Program Analyst Job in Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. H-DEA-26-12918955-MP-RH Department Drug Enforcement Administration
Salary $70,623.00 to $133,142.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/11/2026 Close Date 6/22/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Arlington, VA


Program Analyst

Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Diversion Control Division

Summary

The positions are located in the, Diversion Control Division, Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section (DOE), Targeting & Special Projects Section (DOI), Registration & Business Operations Section (DRR), Regulatory Section (DRG), Import/Export Section (DRI), Diversion Technology Section (DRT), Diversion Planning & Resources Section (DPA), Liaison & Outreach Section (DPL), and Regulatory Drafting & Policy Support Section (DPW).

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) employees in the competitive service on a career or career conditional appointment. Eligible displaced and surplus Department of Justice (DOJ) employees in the local commuting area.

Duties

As a Program Analyst your typical work assignments may include:

  • Coordinating or leading the analysis of organizational programs, projects, and other tasks needed to evaluate the efficiency in which work operations are being accomplished.
  • Orchestrating studies to evaluate changes and/or deficiencies in policies and/or regulations that impact the mission of the Diversion Control Program and products produced by the program at a state, federal, and international platform.
  • Participating with intra-agency working groups to coordinate the work efforts of various organizational units responsible for exchanging information, corroborating information, data, reporting, roles and responsibilities.
  • Analyzing data, both qualitatively and quantitatively for the purpose of decision making, evaluating information, reporting on metrics, organizational characteristics, and other key indicators that provide an objective fact-based view of the organization's use of personnel and resources.
  • Researching and composing a variety of written materials utilizing a number of information sources-to include domestic and foreign libraries, database information systems, briefings, and policies-in order to develop documents.

The Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section (DOE) is responsible for leading Diversion Control in the scientific processes for the evaluation of substances and chemicals to determine abuse of substances and/or potential for illicit trafficking and manufacturing.

The Targeting & Special Projects Section (DOI) utilizes the power of raw data and advanced analytical methodologies to identify trends and patterns of drug abuse and the diversion of controlled substances and pre-cursor chemicals worldwide.

The Registration and Business Operations Section (DRR) is responsible for overseeing all registration programs and activities administered by the Diversion Control Program (DCP) pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The Regulatory Section (DRG) serves as the subject matter expert for the Office of Chief Counsel (CC), coordinates and provides guidance to the field regarding Diversion Control initiatives that affect the DCP on a national level, provides input to the Liaison and Policy Sections and oversees the investigations on bulk manufacturers and importers of Schedule I and II controlled substances for the DCP worldwide.

The Import/Export Section (DRI) issues import and export permits, and monitors declared imports, exports, and transshipments of these regulated substances.

The Diversion Technology Section (DRT) handles the oversight, maintenance, and growth of the information technologies (IT) utilized for the DCP and its personnel.

The Diversion Planning & Resources Section (DPA) serves by coordinating, managing, planning, and implementing policies and strategic practices for current and future needs.

The Liaison & Outreach Section (DPL) establishes and maintains liaison and working relationships with other federal agencies; foreign, state, and local governments; and the regulated industries that interface with the DCP.

The Regulatory Drafting & Support Section (DPW) develops, drafts, evaluates, and reviews proposed and existing regulations to ensure the mission of the DCP is accomplished.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: https://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/).
  • GS-12 Only: Employee required to become certified as a COR in relation to the assigned program within a period of time determined and set forth by the supervisor.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.

Applicants applying for the GS-09 must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-07 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.

Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: 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) analyzing policies to identify discrepancies, inconsistencies or errors; 2) utilizing an automated information system to update and manipulate program data; 3) developing draft presentations, briefing documents or reports to convey information; and 4) conducting research to update various guidelines and procedures. -OR-

B. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-09 level may be met by a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full academic years of graduate level education leading to such a degree or a LL.B or J.D. degree, if related. -OR-

C. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements. 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.

Applicants applying for the GS-11 must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: GS-11: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) evaluating data to provide recommendations to improve program performance; 2) compiling data to develop reports to convey information; 3) participating in studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of programs; and 4) answering questions to clarify policies and procedures. -OR-

B. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-11 level may be met by a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related. -OR-

C. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements. To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two years by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

Applicants applying for the GS-12 must meet the following requirement:

Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: GS-12: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) directing complex studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of programs to improve the utilization of resources related to financial, personnel or program management; 2) analyzing data qualitatively and quantitatively for the purpose of decision making; 3) consulting with subject matter experts and/or managers to identify areas of concern; and 4) developing written analysis to convey issues or problems.

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

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

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.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Additional information

For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.

Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA 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.

If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.

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 will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and assessment questionnaire.

If you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements for this position a panel of subject-matter-experts (SMEs) will perform a structured review of your resume to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Computer Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Writing
The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions which provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question in 200-words or less.? You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and have not used a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) candidates must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for selection priority. Candidates are considered well qualified if their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) exceed the minimum qualifications described in the announcement.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE: You may preview the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12918955.

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. 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.
  3. SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): 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. Multiple SF-50s may be needed to show all required information. Award SF-50s often do not show the required information. To verify the time in grade requirement, applicants must submit a SF-50 verifying the highest grade held for at least 52 weeks. Examples include, promotions with an effective date greater than one year, within grade increases demonstrating the highest grade held for at least 52 weeks or appointments/conversion of appointments with an effective date greater than one year.
  4. Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable. (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.), most recent Performance Rating and more recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
  5. Other Qualification documents (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable. See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.

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

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.
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

Richelle Harris
Phone
571-776-2925
Email
richelle.harris@dea.gov
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

Next steps

Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of your qualification status and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. We will notify you by email the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. 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.
Your status will also be updated on your USAJOBS account throughout the process.

Drug Enforcement Administration

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 DEA is our country's leading organization in charge of enforcing the controlled substance laws of the United States. The DEA provides employees with an exciting career whether supporting missions at home or abroad. Our employees make a difference by working together as a team to keep Americans safe from dangerous drugs and those who traffic them.

Please visit www.dea.gov to learn more about who we are and career opportunities that our organization offers.

Agency contact information

Richelle Harris
Phone
571-776-2925
Email
richelle.harris@dea.gov
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

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https://www.dea.gov/index.shtml