Criminal Investigator- Special Agent (Pilot) (Reemployed Annuitant)

Summary

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking retirees of the Federal Employee Retirement System or Civil Service Retirement System to fill pilot positions. This role involves operating aircraft to support critical enforcement operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, fugitive transport, and specialized missions aimed at combating drug trafficking.

Position: Criminal Investigator (Pilot)

Open Date: 07/06/2026

Close Date: 07/20/2026

Duties

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At The DEA, Our People Are Agents For Change. A Unique Mission Requires Special Talent. As a DEA Special Agent, You Will Work As Part Of An Elite Criminal Investigative Team That Transforms The Power Of Your Talent Into Action. That Action Makes a Difference For The Security And Well-being Of Our Nation And The World Every Day. Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Conducting complex criminal investigations targeting narcotics and drug related activities;
• Identifying and apprehending drug traffickers and arresting individuals engaged in criminal drug activities;
• Utilizing a combined methodology of intelligence, investigative techniques, and legal authorities to conduct investigations and associated activities;
• Preparing written documentation utilizing expert knowledge in support of investigations;
• Collaborating with teams of special agents and other law enforcement officers; making assignments and providing guidance and coordination to team members;
• Operating aircraft, planning and executing flights, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for investigative purposes;
• Coordinating operational flight missions with supported units domestically and with host nation countries to support enforcement operations;
• Providing real time guidance during operations in order to significantly enhance the success of drug trafficking investigations.
  
  

Dual Compensation Off-Set Waiver for Criminal Investigators (Special Agents): This announcement is being used to recruit CSRS and FERS annuitants on a limited basis. A dual compensation waiver has been approved in accordance with applicable regulations under certain specified circumstances, not to exceed January 20th, 2029, OR your 65th birthday for FERS annuitants OR your 60th birthday for CSRS annuitants, whichever comes first.

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 January 20th, 2029, OR your 65th birthday for FERS annuitants OR your 60th birthday for CSRS annuitants, whichever comes first.
  
  

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.
  
  

Former GS-1811 Criminal Investigators who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may be considered for an abbreviated hiring process.

Flight Assessment: The application process will require the successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot. The flight assessment will be completed in Fort Worth, Texas, the location of the posted vacancy, or in the geographic location of the applicant, as determined by DEA.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U. S. Citizenship Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.
• Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment medical clearance and periodic medical examinations to confirm continued fitness for duty.
• A full-scope pre-employment polygraph is required. 1811 Applicants who have previously completed and passed a polygraph examination with their current or former agency, may seek reciprocity with the DEA during the hiring process.
• FAA Class 1 Medical required at time of flight assessment for multi-engine flight operations. The medical must be dated within the previous 12 months.
• A current FAA Commercial or ATP Airplane Rating with Instruments.
• Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1,500 flight hours, of which a minimum of 250 hours must be Pilot in Command (PIC)
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
• This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Completion of Basic Agent Training, which consists of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), or the DEA Basic Agent Training Program, or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot.
  
  

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

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:

• Conducting complex criminal investigations, performing all phases required for successful completion;
• Planning operations concerned with major purchases of evidence, search, seizures, raids and arrests;
• Operating aircraft to plan and execute flights for investigative purposes to include performing air/ground surveillance, air photography, fugitive transport, undercover role enhancement, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, sensitive cargo transport, marijuana eradication and/or prisoner transport;
• Providing real-time operational flight mission guidance;
• Promoting information exchange and maintaining relationships with representatives of local, state and Federal agencies; and
• Testifying in court proceeding and consulting with prosecuting officials.
  
  

Requirements:

FAA Certifications:

Applicants must posses a current FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with one of the following ratings:

• Dual Rated: Airplane Multi-Engine Land with Instrument Rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with Instrument Rating; OR
• Airplane Rated: Airplane Multi-Engine Land with Instrument Rating.
  
  

Medical Certification:

• FAA Class 1 Medical Certification is required at the time of flight assessment for multi-engine flight operations.
• Medical certification must be dated within the previous 12 months.
  
  

Flight Hours:

Applicants must meet the following minimum flight hour requirements:

• 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
  
  

Flight Review:

A documented flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months is required.

Flight Assessment:

Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot. The flight assessment will be completed in Fort Worth, Texas, the location of the posted vacancy, or in the geographic location of the applicant, as determined by DEA.

Preferred Experience:

Flight experience in the following aircraft is preferred:

• ATR
• King Air 200/300
  
  

Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

Polygraph: All applicants must successfully complete a full-scope pre-employment polygraph assessment. Reciprocity may be considered.

Suitability: This position will require a top-secret clearance; each applicant will be reviewed individually to agency suitability policy. Upon completion of this review, the DEA will decide, if any additional clearance will be required.

Medical Requirements: The duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion including but not limited to walking, standing, running, use of firearms, exposure to inclement weather, and exposure to potentially hazardous substances and/or environments. If selected, you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination. Any physical or mental condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

Basic Agent Training Requirement: 1811 applicants who have successfully completed a Federal Criminal Investigation training program through another federal law enforcement agency, may qualify for a 4-week residential training program (FCIT Transcripts must be attached).

Law Enforcement Availability: Special Agents may be required to work substantial overtime and occasional irregular work schedules, to include weekends and holidays. Special Agents must be readily accessible to perform unscheduled work. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is provided to Special Agents to ensure their availability and are compensated based upon 25 percent of the respective grade's base salary.

Firearms Requirement: This position requires individuals to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Special Agent positions are subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Individuals are required to verify that they have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Employment Drug Policy: All DEA applicants are required to disclose their current and past drug usage and activity. The DEA recognizes some otherwise qualified applicants may have used illegal drugs or abused legal drugs or substances in their past. These circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Mobility Agreement: This position is subject to reassignment to any domestic DEA facility, depending on the needs of the DEA. Individuals selected for this position are required to sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment.

Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP/ICTAP): To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (score 85 or better on established ranking criteria); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Based on the needs of the agency, initial placement may occur in a location not explicitly listed in this announcement. While every effort will be made to accommodate preferences, final placement decisions will be determined by operational requirements and organizational priorities.

Additional information on Special Agent employment eligibilities, medical and physical requirements, and the hiring process are available on the DEA Special Agent careers site.

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.

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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.

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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.