Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Summary

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Criminal Investigator GS-1811-7/9/11. This is a multi-grade announcement, providing strong potential for career growth and advancement. We are seeking motivated, detail-oriented professionals with strong analytical, communication, and investigative skills. Position: Criminal Investigator, GS-1811-7/9/11 Open Date: 7/20/2026 Close Date: 7/27/2026 PLEASE READ ALL SECTIONS BEFORE APPLYING.

Duties

• 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: Proctored Testing 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: Basic Qualification Review 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/12985960 Phase 4: Structured Interview 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. 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. Basic Agent Training: Applicants who have not completed previous federal law enforcement training through another federal law enforcement agency must attend and complete a 14-week residential training program. Special Agent Transition Program: Applicants may be eligible for an abbreviated hiring process and a 4-week Special Agent Transition Program if they meet one of the following criteria: Current or former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators who have successfully completed a federal criminal investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency. (FLETC/CITP transcripts must be attached); OR Current or former deputized Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officers or Agents 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.

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.