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
Summary
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
This job is open to Retirees under FERS or CSRS eligible for re-employment as Federal Annuitants who previously served as 1811s for any Federal agency, and ICTAP, CTAP, and RPL eligibles. Retirees must have retired on or before the opening date of this announcement, with a retirement date no more than five years prior to the closing date of this announcement.
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:
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.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and periodic medical examinations to confirm continued fitness for duty.
A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
FAA Class 1 Medical required at time of flight assessment for multi-engine flight operations. The medical must be dated within the previous 12 months.
A current FAA Commercial or ATP Airplane Rating with Instruments.
Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1,500 flight hours, of which a minimum of 250 hours must be Pilot in Command (PIC)
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Completion of Basic Agent Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), or the DEA Basic Agent Training Program, or equivalent.
Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.
GS-13Must 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;
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.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
Additional information
Polygraph: All applicants must successfully complete a full-scope pre-employment polygraph assessment. Reciprocity may be considered.
Suitability: This position will require a top-secret clearance; each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
Medical Requirements: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion including but not limited to walking, standing, running, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather, and exposure to potentially hazardous substances and/or environments. If selected, you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. Any physical or mental condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.
Basic Agent Training Requirement: 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may qualify for a 4-week residential training program (FCIT Transcripts must be attached).
Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and occasional irregular work schedules, to include weekends and holidays. Special Agents must be readily accessible to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided to Special Agents to ensure their availability and are compensated based upon 25 percent of the respective grade's base salary.
Firearms Requirement: This position requires individuals to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Special Agent positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Individuals are required to verify that they have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants are required to disclose their current and past drug usage and activity. The DEA recognizes some otherwise qualified applicants may have used illegal drugs or abused legal drugs or substances in their past. These circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Mobility Agreement: This position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility, depending on the needs of the DEA. Individuals selected for this position are required to sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.
Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP/ICTAP): To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (score 85 or better on established ranking criteria); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Based on the needs of the agency, initial placement may occur in a location not explicitly listed in this announcement. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, final placement decisions will be determined by operational requirements and organizational priorities.
Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and the hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application questionnaire. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment.
Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application.
There are two evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position:
Phase 1: Basic Qualifications: Candidates will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the specialized experience and eligibility requirements of this position. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.
Phase 2: Structured Interview: Candidates who meet the specialized experience and eligibility requirements may be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete an in-person or virtual Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies:
Aeronautical Decision Making/Judgement
Crew Resource Management
Collaboration
Influencing/Negotiating
Planning/Organizing
Problem Solving
Resilience
Oral Communication
Candidates who have successfully completed the pre-employment phase will be referred for employment consideration.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Resume: must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information.
Retirement SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): Submit a copy of your retirement SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code.
FAA Certification: Applicants must submit a copy of their current FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. The certificate must include 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.
Failure to provide this documentation will result in ineligibility for further consideration.
Medical Certification: Applicants must provide a copy of their FAA Class 1 Medical Certification for multi-engine flight operations. The medical certification must be dated within the previous 12 months.
Flight Hours: Applicants must submit documentation verifying a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). Acceptable documentation includes flight logs or other official records.
Flight Review: Applicants must provide proof of a documented flight review completed within the preceding 24 calendar months. This documentation must be signed and dated by an authorized flight instructor or examiner.
Federal Criminal Investigation Training (FCIT), if available: Transcripts for any FCIT and follow-on academy or in-service training should be submitted in order to be considered for the condensed 3-week DEA basic agent training course. Applicants who are unable to provide transcripts or proof of training will be required to complete a 16-week basic agent training course.
ICTAP/CTAP: Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable. This includes copies of your agency notice (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal), most recent performance rating and more recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level and duty location.
Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable:
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
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.
To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents.
During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 07/20/2026 of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must be no more than two pages in length. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
After all application packages are received, we will review applications and evaluate applicants' qualifications and will refer candidates, as described in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section, to the hiring manager for selection consideration.
If an applicant was in the 1811 series, as a federal employee and graduated from a Criminal Investigation training program through a federal law enforcement agency, they may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.
Failure to complete the pre-employment screenings will result in the termination of employment consideration.
Your application status will be updated up to four times during the following hiring phases:
After applications are received.
After applications are assessed to determine qualifications.
After candidates are referred to the hiring manager.
If selected, candidates may receive additional notifications regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Resume: must be no more than two pages in length; resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Resume should include applicants' name, email address, phone number, relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year), work schedule (e.g. part or full-time), the number of hours per week worked/volunteered, job title and description of duties performed. Education/Certification/Licensure when relevant or required for position. See Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume and visit the USAJOBS Help Center for more information.
Retirement SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): Submit a copy of your retirement SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing your tenure code, position occupied and highest grade and step. In addition, if you have or had service in a Federal Law Enforcement position covered by law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement, the SF-50 must show the retirement code.
FAA Certification: Applicants must submit a copy of their current FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. The certificate must include 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.
Failure to provide this documentation will result in ineligibility for further consideration.
Medical Certification: Applicants must provide a copy of their FAA Class 1 Medical Certification for multi-engine flight operations. The medical certification must be dated within the previous 12 months.
Flight Hours: Applicants must submit documentation verifying a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). Acceptable documentation includes flight logs or other official records.
Flight Review: Applicants must provide proof of a documented flight review completed within the preceding 24 calendar months. This documentation must be signed and dated by an authorized flight instructor or examiner.
Federal Criminal Investigation Training (FCIT), if available: Transcripts for any FCIT and follow-on academy or in-service training should be submitted in order to be considered for the condensed 3-week DEA basic agent training course. Applicants who are unable to provide transcripts or proof of training will be required to complete a 16-week basic agent training course.
ICTAP/CTAP: Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable. This includes copies of your agency notice (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal), most recent performance rating and more recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level and duty location.
Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable:
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
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.
To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents.
During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 07/20/2026 of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must be no more than two pages in length. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
After all application packages are received, we will review applications and evaluate applicants' qualifications and will refer candidates, as described in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section, to the hiring manager for selection consideration.
If an applicant was in the 1811 series, as a federal employee and graduated from a Criminal Investigation training program through a federal law enforcement agency, they may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.
Failure to complete the pre-employment screenings will result in the termination of employment consideration.
Your application status will be updated up to four times during the following hiring phases:
After applications are received.
After applications are assessed to determine qualifications.
After candidates are referred to the hiring manager.
If selected, candidates may receive additional notifications regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
