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Drug Enforcement Administration

PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

Drug Enforcement Administration, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 57102

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PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators Join to apply for the

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators

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Drug Enforcement Administration

Summary

THIS IS NOT A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Updated: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.

For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit

Talk to a Recruiter .

Duties

Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities

Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies

Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities

Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means

Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries

Basic Agent Training Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).

Basic Agent Training Requirement: If selected, individuals are required to successfully complete a 16‑ to 20‑week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required

Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance

Must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility

Must complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination

Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required (reciprocity possible for prior police agencies)

Selective Service registration required for eligible males

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at appointment unless preference eligible veteran or previous federal civil law enforcement retirement

Pass E‑Verify employment verification check

Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period to evaluate fitness

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license

Subject to random drug testing

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

GL‑07 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level, including:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law

Writing reports for law enforcement activities and/or court cases

Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources (or equivalent education)

Substitution of education: One full year of graduate‑level education may satisfy the experience requirement.

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Applicants with a bachelor’s degree with SAA may be considered.

GL‑09 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level, including:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law

Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources

Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings

Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel

Assisting prosecuting attorneys with technical aspects of cases; or testifying or presenting evidence (or equivalent education)

Substitution of education: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or 2‑full years of graduate education, or LL.B./J.D. (or equivalent).

GS‑11 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, including:

Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations

Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities

Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, participating in raids, seizures, arrests, etc.

Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources

Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law

Organizing evidence and testifying in court

Substitution of education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years of graduate education leading to such degree, or LL.M. (or equivalent).

Education Provide accredited degrees. For foreign education, provide comparable evidence. SAA may be derived from class standing, GPA, or honor society membership.

Appointments and Probation

Appointments under 5 CFR 213.3210 Schedule B (excepted service) with possible conversion to career appointments after 3‑4 years.

Trial period: 1‑2 years; evaluation of performance, needs, and public interest. Certification required to continue.

Mobility, Relocation, and Benefits

Required mobility agreement and support for family relocations.

Full relocation expenses for transfers from another federal position; limited for new federal employees.

Medical requirements: moderate/arduous physical exertion; must pass medical exam.

Firearms requirement: authorized to carry firearm; maintain proficiency; comply with Lautenberg Amendment and domestic violence check.

Drug policy: disclose current and past drug use; assessment on case‑by‑case basis.

Benefits: Comprehensive federal benefits package (details available on DEA careers site).

Additional Information Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and the hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Part‑time

Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries Law Enforcement

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