This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/566126500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
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.
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Overview
- Hiring complete
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Open & closing dates
04/20/2020 to 05/19/2020
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Salary
$30,113 - $71,764 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 11
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Locations
MANY vacancies in the following locations:
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Telework eligible
No
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with DEA policy.
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-Time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
13
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
Yes
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Announcement number
F-20-SF-10787937-DE-TSH
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Control number
566126500
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This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Clarification from the agency
U.S Citizens
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Duties
-Performs quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis on evidence by utilizing all manners of modern analytical techniques and instrumentation, to include gas chromatography using flame ionization detection (GC-FID), mass selective detector (GC-MSD), and gas-phase IR detection (GC-IRD), high-performance (HPLC) and ultra high-performance (UPLC) liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-visible light detection or mass spectrometry (LC-MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) and Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR).·
-The incumbent will use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) to generate laboratory reports which describe all the tests performed, calculations and conclusions.
-Testifies in federal and state courts as an expert witness; presents technical testimony in layman's terms; defends analytical methods and results against rigorous cross examination by defense attorneys. The incumbent also assists prosecuting attorneys in preparation of technical aspects of case.
-Advises and may assist law enforcement personnel in the performance of certain enforcement activities such as clandestine laboratory seizures and trace evidence collection.
Physical Demands: Work requires considerable physical exertion such as lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing, bending and reaching.
Work Environment: Work environment involves moderate/increased risks and discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as laboratories, warehouses and secure office spaces. The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Some of the evidence encountered during the normal execution of duties are noxious, toxic, bio-hazardous, or pose a threat of skin puncture or laceration. Safety precautions are required such as use of fume hoods when working with acids or volatile solvents and evidence. Requires use of protective clothing or gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses/goggles, face shield and plastic gloves.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Drug testing designated position
- Successful completion of an one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
- Mobility Agreement Required
- Medical Clearance Required
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Must have a Bachelor's degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.*
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as shown below:
GS-05: Bachelor's degree inphysical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics
GS-07: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 Federal grade level in performing the following duties as a chemist trainee assisting higher level chemists in preparing samples for analysis, setting the controls and making adjustments to instrumentation and automated equipment, and checking the laboratory equipment for readiness, and compiling, reducing and making routine interpretations of the field data; OR
One full year of graduate level education OR superior academic achievement (In the upper third of your graduating class; received a 3.0 or 3.5, or higher out of a possible 4.0; or a member in one of the national scholastic honor societies). (Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirement of this provision.) OR
A combination of both, experience and education
GS-09: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 Federal grade level in performing the following duties as an advanced chemist trainee who selects appropriate test samples, performs chemical analysis, makes computations, applies corrections, generates reports and explains results; OR
2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related. OR
A combination of both, experience and education.
GS-11: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 Federal grade level in conducting chemical analysis of drug substances and samples, calibrating and operating analytical instrumentation, such as the gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, and liquid chromatograph, with computerized equipment, etc; and writing reports of findings of evidence; OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related.
*PLEASE NOTE: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to graduate by June 2020 and if a transcript is provided with anticipated conferral date. However, DEA must verify that the degree has been conferred before the applicant can be appointed.
Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
Must have a Bachelor's degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.*
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as shown below:
GS-05: Bachelor's degree inphysical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics
GS-07: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 Federal grade level in performing the following duties as a chemist trainee assisting higher level chemists in preparing samples for analysis, setting the controls and making adjustments to instrumentation and automated equipment, and checking the laboratory equipment for readiness, and compiling, reducing and making routine interpretations of the field data; OR
One full year of graduate level education OR superior academic achievement (In the upper third of your graduating class; received a 3.0 or 3.5, or higher out of a possible 4.0; or a member in one of the national scholastic honor societies). (Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirement of this provision.) OR
A combination of both, experience and education
GS-09: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 Federal grade level in performing the following duties as an advanced chemist trainee who selects appropriate test samples, performs chemical analysis, makes computations, applies corrections, generates reports and explains results; OR
2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related. OR
A combination of both, experience and education.
GS-11: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 Federal grade level in conducting chemical analysis of drug substances and samples, calibrating and operating analytical instrumentation, such as the gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, and liquid chromatograph, with computerized equipment, etc; and writing reports of findings of evidence; OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related.
*PLEASE NOTE: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to graduate by June 2020 and if a transcript is provided with anticipated conferral date. However, DEA must verify that the degree has been conferred before the applicant can be appointed.
Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Oral Communication
- Research
- Teamwork
- Writing
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, click here.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.
Additional information
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.
It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package, it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click here to access the Drug Questionnaire.
To submit your completed Drug Questionnaire please follow the instructions for uploading in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.
Click the below links for additional information.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
How to Claim Veterans' Preference
Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
EEO Policy Statement
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
If you experience technical issues with completing your online application, you may review online help resources or submit a ticket to the Help Desk by accessing the 'Help Center' (upper-right of your screen, next to the question mark icon).
Benefits
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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement*. *Applications can be accepted from students who expect to graduate by June 2020 and if a transcript is provided with anticipated conferral date. However, DEA must verify that the degree has been conferred before the applicant can be appointed.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories; Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified.
If you are found to be in the Best Qualified category, you will be contacted by telephone or email to schedule an appointment to complete the in-person Forensic Chemist assessment battery that includes a Test of Attention To Detail, Grammar Test, Job Knowledge Test and Oral Assessment (structured interview).
Test scores are valid for a period of one year (12 months) from the initial test date.
Applicants will not be able to retake the Forensic Chemist assessment for one year (12 months) from the initial test date, regardless of whether you pass or fail.
The results of the assessments will determine who will be invited to proceed with the hiring process.
Candidates must pass each assessment to receive consideration for the position.
Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated," veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e. Best Qualified) for the GS-5 and GS-7 grade levels only
Benefits
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.
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
- Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
- Required Documents:
- Resume
- Transcript
- Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10787937.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Tyneesha Hodge via email, TYNEESHA.S.HODGE@USDOJ.GOV or at (202) 307-4377 to obtain an alternative application.
Agency contact information
Tyneesha Hodge
- Address
-
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement letter of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email.
We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
If you submit a resume but no questionnaire, you cannot be considered for the position. If you submit a questionnaire but no resume, you cannot be considered for the position. Your application will be appropriately documented and you will be removed from further competition against this announcement.
Regarding Interviews: The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision. Accommodations maybe made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
Required Documents
Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
- Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
- Required Documents:
- Resume
- Transcript
- Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job guide.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10787937.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Tyneesha Hodge via email, TYNEESHA.S.HODGE@USDOJ.GOV or at (202) 307-4377 to obtain an alternative application.
Agency contact information
Tyneesha Hodge
- Address
-
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement letter of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email.
We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
If you submit a resume but no questionnaire, you cannot be considered for the position. If you submit a questionnaire but no resume, you cannot be considered for the position. Your application will be appropriately documented and you will be removed from further competition against this announcement.
Regarding Interviews: The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision. Accommodations maybe made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do your career "Justice" by working with DOJ, which has been ranked in the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government. Come and join the nation's law enforcement agency, where our most important resource is our people. The Department leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. Become a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. All applicants for employment with DEA must possess and maintain the highest levels of character and conduct. DEA will evaluate applicants' qualifications based on these qualities. Once a conditional offer is made, DEA will conduct a continuous evaluation of information, as it is obtained, to ensure that the prospective employees with DEA meet the agency-specific qualifications in the areas of character and conduct. To this end, an unfavorable decision in any of the areas that follow will be deemed as disqualifying: Drug Policy Requirements (as specified in this announcement), Credit History, Candor and Honesty, Work History, History with the Law, and other qualities that would detract from the integrity and efficiency of the DEA.
Agency contact information
Tyneesha Hodge
- Address
-
Drug Enforcement Administration
Do Not Send Postal Mail
Springfield, VA 21310
US