Criminal Investigator- Special Agent

Summary TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It’s tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED 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.

Conduct complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug‑related activities;

Prepare comprehensive and succinct criminal investigative reports and 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. 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).

Requirements Conditions of employment

U.S. citizenship required;

Must obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret security clearance, subject to agency suitability policy and potential additional clearance;

Must sign a mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate to any DEA facility as required;

Pre‑employment medical clearance and annual medical examination required;

A full‑scope pre‑employment polygraph is required. 1811 applicants with prior polygraph approval may seek reciprocity;

Selective Service registration or exemption required for males born after 12/31/59 (see http://www.sss.gov/);

Age between 21 and 36 at appointment, unless a preference‑eligible veteran or federal civil‑law‑enforcement‑retired status applies;

Successfully pass E‑Verify employment verification (see http://www.dhs.gov/E‑Verify/);

Serve a 1‑year or 2‑year trial period as appropriate for assessment of fitness and public‑interest contribution;

Maintain a valid state driver’s license;

Subject to random drug testing;

Successfully complete a 16‑week basic agent training (BAT) at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia;

1811 applicants who have completed the relevant FCIT experience may qualify for the 3‑week Special Agent Transition Program.

Qualifications For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility. Applicants must meet all required qualification requirements by the closing of this announcement. If qualifying based on education, submit a transcript (unofficial at application, official after selection) that clearly displays conferred degrees and/or relevant credit hours.

All applicants must meet one of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position.

GL‑07 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑05 level or pay band in the Federal service, including:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;

Writing reports of findings, results, or accomplishments for law‑enforcement activities and/or court cases;

Researching, collecting, and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : One full year of graduate‑level education in a field that demonstrates the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA) : Completed (or expected to complete within 9 months) all bachelor’s degree requirements with SAA in a field directly reflecting job‑related competencies. Courses should emphasize teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, flexibility, oral communication, interpersonal relations, and/or self‑management.

Eligibility for Upcoming Graduates : Senior students who expect to graduate within 9 months of the closing date may be considered based on current grades.

Provide documentation confirming expected graduation date and maintain required grades during senior year;

Failure to provide proof or maintain grades may result in removal from consideration.

S.A.A. is based on class standing, grade‑point average, or honor society membership:

Class Standing – upper third of graduating class based on completed courses;

Grade Point Average – 3.0+ (full‑time 4‑year or last 2 years) or 3.5+ (major‑field courses in last 2 years);

Honor Society membership recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Use a combination of education and experience where the combined percentage (experience months ÷ 12 + semester hours ÷ 18) equals at least 100 %.

GL‑09 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑07 level, including:

Assisting in investigations of alleged or suspected violations of law;

Collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources related to investigations;

Writing reports and conducting briefings for law‑enforcement and court purposes;

Meeting or corresponding with court officials and law‑enforcement personnel;

Assisting prosecuting attorneys in technical preparations; and

Testifying or presenting evidence for court, legislative, or administrative proceedings.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a degree, or LL.B./J.D.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Same calculation methodology as GL‑07, with total graduate semester hours beyond the first year divided by 18 added to experience percentage.

GS‑11 Level One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GL/GS‑09 level, demonstrating:

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, participating in raids, seizures, and arrests;

Developing and eliciting information from confidential sources;

Interviewing and interrogating persons suspected of law violations;

Organizing evidence for prosecution officials and testifying in court.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree or LL.M. related to the field.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Same calculation with graduate semester hours beyond the second year (total − 36) divided by 18 added to experience percentage.

Education Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be considered if comparable to U.S. accredited institutions (see http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/; www.naces.org/members.php).

Pass/Fail courses: If more than 10 % of undergraduate coursework was taken pass/fail, the SAA claim must be based on class standing or honor society membership.

Graduate education: One year equals 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) of full‑time study.

Additional Information The position advertised 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 convert to permanent Career appointments at the third or fourth year from initial appointment.

Probationary/Trial Period Required 1‑ to 2‑year trial period to evaluate fitness and public‑interest advancement. Evaluation criteria include performance, conduct, agency needs, organizational goals, and federal service efficiency. Upon completion, employment continues only if certified in writing that the continued employment advances the public interest.

Law Enforcement Availability Special Agents may work substantial overtime and irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) compensates at 25 % of the respective grade’s base salary.

Medical Requirements Moderate to arduous physical exertion is required, involving walking, standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. A pre‑employment medical examination is mandatory; any condition posing a hazard to self or others is disqualifying.

Firearms Requirement Authorized to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency. Positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9); candidates must confirm no misdemeanor domestic‑violence conviction.

Employment Drug Policy All DEA applicants must disclose current and past drug usage. Past illegal or legal drug use may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Mobility Agreement Position subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility. Applicants must sign a mobility agreement confirming willingness to relocate and ensuring family support.

Relocation Expenses Full relocation expenses paid for individuals transferring from another federal position. New federal employees cover expenses not covered by DEA policies.

Recruitment Incentives May be offered.

Candidate Expectations Candidates should be committed to improving federal efficiency, passionate about American ideals, and uphold the rule of law and the Constitution.

Benefits Federal employees and families enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on position type and employment status (full‑time, part‑time, intermittent). Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information.

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