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Deputy Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control Regulatory

Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Diversion Control Division

Summary

This position serves as the Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), Regulatory Control Division (DR). Responsible for the agency's Regulatory Control Program (RCP), a strategic component of U.S. law and policy aimed at preventing, detecting, and eliminating the diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 08/14/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 14, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$151,661 - $228,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Promotion potential
00
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Senior Executive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SES-26-018-KGF
Control number
878568100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to the Department of Justice Employees only. This is an SES-Excepted service position. The Resume/ECQs for this position are not certified by OPM nor do they go through OPM's qualifications review board. Please review Federal Hiring Paths for more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/

Duties

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As an advisor to the Assistant Administrator for Diversion Control and with his/her full confidence, provides guidance, direction, and supervision to the four sections and the subordinate units within the office. The incumbent directs the activities of the following Sections within the Office of Diversion Control Regulatory (DR):

  • Diversion Regulatory Group (DRG) is to provide expert regulatory oversight and guidance, ensuring full compliance with national initiatives, and fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. DRG staff serve as subject matter experts to the Office of Chief Counsel, provide guidance on diversion control initiatives, advise the Regulatory Drafting and Policy Support (DPW) section, and manage 303 investigations to ensure compliance and integrity. DRG oversees the Marihuana Growers Program and ensures compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
  • Diversion Import/Export section (DRI) administers the program for monitoring controlled substances, chemicals, and regulated machines. The Import/Export section issues import and export permits and declarations, monitors transshipments and regulated machines. The Import/Export section also collects data to be analyzed by U.S. authorities and shared with international counterparts to identify trends, diversion, and illicit trafficking in furthering investigative activities. Moreover, the Import/Export section implements programs in accordance with U.S. congressional legislation and international treaties.
  • Diversion UN Reporting & Quota Section (DRQ) prepares statistical reports on the legitimate manufacture, export, import, distribution, and reserve stocks of narcotic and psychotropic substances for the United States for submission to the United Nations as mandated by international drug control treaty obligations, as well as determining the anticipated future needs for narcotic and psychotropic substances. Collects and analyzes any relevant information from the Department of Health and Human Services, the states, pharmaceutical industry, and other sources to establish and revise the annual production quotas for all Schedule I and II controlled substances, and the List 1 chemicals pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine for the United States to be utilized by DEA-registered manufacturers and importers. Participates in the development and formulation of United Nations' resolutions, position papers, and briefing material for use by agency officials and US delegates to several UN bodies. Educates DEA registrants and internal components on quota regulations and international treaties.
  • The Diversion Technology Section (DRT) is responsible for enhancing, securing, and maintaining the Diversion Control Division's (DC) Information Technology (IT) infrastructure in support of DEA registrants and personnel.

The DR DAA reviews the effectiveness of DEA worldwide and individual field office diversion control programs to ensure that these programs are responsive to the diversion control mission of DEA and the requirements of the law. S/he establishes and provides guidelines and priority objectives to diversion offices concerning diversion control working agreements between DEA and Federal, state, local and foreign office officials.

Through the direction of subordinate supervisors and managers, the RD DAA provides leadership, establishes objectives, interprets policy, approves working plans, and monitors and evaluates progress toward mission objectives. She/he provides positive and effective leadership to assure aggressive effort and adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, and principles.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Drug testing designated position
  • New appointees must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period
  • This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) - Excepted Service Position. Please review Federal Hiring Paths for more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
  • Please review the Political Appointee Disclosure Requirement paragraph listed under the "Required Documents" section"

Qualifications

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

Do NOT submit a separate narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications:

TQ 1: Demonstrate expert-level mastery in the development, implementation and oversight of complex national regulatory framework governing controlled substances.

TQ 2: Ability to design, evaluate, and enforce policies that prevent, detect, and eliminate diversion of licit pharmaceuticals into illicit channels.

TQ 3: Demonstrate ability to lead large-scale regulatory, compliance, and enforcement programs; direct multidisciplinary teams; and manage nationwide initiatives that integrate intelligence, policy analysis, operations coordination, and stake holder engagement.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation.
      • Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently.
      • Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities.
      • Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
      • Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain.
      • Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems.
      • Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
      • Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes.
      • Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation.
      • Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements.
      • Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Education

Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions

Desired Education: Desired Education: Undergraduate or Graduate Education or equivalent experience.

Additional information

Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

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

Drug testing is required for this position.

All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.

It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click the following link to access the Drug Questionnaire. http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/drug_questionnaire.pdf.

Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

EEO Policy Statement: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement.

In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-VERIFY - http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.

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.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.


BASIS OF RATING: Candidates will be evaluated on the qualifications identified above based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. Only candidates meeting all of the mandatory technical qualifications will be deemed eligible for further consideration.

Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process may be used to verify your stated level of experience and capability. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Drug Enforcement Administration

Want to help lead the fight to stop an epidemic that killed more than 90 thousand Americans last year? Consider a career with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and join an agency uniquely designed to combat Drug Trafficking Organizations and the networks that bring illicit drugs to vulnerable Americans. As the lead agency responsible for the development of overall Federal drug enforcement strategy, programs, planning, and evaluation, the DEA maintains worldwide vigilance in over 200 domestic and over 90 foreign field offices around the world, fighting to eradicate narco-terror and corruption. We want you to join our efforts to make all communities across our Nation safer and healthier.

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

Agency contact information

Katrina Flowers
Phone
202-256-6120
Email
Katrina.G.Flowers@usdoj.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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