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Diversion Investigator

Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration

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.

The salary listed is based on the 2026 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/13/2026 to 07/13/2026
This job will close when we have received 5000 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$43,106 - $68,549 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
DEA - US Locations
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - 3-4 days per month
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation and PCS authorized
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
D-DC-26-12923209-DE-DH
Control number
864718000

Duties

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Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public.

The incumber will perform the following duties:

  • Conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record-keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
  • Collecting and analyzing information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
  • Researching and preparing a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and provide guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
  • Developing and maintaining working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies in order to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
  • Planning, implementing, and participating in multi-jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • Selectee will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (OR 1-year OR 2-year trial period, as appropriate) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
  • Successful completion of a mandatory 12 week in residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Medical examination required.
  • POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: You must successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Diversion Control Program.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

GS-07: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Gathering data to prepare reports; 2) Evaluating priorities to develop a strategy for accomplishing daily tasks; 3) Orally presenting information in a logical manner; 4) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information; and 5) Accomplishing assignments independently.-OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by at least one year of graduate level education. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in a field or expect to complete all requirements within the next nine months; and education meets at least one of the following requirements for superior academic achievement: 1) class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; 2) grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; 3) grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR 4) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR-

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than one year. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying 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.)

GS-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Preparing a variety of written materials or reports and making recommendations; 2) Collecting and/or analyzing conflicting information; 3) Orally presenting information in a logical manner; 4) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information; and 5) Following successive steps to complete tasks in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or practices. -OR-

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-9 level may be met by master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than two years. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)

Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:

  • Accountability
  • Achievement Motivation
  • Arithmetic
  • Attention to Detail
  • Collaboration
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Memory
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Reading
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Writing
  • Motor Vehicle Operation

Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements, as described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement, will be assigned to one of three quality categories:
  • Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the required competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) for the position.
  • Highly Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position.
  • Best Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must possess the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position.
The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions which provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question in 200-words or less.? You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and have not used a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.

To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923209

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/).

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One year of graduate education in considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Additional information

Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Selectee placement will be based on requirements of the agency to effectively meet goals and objectives.

Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If eligible, telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.

Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

There are four evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position:

Diversion Investigator (DI) Assessments

Phase 1: Diversion Investigator (DI) Assessments
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. The DI Assessments will be completed online and include the Realistic Job Preview and DEA Talent Inventory (DTI). These assessments measure the following competencies: Accountability, Achievement Motivation, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Self-Confidence, and Stress Tolerance.

Phase 2: Proctored Testing
The best qualified candidates from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Mathematics Assessment, and the Recall and Documentation Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Arithmetic, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Memory and Writing.

Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
The best qualified candidates from Phase 2, will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements. You may excluded from consideration if your self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.

Phase 4: Structured Interview
Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete a virtual Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Decision-Making, Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; and Teamwork. Candidates must complete and pass the oral assessment to receive consideration.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy.

You must complete the DI Assessments within the allotted timeframe to be eligible for this position. If a DI assessment is passed, your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the same DI Assessments. If an assessment is failed, you are eligible to reapply and retest 90 days after failed assessment.

Please note that if there are any changes to the hiring assessments, any passing scores from previous assessments may not be carried over to the new evaluation and you may be required to take the new assessment.

If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the DI Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact support@PDRI.com to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the DI Assessments must be received by support@PDRI.com BEFORE the end of the 72 hour testing window. If you require an extension due to an extenuating circumstance, please contact HRRD.Recruit@dea.gov.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: You must successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.

Drug Enforcement Administration

Want to make a difference? Consider a career with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and you will make a difference for your community and for your country. DEA's mission is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. DEA is the lead agency responsible for the development of overall Federal drug enforcement strategy, programs, planning, and evaluation. The agency is uniquely designed to detect, disrupt and dismantle Drug Trafficking Organizations and their networks to ensure the communities within the United States and internationally are preserved. The DEA is positioned in over 20 domestic field divisions with over 200 field offices and over 90 foreign offices in 70 countries to maintain worldwide vigilance and eradicate narco-terror and corruption.

Visit our Careers Page
Learn more about what it's like to work at Drug Enforcement Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.dea.gov/careers/

Agency contact information

Diversion Staffing Unit
Phone
571-776-2613
Email
HRRD.Recruit@dea.gov
Address
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Drug Enforcement Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dea.gov/index.shtml

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