Embark on a Career as a DEA Diversion Investigator
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a commitment to national security? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our ranks as Diversion Investigators. This role is essential to our mission, focusing on the critical task of maintaining the integrity of the legal pharmaceutical supply chain while preventing the illegal diversion of controlled substances.
Job Responsibilities
As a Diversion Investigator, your day-to-day work will be both dynamic and vital. You will:
- Conduct Investigations: Ensure that manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers are in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
- Analyze Evidence: Collect data, analyze conflicting information, and develop strategies for enforcement.
- Report Findings: Draft comprehensive reports that serve as the foundation for administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
- Collaborate: Maintain strong working relationships with other federal, state, and local agencies to facilitate intelligence sharing.
- Provide Expertise: Offer consultation and guidance to divisional personnel on regulatory requirements.
Comparison: Diversion Investigator Qualifications
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | 1 year specialized experience OR 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement |
| GS-09 | 1 year specialized experience (at GS-07 level) OR Master's degree/equivalent graduate study |
| GS-11 | 1 year specialized experience (at GS-09 level) OR Ph.D. or 3 years progressive graduate study |
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a rigorous background check, including a Top Secret security clearance and a polygraph examination. You must be prepared to follow all DEA drug policies and successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $43,106 to $82,938 annually, based on the 2026 base salary table. Actual pay is augmented by locality adjustments specific to your duty station.
Benefits
- Retirement: Participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Insurance: Access to comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Stability: Long-term career growth with promotion potential up to GS-13.
- Work-Life Balance: Telework eligibility where appropriate and generous federal leave policies.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer; longer submissions are disqualified.
- Monitor Your Email: Watch for the DI Assessment invitation and ensure you complete it within 72 hours.
- Be Detailed: Clearly list your hours per week, job descriptions, and exact start/end dates.
If you are ready to apply your analytical skills to a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply for a Diversion Investigator position today. Visit the DEA careers site to take the first step toward a rewarding federal career.
Why This Diversion Investigator Job Matters
Protect the nation's health and security as a Diversion Investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Join the front lines of the fight against the illicit distribution of controlled substances.
Diversion Investigator Job Overview
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking dedicated professionals to serve as Diversion Investigators. In this role, you will be a vital part of the agency’s mission to detect, disrupt, and dismantle organizations that divert legal pharmaceuticals into illicit markets. This is a high-impact position that requires sharp analytical skills, a commitment to integrity, and the ability to work independently to safeguard public health and national security. Selected candidates will operate within a nationwide network of DEA divisions, tackling complex investigations that protect the integrity of the medical and commercial supply chains.
Requirements for Diversion Investigator
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must pass a pre-employment polygraph examination
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
- Must adhere to the DEA's strict drug policy and employment standards
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period
- Must meet specialized experience or education requirements for GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 levels
Preferred Qualifications for Diversion Investigator
- Degree or background in accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice
- Superior academic achievement for entry-level applicants
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Proven ability to handle complex, conflicting data and provide actionable recommendations
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary structure
- ✓Career advancement potential up to GS-13
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package (health, dental, vision, life insurance)
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Telework opportunities (subject to supervisory approval)
- ✓Training and professional development
💡 How to Apply Diversion Investigator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Diversion Investigator Job
- Register and apply via the USAJOBS portal
- Submit a resume not exceeding two pages, including all required work history details
- Complete the required online assessment questions
- Provide official transcripts if qualifying via education
- Monitor email for the invitation to complete the DI Assessments (Phase 1)
- Complete the DI Assessments within the 72-hour window
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Double-check your email, including spam and junk folders, for the DI Assessment link.
- Clearly outline your work schedule (hours per week), job title, and specific dates (month/year) in your resume.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation, request it early in the process through the provided instructions.
- Avoid the use of AI tools for the essay portion of the questionnaire; original, personal answers are preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of a Diversion Investigator?
A Diversion Investigator enforces the Controlled Substances Act and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act to prevent the misuse of legal pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
What happens if I fail the DI Assessment?
If you fail, you are eligible to reapply and retest 90 days after your failed assessment.
Does the position require relocation?
Yes, selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment based on agency needs.
Is a degree required?
*A: While degrees in fields like criminal justice or chemistry are highly valued, they are not strictly required if you possess the necessary specialized experience.*
What is the testing process like?
*A: The process involves online DI assessments followed by a proctored test and a final virtual structured interview.*
Job from Drug Enforcement Administration
The Drug Enforcement Administration is the lead federal agency tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws of the United States. With over 200 field offices domestically and a presence in over 70 countries, we work tirelessly to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and protect the public. Joining the DEA means becoming part of an organization dedicated to making a tangible impact on community health and safety.