Diversion Investigator
Drug Enforcement Administration, Long Beach, CA, United States
Summary
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 salary listed is based on the 2026 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.
Duties
Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs of the public.
Conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record‑keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
Collect and analyze information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
Research and prepare a variety of written materials and reports that support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
Develop and maintain working relationships with Federal, State, and Local agencies to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
Plan, implement, and participate in multi‑jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Ability to serve a 1‑year probationary period (or 1‑year or 2‑year trial period).
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
Successful completion of a mandatory 12‑week in‑residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
Employment is subject to a successful background investigation and must obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Medical examination required.
Pass a pre‑employment polygraph examination.
Submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA and Diversion Control Program needs.
Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment check.
Qualifications
To qualify for employment with the DEA, applicants must not violate any automatic employment disqualifiers or the drug policy criteria. Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If qualifying based on education, provide a copy of your college transcript.
GS‑07 : One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑05 level, or a year of graduate education. Experience must include:
Gathering data to prepare reports.
Evaluating priorities to develop a strategy for accomplishing daily tasks.
Orally presenting information in a logical manner.
Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information.
Accomplishing assignments independently.
Substitution of education for experience: One year of graduate‑level education may satisfy the GS‑7 experience requirement.
Superior Academic Achievement: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor’s degree and meeting at least one of the following: Class standing in upper third, GPA 3.0 or higher, GPA 3.5 or higher in major, or membership in a national scholastic honor society.
Combination of education and experience may also satisfy the requirement.
GS‑09 : One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑07 level or a year of graduate‑level education. Experience must include:
Preparing a variety of written materials or reports and making recommendations.
Collecting and/or analyzing conflicting information.
Orally presenting information in a logical manner.
Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information.
Following successive steps to complete tasks in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or practices.
Substitution of education for experience: A master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree, may satisfy the GS‑9 experience requirement.
Combination of education and experience may also satisfy the requirement.
Competencies
Accountability
Achievement Motivation
Arithmetic
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Decision Making
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Memory
Oral Communication
Problem Solving
Reading
Reasoning
Self‑Confidence
Self‑Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Writing
Motor Vehicle Operation
Applicant Quality Categories
Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the required competencies.
Highly Qualified Category: Additionally demonstrable proficiency in some, but not all, of the position requirements.
Best Qualified Category: Meets minimum qualifications and possesses experience that substantially exceeds them.
Assessment Questionnaire
The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free‑response essay questions. Responses are not required and will not be scored, but you are encouraged to thoughtfully address each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and have not used a consultant or artificial intelligence such as a large language model (LLM).
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Provide attendance and degrees from accredited schools.
Pass/Fail Courses: If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework 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.
Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can demonstrate that it is comparable to that received in a U.S. accredited institution.
Additional Information
Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment.
Recruitment and relocation incentives may be considered under specified conditions.
Upon completion of the probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If eligible, telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law.
As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and employment status.
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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 salary listed is based on the 2026 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.
Duties
Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs of the public.
Conduct investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record‑keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
Collect and analyze information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
Research and prepare a variety of written materials and reports that support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
Develop and maintain working relationships with Federal, State, and Local agencies to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
Plan, implement, and participate in multi‑jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Ability to serve a 1‑year probationary period (or 1‑year or 2‑year trial period).
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
Successful completion of a mandatory 12‑week in‑residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
Employment is subject to a successful background investigation and must obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Medical examination required.
Pass a pre‑employment polygraph examination.
Submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Sign a mobility agreement confirming understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA and Diversion Control Program needs.
Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment check.
Qualifications
To qualify for employment with the DEA, applicants must not violate any automatic employment disqualifiers or the drug policy criteria. Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If qualifying based on education, provide a copy of your college transcript.
GS‑07 : One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑05 level, or a year of graduate education. Experience must include:
Gathering data to prepare reports.
Evaluating priorities to develop a strategy for accomplishing daily tasks.
Orally presenting information in a logical manner.
Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information.
Accomplishing assignments independently.
Substitution of education for experience: One year of graduate‑level education may satisfy the GS‑7 experience requirement.
Superior Academic Achievement: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor’s degree and meeting at least one of the following: Class standing in upper third, GPA 3.0 or higher, GPA 3.5 or higher in major, or membership in a national scholastic honor society.
Combination of education and experience may also satisfy the requirement.
GS‑09 : One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑07 level or a year of graduate‑level education. Experience must include:
Preparing a variety of written materials or reports and making recommendations.
Collecting and/or analyzing conflicting information.
Orally presenting information in a logical manner.
Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information.
Following successive steps to complete tasks in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or practices.
Substitution of education for experience: A master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree, may satisfy the GS‑9 experience requirement.
Combination of education and experience may also satisfy the requirement.
Competencies
Accountability
Achievement Motivation
Arithmetic
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Decision Making
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Memory
Oral Communication
Problem Solving
Reading
Reasoning
Self‑Confidence
Self‑Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Writing
Motor Vehicle Operation
Applicant Quality Categories
Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the required competencies.
Highly Qualified Category: Additionally demonstrable proficiency in some, but not all, of the position requirements.
Best Qualified Category: Meets minimum qualifications and possesses experience that substantially exceeds them.
Assessment Questionnaire
The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free‑response essay questions. Responses are not required and will not be scored, but you are encouraged to thoughtfully address each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and have not used a consultant or artificial intelligence such as a large language model (LLM).
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Provide attendance and degrees from accredited schools.
Pass/Fail Courses: If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework 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.
Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can demonstrate that it is comparable to that received in a U.S. accredited institution.
Additional Information
Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment.
Recruitment and relocation incentives may be considered under specified conditions.
Upon completion of the probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If eligible, telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law.
As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and employment status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr