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 2025 Base Salary table and will be augmented by locality pay as authorized for the duty location of the position.
For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet the Specialized Experience requirements as noted below. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. 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.) GS-11: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-09 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Coordinates the development and release of information in substantive program areas, such as press releases, fact sheets, newsletters, or other briefing materials; 2) Conducts registrant investigations involving multiple persons or organizations with numerous primary and secondary activities.; 3) Responds in verbal and written format, to requests for information requiring coordination with other agency offices.; 4) Resolving disputed facts, uncovering evidence through in-depth record searches; 5) Oversees the proper destruction or reconditioning of controlled substances in accordance with prescribed conditions. GS-12: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-11 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Conducts a full range of complex inspections and investigations, of handlers of controlled pharmaceutical and chemicals; 2) Evaluates the adequacy of controls employed by the regulated industries involving procurement, manufacturing distribution, security and record keeping activities; 3) Collects, compile, and presents necessary documentation, evidence, interviews/statements, and citations necessary to support the appropriate regulatory, civil, or judicial action recommended; 4) Independently plans and prepares reports or other working documents related complex programs issues; and 5) Analyzes complex problems or interrelated issues in developing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders. 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) Conducting the full range of complex regulatory and other investigations of legitimate, and illegitimate, pharmaceutical drug and chemical handlers; 2) Providing advice to private industry officials regarding the necessity to establish and implement manufacturing or purchasing quotas, and a closed system of distribution, to prevent the diversion of controlled substances and precursor chemicals; 3) Interpreting mission policy and objectives regarding diversion control matters; and 4) Developing and recommending plans, objectives and strategies regarding diversion control issues. 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.
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. As a Diversion Investigator your typical work assignments may include: 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; conducting interviews and preparing reports, and presenting 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; providing expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and providing 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; evaluating the results of investigations and the registrant's input and preparing corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.