Drug Enforcement Administration
PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators
Drug Enforcement Administration, Hampton, Virginia, United States, 23661
PUBLIC NOTICE- DEA Criminal Investigators
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 January 12th 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.
Summary THIS IS NOT A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Duties
Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
Testify 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. 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).
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA location.
Required to complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity.
Selective Service registration or exemption for males born after 12/31/59.
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless preference eligible veteran or previous 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, as appropriate.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Subject to random drug testing.
Basic Agent Training Requirement: complete 16‑20 week course at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.
Qualifications 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 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 in a course of study that directly reflects the job‑related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self‑management.
Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students who are enrolled and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date 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;
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.
Grade Point Average:
3.0 or higher: based on completed courses; or;
3.5 or higher: on average of required courses in the major field.
Election to membership in a national scholarly honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in a recognized honor society; 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 including 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 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;
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; 2 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education; 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, divide total months of experience by 12. Then divide completed graduate semester hours beyond the first year 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 demonstrates 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 leading to a Ph.D. 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, divide total months of experience by 12. Then divide completed graduate semester hours beyond the second year by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements is located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Education Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; provide only attendance/degree from accredited schools.
FOREIGN EDUCATION Education completed in foreign institutions may be used if comparable to U.S. accredited education; applicant must provide evidence.
PASS/FAIL COURSES If more than 10% of undergraduate coursework was pass/fail, SAA must be based on class standing or honor society membership.
GRADUATE EDUCATION One year of graduate education is considered 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) unless stated otherwise by the school.
Appointments Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service Appointments. Individuals appointed via Schedule B authority may convert to permanent career appointments at the third or fourth year.
Probationary/Trial Period
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment advances organizational goals of the agency or the government;
Whether your continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Law Enforcement Availability Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, weekends, holidays, and be readily available to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided based on 25% of the base salary.
Medical Requirements Moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking, standing, firearms use, and inclement weather exposure. Must pass pre‑employment medical examination; unsafe conditions disqualify.
Firearms Requirement Individuals must be authorized to carry a firearm, maintain proficiency, and be free of misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
Employment Drug Policy Applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Past or current drug use may be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Mobility Agreement Position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility; family support of assignment is required.
Relocation Expenses Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from another Federal position. New Federal employees pay other moving expenses not covered by DEA.
Recruitment Incentives May be offered.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site. Benefits As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to comprehensive benefits designed to be rewarding. Eligibility depends on position type. For more information contact the hiring agency.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Part‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Law Enforcement
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Drug Enforcement Administration by 2x.
Get notified about new Criminal Investigator jobs in
Hampton, VA .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
UPDATED
A job announcement will be posted on USAJobs on January 12th 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.
Summary THIS IS NOT A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Duties
Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and deliver briefings for senior personnel and other Federal, state, and local agencies;
Identify and apprehend drug traffickers and arrest individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
Gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures, arrests, execution of search warrants, and a variety of other means;
Testify 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. 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).
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance.
Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any DEA location.
Required to complete a pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination.
Full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph required; 1811 applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency may seek reciprocity.
Selective Service registration or exemption for males born after 12/31/59.
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment, unless preference eligible veteran or previous 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, as appropriate.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Subject to random drug testing.
Basic Agent Training Requirement: complete 16‑20 week course at DEA Training Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
1811 applicants who have completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program may qualify for a 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.
Qualifications 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 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 in a course of study that directly reflects the job‑related competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Courses should emphasize teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self‑management.
Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates: Senior students who are enrolled and expect to complete all graduation requirements within 9 months of the closing date 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;
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.
Grade Point Average:
3.0 or higher: based on completed courses; or;
3.5 or higher: on average of required courses in the major field.
Election to membership in a national scholarly honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in a recognized honor society; 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 including 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 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;
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; 2 full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education; 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, divide total months of experience by 12. Then divide completed graduate semester hours beyond the first year 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 demonstrates 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 leading to a Ph.D. 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, divide total months of experience by 12. Then divide completed graduate semester hours beyond the second year by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements is located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Education Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; provide only attendance/degree from accredited schools.
FOREIGN EDUCATION Education completed in foreign institutions may be used if comparable to U.S. accredited education; applicant must provide evidence.
PASS/FAIL COURSES If more than 10% of undergraduate coursework was pass/fail, SAA must be based on class standing or honor society membership.
GRADUATE EDUCATION One year of graduate education is considered 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) unless stated otherwise by the school.
Appointments Appointments will be made in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3210 (Schedule B), Excepted Service Appointments. Individuals appointed via Schedule B authority may convert to permanent career appointments at the third or fourth year.
Probationary/Trial Period
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment advances organizational goals of the agency or the government;
Whether your continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Law Enforcement Availability Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime, weekends, holidays, and be readily available to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided based on 25% of the base salary.
Medical Requirements Moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking, standing, firearms use, and inclement weather exposure. Must pass pre‑employment medical examination; unsafe conditions disqualify.
Firearms Requirement Individuals must be authorized to carry a firearm, maintain proficiency, and be free of misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
Employment Drug Policy Applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Past or current drug use may be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Mobility Agreement Position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility; family support of assignment is required.
Relocation Expenses Full relocation expenses paid for transfers from another Federal position. New Federal employees pay other moving expenses not covered by DEA.
Recruitment Incentives May be offered.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site. Benefits As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to comprehensive benefits designed to be rewarding. Eligibility depends on position type. For more information contact the hiring agency.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Part‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Law Enforcement
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Drug Enforcement Administration by 2x.
Get notified about new Criminal Investigator jobs in
Hampton, VA .
#J-18808-Ljbffr