Employment Opportunities

Since 1908, the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA) has stood at the forefront of protecting the health and safety of Georgia’s citizens. With more than a century of service, GDNA offers a proud legacy of integrity, professionalism, and innovation in pharmacy practice and law enforcement. Those who join the agency become part of a mission‑driven team where every day brings meaningful challenges, opportunities to grow, and the chance to make a lasting impact on communities across the state. For individuals seeking a career that is both exciting and deeply rewarding, GDNA offers a path unlike any other in Georgia public service.

Current job postings can be found here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dchga

Special Agents

GDNA Special Agents are sworn law‑enforcement officers who combine advanced pharmacy practice expertise with investigative authority to protect Georgia’s citizens and ensure the safe, lawful handling of controlled substances. This role is ideal for licensed pharmacists who want to apply their clinical knowledge in a mission‑driven public safety environment.

GDNA Special Agents conduct both administrative and criminal investigations, as well as routine inspections of all facilities licensed by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. Each agent is assigned a specific geographic territory and is responsible for managing the investigations and inspections within that area. Special Agents also collaborate with and support fellow agents across the state when additional assistance is needed. While most duties are performed within an agent’s assigned territory, occasional overnight travel may be required.

Requirements for Special Agents

Applicants must meet all State of Georgia employment standards as well as the specialized criteria required for sworn law enforcement personnel. Candidates must:

  • Be licensed as a pharmacist by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy
  • Have a minimum of two years of experience as a licensed pharmacist
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Reside in the State of Georgia
  • Hold a valid Georgia driver’s license
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Successfully pass a professional background investigation
  • Complete a pre-employment psychological evaluation
  • Pass a pre-employment medical examination
  • Pass a pre‑employment drug screen
  • Meet all standards for sworn law‑enforcement personnel in Georgia
  • Complete the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course (BLETC) at a Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) facility within one year of hire

Basic Law Enforcement Training Course (BLETC)

  • The Basic Law Enforcement Training Course is a state‑mandated, 16‑week academy required for all sworn law enforcement officers in Georgia, including GDNA Special Agents. This intensive program is delivered at one of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) facilities located throughout Georgia and must be completed within one year of hire.
  • BLETC applicants must pass a physical agility test before acceptance into the course. More information for this test can be found here: Physical Agility Testing (Schedule) - GPSTC.
  • BLETC provides foundational instruction in criminal law, investigative procedures, defensive tactics, emergency response, firearms proficiency, and ethical decision‑making. The curriculum is both physically demanding and academically rigorous, designed to prepare special agents for the responsibilities and challenges of sworn service.
  • All tuition, equipment, and associated training costs are fully covered by the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency, allowing special agent trainees to focus entirely on their development and success.
  • More information regarding BLETC or GPSTC can be found at www.GPSTC.org.

Additional Career Opportunities at GDNA

In addition to Special Agent positions, GDNA offers a variety of essential administrative and operational roles. Our office staff forms the backbone of agency support, ensuring that investigations, inspections, and licensing processes run efficiently. Positions such as administrative assistants, compliance analysts, and business operations managers play a critical role in receiving, assigning, and maintaining investigative files, inspection records, and application documentation. GDNA also employs Special Agents in Charge (SACs) who are experienced Special Agents that provide field supervision, guidance, and oversight. SACs offer instruction and feedback to agents, support complex investigations, and often serve as certified law‑enforcement instructors. These professionals help keep the agency functioning smoothly and provide the vital administrative structure that supports GDNA’s statewide mission.

Benefits of Working for the State of Georgia

Working for the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency means joining not only a mission‑driven organization, but also the broader community of State of Georgia employees. State service offers a strong foundation of stability, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits designed to support employees and their families. Team members enjoy robust health insurance options, generous retirement plans, paid holidays and leave, professional development opportunities, and access to statewide resources that promote long‑term career growth. Combined with the meaningful work performed at GDNA, these benefits make public service in Georgia both rewarding and secure.

More information regarding State of Georgia employment can be found at https://team.Georgia.gov.

E-Verify®

GDNA is a registered participant in the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify®, and uses such program to verify employment eligibility of all new employees. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

GDNA E-Verify® Number - 42315
Date of Authorization: March 28, 2007

GDNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other related statuses, protected by applicable state and federal statutes.