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.
Duties
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 August 21, 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 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: Are not considered employees for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code. May not elect to have retirement contributions withheld from their pay; May not use any employment for which an exception is granted as a basis for a supplemental or recomputed annuity; and May not participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
How you will be evaluated
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. To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13028599.