PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators

Drug Enforcement Administration; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Drug Enforcement Administration is publicly announcing Special Agent positions (GL-1811-7/9/11) open to U.S. Citizens. AUSAUSAJobs posting will occur on July 20 and October 19, 2026.

The process includes four evaluation phases, from physical task assessment to structured interviews, with language on availability and potential abbreviations for experienced applicants. Duty involves leading complex investigations, preparing reports, and testifying in court, with location assignments based on

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Top-Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to relocate as needed by the agency.

Responsibilities

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug activities.
• Prepares and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other agencies.
• Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and engages in related investigations.
• Gathers and analyzes evidence from investigations, seizures, and warrants.
• Testifies on behalf of the Federal government in court or before grand juries.

Job description

Summary

• THIS IS NOT AN OPEN JOB ANNOUNCEMENT**

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 July 20th and October 19th, 2026.

PLEASE READ THE DUTIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTIONS.

For more information or questions about Special Agent positions, please visit.

Duties

Help

At the DEA, our people are agents for change. A unique mission requires special talent. As a DEA Special Agent, you will work as part of an elite criminal investigative team that transforms the power of your talent into action. That action makes a difference for the security and well‑being of our nation and the world every day.

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
• Prepares comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and prepares and delivers briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
• Identifies and apprehends drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
• Gathers and analyzes evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
• Testifies 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.

Applicant Availability

There are four (4) evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position.

Applicants MUST be available to complete all phases of the Special Agent applicant process. Failure to successfully complete/pass any of the screening processes will result in the applicant being disqualified and removed from consideration.

Phase 1:

Physical Task Assessment (PTA) The PTA is the 1ST ASSESSMENT YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE to evaluate your present ability to successfully participate in the strenuous physical activities required during basic agent training. You are highly encouraged to view the following PTA video to ensure you fully understand the protocols that are required to pass the PTA.

Phase 2:

Candidates who successfully complete the PTA will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Memory, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making.

Phase 3

Candidates who successfully complete the PTA and Written Assessments will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

You may preview the assessment questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12907895

Phase 4

Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete a Structured interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Decision Making/Judgement, Self-Management, and Flexibility.

Current or former 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

Location Availability

The agency is currently prioritizing the filling of positions in border locations, and location availability is limited. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, location assignments will ultimately be determined based on the needs of the agency.

Spanish Language Skill

Applicants who possess proficiency in the Spanish language (speaking, reading, and writing) are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language skills are highly desirable in support of DEA's mission to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, particularly in investigations involving Latin America, the Southern Border, and international partnerships.

Spanish language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process. Applicants who indicate proficiency may be required to complete a language assessment.

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.

Special Agent Transition 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 (FLETC/CITP Transcripts must be attached).

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U. S. Citizenship Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
• This position requires the completion of a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
• A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/)
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of application, unless you are a preference eligible veteran or a current, or previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement covered position.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period, as appropriate, during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Individuals are required to successfully complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

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.

For The 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; and
• 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.

• Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates:
  • At the time of application, senior students must provide documentation confirming an expected graduation date AND;
  • Prior to entry on duty, provide evidence that they maintained the required grades during their senior year.

Failure to provide proof of graduation within the required timeframe OR failure to maintain the required grades through their senior year, may result in removal from consideration.

S.A.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 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.

For The 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.

For the GS-11 Level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGL/GS-09level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrate 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 leader to a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or LL.M, if related;

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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/).

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. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.

PASS/FAIL COURSES:

If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were 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 in considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full‑time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part‑time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full‑time graduate study.

Additional information

This position has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.

Appointments: If selected, appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service Appointments. 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:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 to 2‑