The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice combating drug trafficking and related violence, is conducting a nationwide public recruitment for Special Agents (Criminal Investigators GL-1811) to join an elite team transforming talent into action that safeguards America and the world from narcotics threats.

This open to public announcement targets U.S. citizens ready for a demanding career of complex investigations, undercover operations, arrests, seizures, and court testimony. Requiring 1–3 years specialized experience (or equivalent education), physical fitness, top-secret clearance, and mobility agreement, the GS-7/9/11 roles demand resilience, integrity, and commitment to federal service. Ideal for patriotic, analytical professionals passionate about justice, this opportunity offers comprehensive training, relocation assistance, and a path to GS-13 leadership. Veterans strongly encouraged.

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About Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The Drug Enforcement Administration is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, tasked with combating drug trafficking and related violence. With 5,000+ Special Agents across 93 domestic offices and 69 foreign locations, DEA seizes billions in assets annually and dismantles cartels.

DEA fosters a culture of excellence, courage, and partnership, where Special Agents work in elite teams to disrupt threats. For Agents, DEA provides 16–20 weeks Basic Agent Training at Quantico, LEAP, and global assignments in a diverse, inclusive force.

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Duties and Responsibilities

As a DEA Special Agent, you will conduct high-stakes criminal investigations. Core duties include:

• Conducts complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities, including undercover operations, surveillance, raids, seizures, and arrests.
• 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.

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).

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Qualifications and Evaluations

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;
• 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: Senior students who are currently enrolled in a degree program and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date of this announcement, may be considered for a GL-7 appointment based on their grades at the time of application. To be considered:
  • 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 the GL/GS-09 level 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 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; 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.

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Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance
• Must sign a mobility agreement for relocation
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and annual medical examination
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, 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
• Selectee will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing
• Basic Agent Training Requirement: If selected, individuals are required to successfully complete a 16 to 20-week basic agent training (BAT) course held at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia
• 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)

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How to Apply

THIS IS NOT A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

This is a public notice for Drug Enforcement Administration Criminal Investigator GL-1811-7/9/11 positions open to U.S. Citizens.

UPDATED A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on February 9th and April 6th, 2026.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED SECTIONS. For more information about Special Agent positions, please visit Talk to a Recruiter.

Prepare your application in USAJOBS: To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents.

During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.

STEP 1: Select the “Apply” button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.

STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. Resume should be no longer than two pages.

STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. You may preview the assessments questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12705610 STEP

4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.

Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.

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Tags

DEA Special Agent Recruitment 2026, Criminal Investigator GL-1811, Drug Trafficking Investigation, Full-Time GS-7/9/11 $48K-$82K +25% LEAP, Undercover Operations, Vision 2030 Law Enforcement

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Expert Tips for Success as DEA Special Agent: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter for DEA’s Special Agent recruitment, I prioritize applications that demonstrate investigative grit, physical/mental resilience, and unwavering integrity. With millions of applicants annually and only ~500 selections, these 10 tips are designed to place you in the top 1%.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Investigation Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek proven investigators—80% of shortlists go to candidates with case/arrest metrics. A resume opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Led 20 narcotics investigations with 15 arrests”) grabs attention.

Resume Example: Led 20 narcotics investigations as Investigator with 15 arrests and $500K seized. Why: This proves your impact.

Cover Letter Example: As 3-year law enforcement, I analyzed 100 leads resulting in 90% case closure.

How to Do It: Open resume with one bullet showing cases/arrests/seizures. Use numbers.

Tip 2: Highlight Physical Fitness with PTA Readiness

Why It Works: PTA is the first filter—70% fail here. Prepare rigorously.

Resume Example: Completed 1.5-mile run in 10:30, 50 push-ups, 60 sit-ups – PTA-ready. Why: This shows commitment.

Cover Letter Example: As candidate, I train daily for DEA’s demanding physical standards.

How to Do It: Practice PTA weekly. Mention fitness routine in letter.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Analytical Skills with Data Example

Why It Works: Proctored tests measure analysis—recruiters prioritize data pros.

Resume Example: Analysed 200 financial records as Analyst identifying $1M laundering. Why: This shows your analysis.

Interview Prep: Practice logical reasoning questions from DEA guide.

How to Do It: Include bullet with data analysis + outcome.

Tip 4: Showcase Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills

Why It Works: Structured interview focuses on interpersonal—recruiters prioritize team players.

Resume Example: Collaborated with 10 agencies as Agent on 15 joint ops. Why: This proves your teamwork.

Cover Letter Example: As candidate, I build trust with informants and partners.

How to Do It: Use STAR method in interview answers.

Tip 5: Highlight Integrity & Ethics with Example

Why It Works: Polygraph/background will test this—recruiters prioritize ethical candidates.

Resume Example: Testified in 10 federal cases as Investigator with 100% credibility. Why: This shows your ethics.

Cover Letter Example: As candidate, I uphold highest integrity in all investigations.

How to Do It: Emphasize “confidential sources” and “court testimony”.

Tip 6: Prepare for Polygraph with Full Disclosure

Why It Works: Polygraph disqualifies many—be honest about past.

Interview Prep: Review DEA drug policy – disclose everything early.

How to Do It: No lies – DEA values honesty over perfection.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Oral Communication with Brief Example

Why It Works: Structured interview tests oral skills—recruiters prioritize clear speakers.

Resume Example: Briefed 50 officials as Agent on investigation findings. Why: This shows your briefing.

Interview Example: Use concise, confident answers.

How to Do It: Practice “Tell me about a time…” questions.

Tip 8: Use USAJobs Resume Builder

Why It Works: ATS filters resumes—90% rejection for poor format.

How to Do It:

• Use USAJobs Resume Builder
• Keywords: “narcotics investigation”, “undercover”, “surveillance”
• Detail hours, duties, dates

Tip 9: Leverage Veterans Preference

Why It Works: 5/10-point preference gives edge—recruiters prioritize veterans.

Resume Top: 10-Point Veterans Preference Eligible – DD-214 attached. Why: This boosts ranking.

How to Do It: Submit DD-214 and SF-15.

Tip 10: Craft a Mission-Driven Motivation Statement

Why It Works: DEA wants patriots fighting the drug war.

Use This in Cover Letter:

As a [X-year investigator] who has seen drugs destroy communities, I am driven to join DEA’s elite team. My [specific skill] and passion for justice will help dismantle cartels and save lives.

Apply via USAJobs – this is your call to serve America!