Diversion Investigator Job in DEA - US Locations

Vacancy No. D-DC-26-12797341-DE-KMN Department Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary $42,679.00 to $67,865.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/21/2025 Close Date 1/21/2026
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.

The salary listed is based on the 2025 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.

Duties

Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

  • Conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record-keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
  • Collecting and analyzing information and evidence; conducting interviews, preparing reports, and presenting findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
  • Researching and preparing a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answering both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; providing expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and providing guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
  • Developing and maintaining working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies in order to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
  • Planning, implementing, and participating in multi-jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluating the results of investigations and the registrant's input and preparing corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Successful completion of an one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
  • This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
  • Successful completion of a mandatory 12 week in residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance.
  • Medical examination required.
  • Polygraph Required.
  • Drug testing designated position.
  • Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Diversion Control Program.

Qualifications

GS-07: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Gathering data to prepare reports; 2) Evaluating priorities to develop a strategy for accomplishing daily tasks; 3) Orally presenting information in a logical manner; 4) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information; and 5) Accomplishing assignments independently. -OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by at least one year of graduate level education. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in a field or expect to complete all requirements within the next nine months; and education meets at least one of the following requirements for superior academic achievement: 1) class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; 2) grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; 3) grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 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 4) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR-

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than one year. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying 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.)

GS-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Preparing a variety of written materials or reports and making recommendations; 2) Collecting and/or analyzing conflicting information; 3) Orally presenting information in a logical manner; 4) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information; and 5) Following successive steps to complete tasks in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or practices. -OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-9 level may be met by master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than two years. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)

Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
  • Accountability
  • Arithmetic
  • Attention to Detail
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Memory
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Reading
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Writing
  • Motor Vehicle Operation

A job applicant study guide for the assessments used to evaluate you on these competencies is available here: DEA Diversion Investigator Applicant Preparation Guide

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. 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.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under DEA's Category Rating and Selection Procedures.

Category Rating Procedures: If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the three categories:
  • Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  • Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
  • Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

Veterans: The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaires. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible.

To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12797341.

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.gov/admins/finaid/accred/).

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.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

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.

Additional information

Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Selectee placement will be based on requirements of the agency to effectively meet goals and objectives.

Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If eligible, telework and/or remote work agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Please note that any approved remote work arrangement is subject to the locality pay area of the alternative telework worksite.

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

Click the below links for additional information.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)

How to Claim Veterans' Preference

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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (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.

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

Diversion Investigator (DI) Assessments

Phase 1: UnProctored Testing
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online assessment questionnaire responses from will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. The DI Assessments will be completed online and include the Assessment Questionnaire and Biographical Data Questionnaire. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Oral Communication, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Technology Application, and Writing.

Phase 2: Proctored Testing
The best qualified candidates from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Mathematics Assessment, and 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: Arithmetic, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Writing.

Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
The best qualified candidates from Phase 2, 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 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 the in-person Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communication; Problem Solving, Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; and Teamwork. Candidates must complete and pass the oral assessment to receive consideration.

You must complete the DI Assessments within the allotted timeframe to be eligible for this position. If a DI assessment is passed, your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the same DI Assessments. If an assessment is failed, you are eligible to reapply and retest 90 days after failed assessment.

If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the DI Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact support@PDRI.com to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the DI Assessments must be received by support@PDRI.com BEFORE the end of the 72 hour testing window. If you require an extension due to an extenuating circumstance, please contact HRRD.Recruit@dea.gov.

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.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: You must successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.

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. Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned
  3. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  4. 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 the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) AND all required documentation outlined on the form 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 must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
    • If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
  • For more veterans' preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  1. Other Qualification Documentation (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable. See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: CTAP and ICTAP eligibility

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. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement OR at 11:59 PM (EST) on the day we reach 5,000 applications, whichever comes first to receive consideration.

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.
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.

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

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the DI Assessments, you will be prompted to request a reasonable accommodation after logging into to your invitation link, prior to beginning Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing. Upon your request, the DEA Reasonable Accommodations Team will contact you and request any applicable medical documentation. Once the request has been fully adjudicated you will be notified via email to proceed with testing.

Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the DI Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all the assessments within 72 hours of the closing of the JOA. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 72 hours of the time the email is sent.


Agency contact information

Diversion Staffing Unit
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

Next steps

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation (e.g.: resume, transcripts, etc.) and that you complete all required assessments.

After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your application package 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. Following completion of all evaluation phases 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. Once the selections have been made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

Please remember, if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from cloud@performancefit.com with a link to take the DI Assessments. Please be sure to check your email, spam and junk folders daily. These assessments must be completed within 72 hours of receiving your invitation email. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact Support@PDRI.com to request the invitation to be re-sent.


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


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