Drug Enforcement Administration
PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators
Drug Enforcement Administration, Maple Shade Township, New Jersey, United States
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.
Responsibilities
Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities.
Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel, as well as 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 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 obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
Minimum age 21 and maximum age 36 (with possible exceptions for preference‑eligible veterans or previous federal civilian law enforcement retirees).
Successful pass of E‑Verify employment verification check.
Trial period of 1‑year or 2‑year as appropriate, during which fitness and public‑interest contribution are evaluated.
Valid state driver’s license required.
Incumbent subject to random drug testing.
Completion of a 16‑to‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
1811 applicants who completed a federal criminal investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).
GL‑07 Level Qualifications
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 of findings, results, or accomplishments for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates requisite knowledge, skills, and ability.
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Baccalaureate degree with SAA or anticipated completion within 9 months, meeting specified GPA, class standing, or honor society membership.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours ÷ 18).
GL‑09 Level Qualifications
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 related to investigations.
Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings and results for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials.
Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying in court.
Substitution of education for experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of higher‑level graduate education, or LL.B. / J.D.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours beyond first year ÷ 18).
GL‑11 Level Qualifications
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, including:
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.
Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources.
Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law.
Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court.
Substitution of education for experience: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; three years of higher‑level graduate education to a Ph.D. or LL.M.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours beyond second year ÷ 18).
Additional Information
Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service appointments; may be converted to permanent career appointments at third or fourth year.
Probationary/Trial Period: 1‑ to 2‑year period during which performance, conduct, and alignment with agency or government goals are evaluated. Termination may occur if certification of continued employment is not received.
Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) compensates for availability.
Medical Requirements: Moderate to arduous physical exertion, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather. Pre‑employment medical examination required; conditions disqualifying the applicant are deemed hazards.
Firearms Requirement: Authorization to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency; compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment.
Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants required to disclose current and past drug usage; use assessed case‑by‑case.
Mobility Agreement: Reassignment to any domestic DEA facility is required; applicants must secure family support for assignments.
Relocation Expenses: Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions; new federal employees cover costs not covered by DEA policies.
Recruitment Incentives may be offered.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Additional information on eligibility, medical and physical requirements, and hiring process available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.
Benefits: Federal employees and families have access to comprehensive benefits; eligibility depends on full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent status.
Legal Equal Employment Opportunity (E EO) Employer. Applicants of all races, colors, religions, nationalities, aged 18 + and disabilities (or a disability), are encouraged to apply. The DEA complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment discrimination.
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Responsibilities
Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities.
Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel, as well as 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 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 obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA facility.
Completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required.
Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59.
Minimum age 21 and maximum age 36 (with possible exceptions for preference‑eligible veterans or previous federal civilian law enforcement retirees).
Successful pass of E‑Verify employment verification check.
Trial period of 1‑year or 2‑year as appropriate, during which fitness and public‑interest contribution are evaluated.
Valid state driver’s license required.
Incumbent subject to random drug testing.
Completion of a 16‑to‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
1811 applicants who completed a federal criminal investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program (FCIT transcripts must be attached).
GL‑07 Level Qualifications
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 of findings, results, or accomplishments for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.
Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates requisite knowledge, skills, and ability.
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Baccalaureate degree with SAA or anticipated completion within 9 months, meeting specified GPA, class standing, or honor society membership.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours ÷ 18).
GL‑09 Level Qualifications
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 related to investigations.
Writing reports and conducting briefings of findings and results for law enforcement activities and/or court cases.
Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law enforcement personnel to discuss case‑related materials.
Assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of cases or testifying in court.
Substitution of education for experience: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of higher‑level graduate education, or LL.B. / J.D.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours beyond first year ÷ 18).
GL‑11 Level Qualifications
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, including:
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.
Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources.
Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of violations of law.
Organizing evidence for presentation to prosecution officials and testifying in court.
Substitution of education for experience: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; three years of higher‑level graduate education to a Ph.D. or LL.M.
Combination of education and experience may be used if the calculated percentage of requirements is at least 100% (experience months ÷ 12 + graduate semester hours beyond second year ÷ 18).
Additional Information
Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service appointments; may be converted to permanent career appointments at third or fourth year.
Probationary/Trial Period: 1‑ to 2‑year period during which performance, conduct, and alignment with agency or government goals are evaluated. Termination may occur if certification of continued employment is not received.
Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) compensates for availability.
Medical Requirements: Moderate to arduous physical exertion, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather. Pre‑employment medical examination required; conditions disqualifying the applicant are deemed hazards.
Firearms Requirement: Authorization to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency; compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment.
Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants required to disclose current and past drug usage; use assessed case‑by‑case.
Mobility Agreement: Reassignment to any domestic DEA facility is required; applicants must secure family support for assignments.
Relocation Expenses: Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions; new federal employees cover costs not covered by DEA policies.
Recruitment Incentives may be offered.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Additional information on eligibility, medical and physical requirements, and hiring process available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.
Benefits: Federal employees and families have access to comprehensive benefits; eligibility depends on full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent status.
Legal Equal Employment Opportunity (E EO) Employer. Applicants of all races, colors, religions, nationalities, aged 18 + and disabilities (or a disability), are encouraged to apply. The DEA complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment discrimination.
#J-18808-Ljbffr