Drug Enforcement Administration
PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators
Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Myers, Florida, United States, 33916
PUBLIC NOTICE - DEA Criminal Investigators
This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens. A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.
Summary As a DEA Special Agent you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms talent into action, making a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.
Responsibilities
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.
Additional duties may be assigned based upon an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.
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 GL‑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).
Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males.
Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment unless a preference‑eligible veteran or federal civil‑law‑enforcement retiree.
Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as applicable.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Subject to random drug testing.
Successfully complete basic agent training (16‑20 weeks) if selected.
Qualifications For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.
If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.
GL‑07 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations; -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position, -OR-
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA)
Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a course of study that directly reflects the job‑related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize the development of skills in teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self‑management.
Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe or failure to maintain the required grades through the senior year may result in removal from consideration.
S.S.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade‑point average, or (3) honor society membership.
Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class, based on completed courses.
Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a grade point average of:
3.0 or higher: Based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR;
3.5 or higher: 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;
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible for membership based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies OR;
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of 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.
GL‑09 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations;
Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials; and
Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases; and/or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings; -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2‑full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D.; -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS‑11 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in the following:
Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies;
Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities of federal cases;
Operating undercover, conducting surveillance operations, participating in raids, seizures and arrests etc.;
Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources;
Interviewing, and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law; and
Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court; OR;
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or LL.M. if related; OR;
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Education:
When relying on education to meet qualification requirements, education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be used if comparable and evidence is provided.
Foreign Education: 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.
Pass/Fail Courses: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work was 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 is considered to be 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours).
Appointments:
If selected, appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B); individuals appointed via the Schedule B authority may be converted to permanent career appointments at the third or fourth year from the initial appointment.
Probationary/Trial Period:
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Law Enforcement Availability:
Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and occasional irregular work schedules, including weekends and holidays. Special Agents must be readily accessible to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided to Special Agents and is compensated based upon 25 percent of the respective grade's base salary.
Medical Requirements:
Pre‑employment medical examination required; any physical condition that would pose a hazard is disqualifying.
Firearms Requirement:
Individuals must be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency. Special Agent positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment; individuals must verify no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
Employment Drug Policy:
Applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Past use may be assessed case‑by‑case.
Mobility Agreement:
Position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility. Selected individuals must sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.
Relocation Expenses:
Full relocation expenses will be paid for federal employees transferring from another federal position. New federal employees are responsible for moving expenses not covered by DEA policies.
Recruitment Incentives may be offered.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Part‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management; Law Enforcement
Location and Salary Fort Myers, FL Salary: $75,134.00 – $129,251.00
Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) – $40,000 Recruitment Incentive Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing 2×.
Benefits A federal employee provides access to a comprehensive benefits package. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Summary As a DEA Special Agent you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms talent into action, making a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.
Responsibilities
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.
Additional duties may be assigned based upon an individual's unique knowledge, skills, and/or experience.
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 GL‑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).
Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
Selective Service registration or exemption required for eligible males.
Must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment unless a preference‑eligible veteran or federal civil‑law‑enforcement retiree.
Pass E‑Verify employment verification check.
Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as applicable.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Subject to random drug testing.
Successfully complete basic agent training (16‑20 weeks) if selected.
Qualifications For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.
If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours. An unofficial transcript will be accepted at the time of application. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.
GL‑07 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
Researching, collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations; -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position, -OR-
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA)
Applicants who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a course of study that directly reflects the job‑related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize the development of skills in teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self‑management.
Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe or failure to maintain the required grades through the senior year may result in removal from consideration.
S.S.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade‑point average, or (3) honor society membership.
Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class, based on completed courses.
Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a grade point average of:
3.0 or higher: Based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR;
3.5 or higher: 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;
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible for membership based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies OR;
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of 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.
GL‑09 Level Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:
Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;
Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources relating to investigations;
Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings, results, or accomplishments for information or action relating to law enforcement activities and/or court cases;
Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials; and
Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases; and/or testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings; -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2‑full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D.; -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS‑11 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in the following:
Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies;
Developing operational plans and determining investigative priorities of federal cases;
Operating undercover, conducting surveillance operations, participating in raids, seizures and arrests etc.;
Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources;
Interviewing, and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law; and
Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court; OR;
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE
Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or LL.M. if related; OR;
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Education:
When relying on education to meet qualification requirements, education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be used if comparable and evidence is provided.
Foreign Education: 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.
Pass/Fail Courses: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work was 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 is considered to be 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours).
Appointments:
If selected, appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B); individuals appointed via the Schedule B authority may be converted to permanent career appointments at the third or fourth year from the initial appointment.
Probationary/Trial Period:
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Law Enforcement Availability:
Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and occasional irregular work schedules, including weekends and holidays. Special Agents must be readily accessible to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided to Special Agents and is compensated based upon 25 percent of the respective grade's base salary.
Medical Requirements:
Pre‑employment medical examination required; any physical condition that would pose a hazard is disqualifying.
Firearms Requirement:
Individuals must be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency. Special Agent positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment; individuals must verify no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
Employment Drug Policy:
Applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Past use may be assessed case‑by‑case.
Mobility Agreement:
Position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility. Selected individuals must sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.
Relocation Expenses:
Full relocation expenses will be paid for federal employees transferring from another federal position. New federal employees are responsible for moving expenses not covered by DEA policies.
Recruitment Incentives may be offered.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Part‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management; Law Enforcement
Location and Salary Fort Myers, FL Salary: $75,134.00 – $129,251.00
Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) – $40,000 Recruitment Incentive Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing 2×.
Benefits A federal employee provides access to a comprehensive benefits package. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr