The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), an important arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified applicants for potential openings for the Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position. This is an exceptional opportunity to become a member of an elite team of federal law enforcement professionals committed to combating drug trafficking and safeguarding the nation’s well-being. This notice is open to U.S. citizens interested in pursuing a dynamic and impactful career as a DEA Special Agent. The official job announcement, including specific vacancies, will be available on USAJOBS on January 5, 2026.
Position Overview
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Job Title |
Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) |
Agency |
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Justice |
Locations |
Multiple openings across DEA offices nationwide |
Salary |
$48,371 to $82,108 per year (GS-7 to GS-11 Grade Scale) |
Additional Pay |
Includes locality pay and a 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) |
Work Schedule |
Full-time, Permanent |
Public Notice Period |
March 17, 2025 – March 16, 2026 |
Primary Responsibilities: A Role of Influence
As a DEA Special Agent, you will lead efforts in the investigation and disruption of drug trafficking organizations. Core responsibilities include conducting complex and sensitive criminal investigations, identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illegal drug operations, and gathering evidence through surveillance, search warrants, and arrests. You will prepare detailed investigative reports, brief senior leadership, and testify in court or before grand juries on behalf of the federal government.
Core Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
Applicants must meet essential criteria to ensure readiness for the challenges and integrity required in this role. Candidates must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 36 at the time of appointment (exceptions apply for preference-eligible veterans).
They must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance, successfully complete a medical examination, polygraph, and drug test, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Additionally, candidates must sign a mobility agreement, acknowledging potential reassignment to any DEA location based on agency needs.
Experience and Education Requirements
Applicants may qualify based on education, experience, or a combination of both, as outlined below:
Grade Level |
Qualification Requirements |
|---|---|
GL-7 |
One year of specialized experience assisting in investigations, or one full year of graduate-level education, or Superior Academic Achievement (Bachelor’s degree). |
GL-9 |
One year of experience equivalent to GL-7 (e.g., collecting evidence, supporting attorneys) or a Master’s degree/two years of graduate education. |
GS-11 |
One year of experience equivalent to GS-9 (e.g., federal criminal investigations, operational planning, working with confidential sources) or a Ph.D./three years of graduate education. |
Training, Compensation, and Benefits
Successful applicants will complete a 16–20 week Basic Agent Training (BAT) program at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The course is designed to be physically and mentally rigorous, ensuring agents are fully prepared for field assignments. DEA Special Agents receive a competitive salary package along with federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, federal retirement, and paid annual and sick leave.
How to Prepare and Apply
This public notice is intended to help potential candidates prepare for the upcoming job posting. The official job announcement will be available on January 5, 2026. To apply, candidates should prepare a two-page resume highlighting relevant skills and experience, collect required documentation such as transcripts and veteran preference certificates, and create or update their USAJOBS profile. Once the announcement goes live, applications must be submitted directly through the USAJOBS portal.
For more detailed information about the role and application process, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official DEA careers website.
