Criminal Investigator- Special Agent (Pilot) (Reemployed Annuitant)
What you'd do
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking retirees of the Federal Employee Retirement System or Civil Service Retirement System to fill pilot positions. This role involves operating aircraft to support critical enforcement operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, fugitive transport, and specialized missions aimed at combating drug trafficking. Position: Criminal Investigator (Pilot) Open Date: 07/06/2026 Close Date: 07/20/2026
Major 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. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities; Identifying and apprehending drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities; Utilizing a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities; Preparing written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations; Collaborating with teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; making assignments and providing guidance and coordination to team members; Operating aircraft, planning and executing flights, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for investigative purposes; Coordinating operational flight missions with supported units domestically and with host nation countries to support enforcement operations; Providing real time guidance during operations in order to significantly enhance the success of drug trafficking investigations. Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents): This announcement is being used to recruit CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis. A dual compensation waiver has been approved in accordance with applicable regulations under certain specified circumstances, not to exceed January 20th, 2029, OR your 65th birthday for FERS annuitants OR your 60th birthday for CSRS annuitants, whichever comes first. Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are eligible for: Full annuity and full Federal salary Annual and sick leave (not applicable for an intermittent work schedule) Full-time work schedules Receive overtime (on a full schedule). Overtime hours are counted towards maximum hour limitations Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) - additional compensation of 25% of the base salary added to locality pay New hires under this authority will be offered a non-status, term appointment in the competitive service not to exceed January 20th, 2029, OR your 65th birthday for FERS annuitants OR your 60th birthday for CSRS annuitants, whichever comes first. Annuitants reemployed with full salary and annuity under an exception granted in accordance with 5 CFR 533: Are not considered employees for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code. May not elect to have retirement contributions withheld from their pay; May not use any employment for which an exception is granted as a basis for a supplemental or recomputed annuity; and May not participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. Former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process. Flight Assessment: The application process will require the successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot. The flight assessment will be completed in Fort Worth, Texas, the location of the posted vacancy, or in the geographic location of the applicant, as determined by DEA.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. GS-13 Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: Conducting complex criminal investigations, performing all phases required for successful completion; Planning operations concerned with major purchases of evidence, search, seizures, raids and arrests; Operating aircraft to plan and execute flights for investigative purposes to include performing air/ground surveillance, air photography, fugitive transport, undercover role enhancement, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, sensitive cargo transport, marijuana eradication and/or prisoner transport; Providing real-time operational flight mission guidance; Promoting information exchange and maintaining relationships with representatives of local, state and Federal agencies; and Testifying in court proceeding and consulting with prosecuting officials. Requirements: FAA Certifications: Applicants must posses a current FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with one of the following ratings: Dual Rated: Airplane Multi-Engine Land with Instrument Rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with Instrument Rating; OR Airplane Rated: Airplane Multi-Engine Land with Instrument Rating. Medical Certification: FAA Class 1 Medical Certification is required at the time of flight assessment for multi-engine flight operations. Medical certification must be dated within the previous 12 months. Flight Hours: Applicants must meet the following minimum flight hour requirements: 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). Flight Review: A documented flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months is required. Flight Assessment: Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot. The flight assessment will be completed in Fort Worth, Texas, the location of the posted vacancy, or in the geographic location of the applicant, as determined by DEA. Preferred Experience: Flight experience in the following aircraft is preferred: ATR King Air 200/300 Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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