Drug Enforcement Administration
PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators
Drug Enforcement Administration, Charleston, West Virginia, us, 25329
PUBLIC NOTICE – DEA Criminal Investigators
This is a public notice for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions, open to U.S. Citizens.
Updated: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.
Summary DEA Special Agent positions involve complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities. Agents conduct investigations, prepare reports, deliver briefings, execute search warrants, and testify in court.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct complex criminal investigations of narcotics and drug-related activities
Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and deliver briefings to senior personnel and other agencies
Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and individuals involved in criminal drug activity
Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, and warrants
Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries
Perform additional duties assigned based on individual skills
Basic Agent Training Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training must attend a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program. FCIT transcripts must be attached.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship required
Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance (or higher if required)
Sign a mobility agreement permitting relocation
Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination required
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; prior polygraph may qualify for reciprocity
Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must register with Selective Service
Age 21–36 at appointment unless Veteran preference or federal civilian retirement
Pass E‑Verify employment verification
1‑year or 2‑year trial period; performance evaluated to determine continued employment
Valid state driver’s license required
Subject to random drug testing
16‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, VA, required for selected candidates
Qualifications Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements. The following outlines the experience/education requirements for GL‑07, GL‑09, and GS‑11 levels.
GL‑07 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level, including:
Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
Writing reports of findings and results for law enforcement purposes
Researching, collecting, and analyzing investigative data
Substitution of education: one full year of graduate‑level education in a related field, or superior academic achievement (SAA)
Combination of education and experience may qualify if calculated percentage ≥ 100%
GL‑09 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level, including:
Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
Collecting and analyzing investigative data
Writing reports and briefings
Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel
Assisting prosecuting attorneys and testifying in proceedings
Substitution of education: Master’s degree or equivalent, or two full years of graduate education; LL.B/J.D. qualifies
Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%
GS‑11 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level, including:
Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations
Developing operational plans and investigative priorities
Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, raids, seizures, arrests
Developing confidential sources
Interviewing and interrogating suspected violators
Organizing evidence and testifying in court
Substitution of education: Ph.D., LL.M., or three years of graduate education toward Ph.D.
Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%
Additional Information
Appointments will be made under 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B) and may convert to permanent career appointments at year 3–4.
Trial period of 1–2 years; performance and conduct evaluated against agency and governmental public‑interest criteria; employment may be terminated if standards not met.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) provided for overtime and irregular schedules.
Medical, firearms, and drug‑policy requirements as specified in the detailed announcement.
Mobility agreement and possible relocation to any DEA domestic facility; full relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions.
Recruitment incentives may be offered.
Benefits As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, see the DEA Federal benefits program.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Updated: A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th and April 6th, 2026.
Summary DEA Special Agent positions involve complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities. Agents conduct investigations, prepare reports, deliver briefings, execute search warrants, and testify in court.
Primary Responsibilities
Conduct complex criminal investigations of narcotics and drug-related activities
Prepare comprehensive investigative reports and deliver briefings to senior personnel and other agencies
Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and individuals involved in criminal drug activity
Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, and warrants
Testify on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries
Perform additional duties assigned based on individual skills
Basic Agent Training Applicants who have not completed prior federal law enforcement training must attend a 16‑week residential training program. Current or former GL‑1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program. FCIT transcripts must be attached.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship required
Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance (or higher if required)
Sign a mobility agreement permitting relocation
Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual examination required
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; prior polygraph may qualify for reciprocity
Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must register with Selective Service
Age 21–36 at appointment unless Veteran preference or federal civilian retirement
Pass E‑Verify employment verification
1‑year or 2‑year trial period; performance evaluated to determine continued employment
Valid state driver’s license required
Subject to random drug testing
16‑20‑week Basic Agent Training (BAT) at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, VA, required for selected candidates
Qualifications Applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements. The following outlines the experience/education requirements for GL‑07, GL‑09, and GS‑11 levels.
GL‑07 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑05 level, including:
Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
Writing reports of findings and results for law enforcement purposes
Researching, collecting, and analyzing investigative data
Substitution of education: one full year of graduate‑level education in a related field, or superior academic achievement (SAA)
Combination of education and experience may qualify if calculated percentage ≥ 100%
GL‑09 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑07 level, including:
Assisting investigations of alleged or suspected violations
Collecting and analyzing investigative data
Writing reports and briefings
Meeting with court officials and law enforcement personnel
Assisting prosecuting attorneys and testifying in proceedings
Substitution of education: Master’s degree or equivalent, or two full years of graduate education; LL.B/J.D. qualifies
Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%
GS‑11 Level
1 year of specialized experience at GL/GS‑09 level, including:
Conducting or supporting federal criminal investigations
Developing operational plans and investigative priorities
Operating undercover, conducting surveillance, raids, seizures, arrests
Developing confidential sources
Interviewing and interrogating suspected violators
Organizing evidence and testifying in court
Substitution of education: Ph.D., LL.M., or three years of graduate education toward Ph.D.
Combination of education and experience may qualify if percentage ≥ 100%
Additional Information
Appointments will be made under 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B) and may convert to permanent career appointments at year 3–4.
Trial period of 1–2 years; performance and conduct evaluated against agency and governmental public‑interest criteria; employment may be terminated if standards not met.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) provided for overtime and irregular schedules.
Medical, firearms, and drug‑policy requirements as specified in the detailed announcement.
Mobility agreement and possible relocation to any DEA domestic facility; full relocation expenses paid for transfers from other federal positions.
Recruitment incentives may be offered.
Benefits As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, see the DEA Federal benefits program.
#J-18808-Ljbffr