal, state, and local government law enforcement agencies. Serves as the principal advisor on all major scientific policy decisions.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an SES-Excepted service position. The Resume/ECQs for this position are not certified by OPM nor do they go through OPM's qualifications review board. Please review Federal Hiring Paths for more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/

Duties

Provides expert guidance and assistance in planning, directing, and coordinating overall scientific programs for DEA. Serves as principal scientific advisor to the Administrator on all phases of the DEA effort to eradicate the illicit drug trade in the United States. Represents the Administrator and speaks for DEA in the coordination of interagency scientific matters with Federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement bodies.

Establishes the appropriate scientific milieu to foster innovative research and development for enforcement technological breakthroughs. Designs the organizational structure of the Office to assure maximum utilization of personnel and economy of operations. Establishes program goals and objectives, provides scientific leadership, evaluates progress toward objectives, and redirects program resources to effect significant technological changes. Maintains a detailed awareness of the state-of-the-art in these areas and represents the scientific program in policy-level meetings with representatives of other research and development organizations. Incumbent's leadership influences the shaping of the Administration's goals, and advances programs and understanding of science and technology on a national and international scale as it relates to law enforcement.

Accompanies or represents the Administrator in meetings with top-level representatives of other government agencies, Congressional committees, and the scientific community in establishing national policy and objectives of their science and technology programs as they affect law enforcement. Acts as principal representative with members of foreign governments and international bodies in science and technology.

Administers the DEA forensic laboratory system consisting of several headquarters sections, the Special Testing & Research Laboratory, Digital Evidence Laboratory, and regional laboratories, which provide laboratory services to state and local law enforcement agencies as well as to DEA, and are located in major cities throughout the United States.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Drug testing designated position
  • New appointees must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period
  • This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) - Excepted Service Position. Please review Federal Hiring Paths for more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
  • Please review the Political Appointee Disclosure Requirement paragraph listed under the "Required Documents" section"

Qualifications

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

Do NOT submit a separate narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications:

MTQ 1 - Demonstrated experience in the General Physical Science or Chemistry series performing professional engineering and scientific evaluations to develop, advocate, and sponsor drug enforcement policies;

MTQ 2 - Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing; and
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MTQ 3 - Ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.


EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:
  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation.
      • Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently.
      • Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities.
      • Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
      • Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain.
      • Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems.
      • Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
      • Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes.
      • Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation.
      • Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements.
      • Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Education

Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions

Desired Education: Desired Education: Undergraduate or Graduate Education or equivalent experience.

Additional information

Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Drug testing is required for this position.

All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.

It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click the following link to access the Drug Questionnaire. http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/drug_questionnaire.pdf.

Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

EEO Policy Statement: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement.

In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-VERIFY - http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.

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.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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 at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.


BASIS OF RATING: Candidates will be evaluated on the qualifications identified above based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. Only candidates meeting all of the mandatory technical qualifications will be deemed eligible for further consideration.

Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process may be used to verify your stated level of experience and capability. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Required Documents

To receive consideration applicants must submit:

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

2. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: Must provide a copy of transcripts in your application package. 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 transcripts from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency. If selected, an official/sealed transcript may be required prior to appointment.

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

  • CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
  • CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation

Resume: Your resume MUST include the starting and ending of dates of employment and your position title, pay plan, series, and grade level of position held for all applicable federal work experience.

NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined under the Applying for a Federal Job link: http://www.gpo.gov/careers/pdfs/of0510.pdf.

Submission of Supporting Documents, such as SF-50, SF-15, certifications or transcripts is permitted.

Political Appointee Status (if applicable) - Disclosure Requirement
Current or former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach a SF-50. OPM must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political appointee (with or without Senate Confirmation), a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information

For additional information about this position, please contact Katrina Flowers at (202) 256-6120.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. The Department of Justice provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should notify the servicing human resources office directly. Determinations on requests will be on a case-by-case basis.

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

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.

Agency contact information

Glenda Cabrera
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

Next steps

We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement letter of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email.

We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Regarding Interviews: The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy.


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


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