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 difference 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 career ladder opportunities are at the GS-9/11/12/13 grade levels with managerial positions starting at GS-14. Managerial positions can go up to the Senior Executive Service rank.

GS-9 Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of higher-level graduate education or LL.B. or J.D. Relevant Experience GS-11 Ph.D. or 3 full years of higher-level graduate education or LL.M. 1 year equivalent to GS-9 GS-12 None 1 year equivalent to GS-11

If you qualify, you must sign a Mobility Agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept reassignment to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Intelligence Program. This mandatory agreement remains in effect throughout your DEA career as an Intelligence Research Specialist. The opportunity to transfer to other assignments as advertised is available to you.

Successful completion of your initial background investigation to include polygraph and successful completion of periodic reinvestigations throughout your DEA career as well as adherence to the DEA Standards of Conduct.

Satisfactory completion of the Basic Intelligence Research Specialist Training Course.

Satisfactory completion of the first year of employment as an Intelligence Research Specialist.

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

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.

1. DEA is accepting applications and resumes. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Expert knowledge and specialized intelligence experience. For example, specialized, recurring experience with national and international law enforcement and/or intelligence community agencies; obtaining intelligence data and evaluating it; and specialized knowledge of drug intelligence law enforcement.

Applicant must also meet one of the following requirements:

A. Highly technical state-of-the-art skills associated with computer engineering, systems engineering, and computer science in order to perform and manage highly sensitive and technical special projects.

B. Foreign language aptitude with proof of certification from an independent outside source with at least a satisfactory professional proficiency level or higher in the areas of reading, writing and comprehension.

If you meet these requirements, please mail your application/resume, foreign language certification (if applicable), and any other supporting documents to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Intelligence Division, Attention: NCMS, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152.

2. For those who do not meet these requirements, DEA will be issuing announcements by specific locations (Arlington, VA; Fairfax, VA; Chantilly, VA; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; and other locations as necessary.)