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Drug Enforcement Administration Intelligence Research Specialists are involved in the most significant drug investigations and counter-drug operations conducted within the United States and abroad. Intelligence Research Specialists are posted in most major U.S. cities, and other domestic areas that need the DEA’s support. Intelligence Research Specialists are also posted in foreign countries that cultivate drug crops, produce drugs, or are transit points.

Intelligence is an essential element in drug law enforcement. In coordination with other Federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement organizations, the DEA is responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of drug-related intelligence. Intelligence Research Specialists work closely with DEA Special Agents to conduct investigations. Information for analysis is gathered from a variety of sources including investigations, seized documents, surveillance reports, cooperating sources, and court-ordered wiretaps. Intelligence Research Specialists conduct and manage complex research projects in areas such as drug cultivation and production, methods of transportation, trafficking routes, and the structure and analysis of trafficker organizations. Information developed by Intelligence Research Specialists is presented to case agents, supervisory personnel, U.S. Attorneys, grand juries, and high-level decision makers. Research results are presented orally and in writing. Consumers of DEA intelligence information include the judicial system, Federal, state, local law and foreign law enforcement agencies, in addition to other intelligence agencies.

Augmented by specialized training, your unique talents—language skills, specialized university degrees, and cultural diversity—will enhance DEA’s ability to identify, investigate, and apprehend the leaders of the most powerful and violent drug organizations in the world. As you plan your career, consider the challenges, and opportunities to make a deference in the antidrug effort, the wide array of experiences and assignments at home and abroad, and the personal satisfaction to be gained as an intelligence professional.

The DEA offers you the opportunity to be a part of the nation’s leading drug law enforcement agency. The DEA pioneered intelligence analytical support to law enforcement. DEA’s Intelligence Research Specialists are recognized worldwide for their skills, commitment, and achievements. As an Intelligence Research Specialist with the DEA, you will have the opportunity to directly combat drug trafficking, violent crime and terrorism.

Applicants must have specialized experience that demonstrates the ability to analyze information, identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and develop solutions; to plan and organize work; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative or other work.

The minimum entry level is GS-7. Typically, a college graduate with an overall grade point average of 2.9 and above, with no prior work experience might expect to enter at this level. With relevant work experience or a master’s degree, however, entry at the GS-9 level or higher is possible.

GS-12 is the journeyman grade level. Managerial positions start at GS-14, and can go up to the Senior Executive Service rank.

You will be subject to random drug testing by urinalysis throughout your career.

You will be required to undergo a polygraph examination.

Early in your career, you will be required to attend a 9-week formal training program at the DEA training facility in Quantico, Virginia.

You are required to sign a mobility agreement upon entering on duty, and you can be transferred to meet the needs of the agency. The opportunity to transfer to other DEA domestic and international offices is available to you.

If selected, you must serve a 1 year probationary or trial period.

Entry level salary is commensurate with your education level, prior work experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities as they pertain to the position.

The Federal benefit package is extensive and comprehensive. The DEA Personnel Office will provide additional details in the event of your employment.

GS-7 1 full year of graduate-level education or academic achievement 1 year equivalent to GS-5 GS-9 Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of higher-level graduate education or LL.B. or J.D. 1 year equivalent to GS-7 GS-11 Ph.D. or 3 full years of higher-level graduate education or LL.M. 1 year equivalent to GS-9 GS-12 1 year equivalent to GS-11 1 year equivalent to GS-11

Please refer to the Office of Personnel Management Website for positions that are currently available--www.usajob.opm.gov