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.
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.
Eligible applicants include FERS or CSRS retirees who held a career/career-conditional competitive service appointment, qualify for reemployment as a Federal Annuitant AND previously served as an 1801 for any Federal Government Agency, ICTAP, CTAP, and RPL eligibles may also apply. Retired applicants must be retired on or before the opening date of this announcement.
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 incumbent 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.
Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Diversion Investigators: 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 20, 2029.
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 August 21, 2029.
Annuitants reemployed with full salary and annuity under an exception granted in accordance with 5 CFR 533:
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
Successful completion of an one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
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.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance.
Medical examination required.
All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
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 verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
Polygraph may be required.
Qualifications
To qualify for employment with the DEA, applicants must not violate any of the automatic employment disqualifiers or the drug policy criteria. For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility.
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: 1) Preparing reports, presenting findings and making recommendations; 2) Performing complex inspections and investigations to ensure compliance and detect violations; 3) Planning and organizing debriefing formal and informal presentations; 4) Providing advice and guidance to customers on matters relative to organizational operations and policies; and 5) Collaborating with management or colleagues to exchange information. -OR-
Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. 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.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
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.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
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.
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
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.
If you experience technical issues with completing your online application, you may review online help resources or submit a ticket to the Help Desk by accessing the 'Help Center' (upper-right of your screen, next to the question mark icon).
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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.
There are four evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position:
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 Assessment Questionnaire and Biographical Data Questionnaire. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Oral Communication, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Technology Application, and Writing.
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 Judgment Assessment, Mathematics Assessment, and the Writing 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, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Teamwork, 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 of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's 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 the in-person Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communication; Problem Solving, Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; and Teamwork. Candidates must complete and pass the oral assessment to receive consideration. The DEA stores oral assessment results for one year and applies assessment scores to other job announcements applicants apply to that require the same oral assessment. If a candidate has completed the equivalent DEA oral assessment in the previous 12 months, the DEA will refer to the previously earned score on the oral assessment and the applicant will not be contacted to schedule an oral assessment.
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.
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.
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Required Documents:
Resume
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS 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.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: Job title; Name of employer; Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format); Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience; Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable) and; Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position). If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying based on education, submit a legible copy of your unofficial college transcript from an accredited college/university. The transcript copy must reflect the college/university name and/or logo. Applicants are highly encouraged to proactively order a copy of their official transcripts to be delivered to their home address so transcripts will be readily available if selected. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts prior to establishing your start date.
OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.
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.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CAREER TRANSITION CLAIMS If you are claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), submit a copy of your agency notice, most recent performance rating and most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and duty location. If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. To be considered eligible, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position. Please see ICTAP eligibility.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility. Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents. **The name listed on your application must match your government-issued ID to be permitted for testing.**
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. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement OR at 11:59 PM (EST) on the day we reach 5,000 applications, whichever comes first to receive consideration.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. 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.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the DI Assessments, you will be prompted to request a reasonable accommodation after logging into to your invitation link, prior to beginning Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing. Upon your request, the DEA Applicants Reasonable Accommodations Team will contact you and request any applicable medical documentation. Once the request has been fully adjudicated you will be notified via email to proceed with testing.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the DI Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all the assessments within 72 hours of the closing of the JOA. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 72 hours of the time the email is sent.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation (e.g.: resume, transcripts, etc.) and that you complete all required assessments.
After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your application package to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. Following completion of all evaluation phases a list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email. Once the selections have been made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
Please remember, if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from cloud@performancefit.com with a link to take the DI Assessments. Please be sure to check your email, spam and junk folders daily. These assessments must be completed within 72 hours of receiving your invitation email. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact Support@PDRI.com to request the invitation to be re-sent.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Required Documents:
Resume
Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS 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.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: Job title; Name of employer; Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format); Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience; Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable) and; Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position). If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying based on education, submit a legible copy of your unofficial college transcript from an accredited college/university. The transcript copy must reflect the college/university name and/or logo. Applicants are highly encouraged to proactively order a copy of their official transcripts to be delivered to their home address so transcripts will be readily available if selected. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts prior to establishing your start date.
OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.
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.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CAREER TRANSITION CLAIMS If you are claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), submit a copy of your agency notice, most recent performance rating and most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and duty location. If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. To be considered eligible, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position. Please see ICTAP eligibility.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility. Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents. **The name listed on your application must match your government-issued ID to be permitted for testing.**
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. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement OR at 11:59 PM (EST) on the day we reach 5,000 applications, whichever comes first to receive consideration.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. 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.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the DI Assessments, you will be prompted to request a reasonable accommodation after logging into to your invitation link, prior to beginning Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing. Upon your request, the DEA Applicants Reasonable Accommodations Team will contact you and request any applicable medical documentation. Once the request has been fully adjudicated you will be notified via email to proceed with testing.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the DI Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all the assessments within 72 hours of the closing of the JOA. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the JOA to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 72 hours of the time the email is sent.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation (e.g.: resume, transcripts, etc.) and that you complete all required assessments.
After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your application package to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. Following completion of all evaluation phases a list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email. Once the selections have been made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
Please remember, if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from cloud@performancefit.com with a link to take the DI Assessments. Please be sure to check your email, spam and junk folders daily. These assessments must be completed within 72 hours of receiving your invitation email. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact Support@PDRI.com to request the invitation to be re-sent.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
