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Dea Enforcement Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Compliance

Temecula, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Handle Drug Enforcement Administration Field Office interactions for all DEA related issues at designated sites and Boards of Pharmacy. * Coordinate and reconcile inventories at all applicable sites.

New

Locum - Hematology/Oncology - NP

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Active Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration is required. Community Description: Experience the beauty of Santa Cruz, California! This coastal paradise is known for its stunning scenery ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dea Enforcement information

See California salary details

$14.8K

$238.1K

$381.9K

How much do dea enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for dea enforcement in California is $238,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $197,400.00 and $296,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DEA Enforcement agent?

A DEA Enforcement Agent is a federal law enforcement officer who works for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice. DEA Agents are responsible for investigating and enforcing laws related to the illegal trafficking and distribution of controlled substances. Their duties often include conducting undercover operations, making arrests, gathering and analyzing evidence, and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies. DEA Enforcement Agents play a crucial role in combating drug-related crime and protecting public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DEA Enforcement agent?

To thrive as a DEA Enforcement Agent, you need a bachelor's degree (preferably in criminal justice or a related field), strong investigative abilities, and comprehensive knowledge of laws regarding controlled substances. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, surveillance technology, and firearms certification is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and integrity are crucial for working with diverse teams and handling sensitive situations. These competencies are vital for successfully enforcing drug laws, conducting investigations, and ensuring public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by DEA Enforcement agents in their daily work?

DEA Enforcement Agents often encounter challenges such as navigating complex investigations involving drug trafficking organizations, working in high-risk environments, and maintaining strict adherence to legal protocols and evidence handling procedures. Collaboration with local, state, and other federal agencies can require strong communication and adaptability skills, as priorities and processes may differ. Balancing fieldwork with detailed reporting and administrative duties is also a typical aspect of the role, requiring excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Dea Enforcement vs Drug Enforcement Agent?

AspectDea EnforcementDrug Enforcement Agent
CredentialsDEA Special Agent credentials, law enforcement trainingSame as DEA Special Agent, law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, law enforcement agencies, field operationsFederal law enforcement, field investigations, undercover work
Employer & IndustryDrug Enforcement Administration, federal governmentSame as DEA Enforcement, federal government
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding federal drug law enforcement rolesSimilar roles, different terminology

Dea Enforcement and Drug Enforcement Agent are often used interchangeably, as both roles involve federal law enforcement focused on drug crimes. The primary difference is that 'Dea Enforcement' refers broadly to the enforcement activities of the DEA, while 'Drug Enforcement Agent' specifies the position of an agent within the DEA. Both require similar credentials, work environments, and serve the same industry purpose.

What qualifications do you need to work for the DEA enforcement?

To work as a DEA enforcement officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, often in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field. Applicants must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and drug screenings, and often require law enforcement experience or training. Additional qualifications may include specialized skills such as firearms proficiency and knowledge of drug enforcement procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Dea Enforcement jobs in California?

For Dea Enforcement jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dea Enforcement jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dea Enforcement jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Dea Enforcement jobs?

Cities in California with the most Dea Enforcement job openings:

Infographic showing various Dea Enforcement job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $238,136 per year, or $114.5 per hour.

Investigative Technology Specialist (SURVEILLANCE)

Drug Enforcement Administration

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$87K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the DEA, Los Angeles Field Division, CA.
This position's primary purpose is to covert surveillance, track, and intercept personnel internal or external to the agency,
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Investigative Technology Specialist (SURVEILLANCE), your typical work assignments may include:
  • Participating in sensitive covert activities requiring the installation and recovery of electronic devices.
  • Tracking and intercepting surveillance to assist personnel with investigative operations by integrating the use of electronic communications equipment.
  • Designing and modifying large and diverse inventory of highly specialized state-of-the-art electronics used in surveillance and information gathering activities to support criminal investigations and prosecutions.
  • Participating in maintenance of covert and concealed surveillance equipment.
  • Analyzing networks, including radio frequency-based (e.g., cellular, radio, Wi-Fi) and internet protocol-based, to determine the best technological approach (i.e. electronic surveillance, communication, and interception) to use in support of an investigative operations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (OR 1-year OR 2-year trial period, as appropriate) during which we will
    evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • Employee required to become certified Investigative Technology Specialist (Surveillance), GS-0391-11 within 12-18 months of assignment.
  • This position is entitled to Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO).
  • Applicant must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license while employed in the position and will be required to operate the motor vehicle in accordance with applicable OPM regulations and related requirements of DOJ/DEA.

Qualifications
For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.
Basic Qualification Requirements:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
Other Education: Communications/electronics or automatic data processing training in technical institutes or business schools above the high school level or in Armed Forces schools that included advanced instruction in addition to basic courses, may be substituted for general experience on a month-for-month basis.
OR
Specialized Experience: Experience in evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, or improving communications systems, procedures, and requirements that demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in communications concepts and technology.
AND
Applicants applying for the GS-11 must meet one of the following requirements:A. Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-09 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Servicing, maintaining, and repairing extremely complex analog and digital electronic systems, such as high frequency radio communications equipment, peripheral equipment, repeater systems, microwave equipment, and satellite communication links; 2) Assisting in providing instruction in the use of electronic surveillance for investigative and enforcement operations; 3) Analyzing and monitoring telecommunications equipment for software reliability and utilization using real time monitoring techniques and tools to identify and define problem areas, and to maintain voice, video, and data telecommunications performance levels; and 4) Assisting in translating unusual operational or functional requirements to initiate corrective actions for optimizing use of existing equipment, and provides recommendations to support future requirements.
OR
Education:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Additional information
For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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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.
Review our 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.