Criminal Investigator - Special Agent (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment)
What you'd do
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking retirees of the Federal Employee Retirement System or Civil Service Retirement System (Reemployed Annuitants) to join our team to support our mission critical objectives; focused on enforcement, regulation; and protecting communities and working with partners to safeguard public health and safety. Position: Criminal Investigator Open Date: 07/14/2026 Close Date: 07/24/2026
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; Preferred Experience Extraterritorial investigations; International extraditions; Narcoterrorism investigations; Cryptocurrency investigations and blockchain analysis 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 may be 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.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. This position requires the incumbent to possess a valid state driver's license 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. Preferred investigations include, but are not limited to international and extraterritorial cases involving cartels, designated foreign terrorist organizations, narcoterrorists, money launderers, cyber enabled criminal enterprises, and precursor chemical networks; Determining overall strategy, potential sources of information and investigative methods to use; Planning operations concerned with major purchases of evidence, search, seizures, raids and arrests; Promoting information exchange and maintaining relationships with representatives of local, state and Federal agencies; Testifying in court proceeding and consulting with prosecuting officials; and Serving as a team leader answering questions and reviewing written reports prepared by team members at a lower grade level. 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. For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Before you apply
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