Intelligence Research Specialists FAQs
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Intelligence Research Specialist FAQs

Intelligence Research Specialist FAQs

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FAQs

If you’re ready to apply to become a DEA Intelligence Research Specialist, start by reviewing the FAQs for details about employment qualifications, requirements, and more:

Eligibility and qualifications

To be qualified you need to possess the following capabilities:

  • Analyze information, identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and develop solutions.
  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Your experience in these areas may have been gained through administrative, professional,
technical, investigative or other work.

You qualify through a combination of education and/or specialized work experience.

Employment requirements

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.

Newly hired Intelligence Research Specialists must complete the Basic Intelligence
Research Specialist (BIRS) Training Course, conducted at the DEA Training Academy in
Quantico, Virginia.

The hiring process

The current hiring process includes three evaluation components:

I. Biographical data assessment (completed online with the original application)
II. Writing Assessment
III. Oral Assessment
Each component must be completed successfully prior to final hiring determination.

Employment also requires:

  • 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 Intelligence Research Specialist Mentoring Program.
  • Satisfactory completion of one-year probationary period as an Intelligence Research Specialist.
  • You will be subject to random drug testing by urinalysis during your career.

Ready to apply? Learn more about our current openings for Intelligence Research Specialists

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