Have you always wanted to get a job with the DEA? If you are interested in working for the Department of Justice with the Drug Enforcement Agency, knowing what steps you will need to take to get hired as an administrative professional or even as an agent is important. Years ago, the employment requirements were very soft and many individuals were eligible to work for the DEA without any degree or any experience. Now, with more and more degree holders looking for public employment, you will need to meet more strict requirements than ever for even entry level positions. Read on, and find out how you can get a job with the DEA.
Employment Requirements to Be Eligible for Employment
There is a very strict employment screening process that you must pass before you will be interviewed for a position with the DEA. To be considered, all applicants must fill out an electronic application that will be reviewed and scrubbed before your name is put on a list of possible candidates for employment. Anyone who works for the DEA must be a US citizen and must also complete a DEA Drug Questionnaire and Drug Use Statement, according to the Department of Justice. These questionnaires help determine that you are drug-free and that you comply with the agency’s current policies.
Once you show that you are in compliance with the strict Drug Use Policy, you will be tested for illegal drugs. All applicants must be willing to submit their information to pass a thorough background check. If you do not meet these employment requirements, you will not be able to work for the DEA regardless of your educational background and professional experience.
Experience and Education Requirements to Work for the DEA
Experience and educational requirements depend upon the position that you are applying for. If you are working as administration, you may not have to meet as many requirements as if you were working as a special agent. This is because agents play a special role in law enforcement and investigate drug related crimes all over the world. To work as an agent, you must be 21 years of age and younger than 37. You may also undergo testing to verify you are physically fit to perform essential duties.
You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related study area to compete for a position. The most desired candidates are those who possess a master’s degree and have some level of experience in law enforcement. A master’s degree is not a requirement to work as an entry-level DEA professional. Be sure to read through the long list of requirements before you apply through electronic recruiting systems and before you are sent to academy training.
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Your chances of getting a job as a DEA agent are high when you meet the employment requirements and other background requirements. If you have a degree in criminal justice, you are bilingual, or you have experience in police agencies, you are highly desired by the DEA as an employment candidate. If you are working towards a degree, get the experience you need and make good choices while you are living the life of a student. By doing this, you can do the right things to get a job with the DEA without making decisions that will affect your background.