Job Summary
Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
With more than 69,000 employees, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and the largest federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders from terrorism, human/drug smuggling, illegal migration, agricultural pests, and enforcing legitimate travel and trade. CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to exemplify the core values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity.
As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) within CBP, you will be a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.
CBP is urgently hiring to fill full-time, entry and mid-level, career positions where your education OR prior general or experience in public safety, security, military police or law enforcement may qualify.
Along with excellent base pay, exceptional federal employment benefits, and job stability, CBP is offering additional recruitment and retention incentives (see details below).
Duties
Typical assignments include:
- Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
- Enforcing the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
- Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
- Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
- Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband
Salary and Benefits
Selections from this announcement will be at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 grade levels with promotion potential to the GS-11 and GS-12 grade levels. Annual base salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies per grade, from $41,863 - $127,464 per year. A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. CBPOs are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering.
**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers who select a prioritized location at the time of their final offer will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year with a three-year service contract. Prioritized locations include: Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis; California: Calexico; Hawaii: Honolulu; Maine: Eastport; Montana: Raymond, Roosville; New Mexico: Columbus; New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River; North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal; Texas: Eagle Pass; Washington: Blaine
**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers who select a prioritized location at the time of their final offer will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year with a four-year service contract. Prioritized locations include: California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate; Florida: Key West; Maine: Calais, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro; Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls; Montana: Sweetgrass; North Dakota: Pembina; Texas: Presidio; Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford; Washington: Oroville
Duty Locations
- Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
- California: Andrade, Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
- Hawaii: Honolulu
- Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
- Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls
- Montana: Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, Wild Horse
- New Mexico: Columbus
- New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena
- North Dakota: Dunseith, Maida, Pembina, Portal
- Texas: Eagle Pass, Presidio
- Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
- Washington: Blaine, Oroville
NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a different duty location within the United States. Locations offered at the time of your final offer are based on operational and mission requirements as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.
Qualifications
GS-5: You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, performing duties that required the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR
Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
GS-7: You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, that includes:
- Performing physical inspections of persons, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
- Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
- Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.
The above experience will be applied in connection with the CBPO Individual Occupational Requirement: Performing inspections work at borders, seaports, airports or other ports of entry and/or work involving preliminary screening of persons for entry and immigration status; or compliance/regulatory work.
Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (SAA), which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Submitted transcripts must show the applicant does not have more than 10% pass/fail courses in order to qualify for SAA with GPA. OR One full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level AND successfully completed graduate level education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
GS-9: You could qualify for the GS-9 grade level in one of the following ways: experience, education, or a combination of both.
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes:
- Detaining suspected violators of Federal, State, or local laws and/or arresting violators using proper law enforcement methods.
- Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States.
- Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security.
- Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action.
Education Substitution: A conferred master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate level education beyond the first 18 semester hours. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Characteristics (KSAOs): Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the GS-9 grade level are required to possess certain KSAOs to successfully perform the functions of this position. The KSAOs are:
- Knowledge of CBP laws, regulations, and precedents, as well as CBP Officer processes, techniques, activities and law enforcement procedures to enforce and administer laws related to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances and merchandise
- Knowledge of proper law enforcement methods including, interrogating, searching, seizing, arresting, and self-defense for use in apprehension of terrorists, aliens or others suspected of illegal activity
- Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the applications of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing, exporting or enforcing the administration of laws relating to the rights of persons to enter, reside in or depart from the United States
- Ability to control imports and exports to detect and prevent smuggling and fraud
- Ability to perform primary inspection by questioning and observing individuals
Other Requirements
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.
Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA, for 103-days of intensive instruction in basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, etc. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position. Candidates assigned to certain duty locations may be required to pass a Spanish training program.
How to Apply:
Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Customs and Border Protection Officer, then complete the pre-screening questions.
You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details within the JOA and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume and supporting documents. Applicants selected at the GS-5 or GS-7 grade levels must also complete and pass the CBP Officer Entrance Exam. Exam.
Note: This is a Direct Hire Authority announcement. All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be reviewed. Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this vacancy. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.
Job Description
Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
With more than 69,000 employees, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and the largest federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders from terrorism, human/drug smuggling, illegal migration, agricultural pests, and enforcing legitimate travel and trade. CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to exemplify the core values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity.
As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) within CBP, you will be a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.
CBP is urgently hiring to fill full-time, entry and mid-level, career positions where your education OR prior general or experience in public safety, security, military police or law enforcement may qualify.
Along with excellent base pay, exceptional federal employment benefits, and job stability, CBP is offering additional recruitment and retention incentives (see details below).
Duties
Typical assignments include:
- Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
- Enforcing the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
- Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
- Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
- Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband
Salary and Benefits
Selections from this announcement will be at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 grade levels with promotion potential to the GS-11 and GS-12 grade levels. Annual base salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies per grade, from $41,863 - $127,464 per year. A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. CBPOs are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering.
**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers who select a prioritized location at the time of their final offer will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year with a three-year service contract. Prioritized locations include: Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis; California: Calexico; Hawaii: Honolulu; Maine: Eastport; Montana: Raymond, Roosville; New Mexico: Columbus; New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River; North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal; Texas: Eagle Pass; Washington: Blaine
**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers who select a prioritized location at the time of their final offer will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year with a four-year service contract. Prioritized locations include: California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate; Florida: Key West; Maine: Calais, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro; Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls; Montana: Sweetgrass; North Dakota: Pembina; Texas: Presidio; Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford; Washington: Oroville
Duty Locations
- Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
- California: Andrade, Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
- Hawaii: Honolulu
- Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
- Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls
- Montana: Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, Wild Horse
- New Mexico: Columbus
- New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena
- North Dakota: Dunseith, Maida, Pembina, Portal
- Texas: Eagle Pass, Presidio
- Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
- Washington: Blaine, Oroville
NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a different duty location within the United States. Locations offered at the time of your final offer are based on operational and mission requirements as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.
Qualifications
GS-5: You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, performing duties that required the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR
Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
GS-7: You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, that includes:
- Performing physical inspections of persons, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
- Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
- Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.
The above experience will be applied in connection with the CBPO Individual Occupational Requirement: Performing inspections work at borders, seaports, airports or other ports of entry and/or work involving preliminary screening of persons for entry and immigration status; or compliance/regulatory work.
Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (SAA), which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Submitted transcripts must show the applicant does not have more than 10% pass/fail courses in order to qualify for SAA with GPA. OR One full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level AND successfully completed graduate level education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
GS-9: You could qualify for the GS-9 grade level in one of the following ways: experience, education, or a combination of both.
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes:
- Detaining suspected violators of Federal, State, or local laws and/or arresting violators using proper law enforcement methods.
- Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States.
- Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security.
- Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action.
Education Substitution: A conferred master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited college or university; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate level education beyond the first 18 semester hours. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Characteristics (KSAOs): Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the GS-9 grade level are required to possess certain KSAOs to successfully perform the functions of this position. The KSAOs are:
- Knowledge of CBP laws, regulations, and precedents, as well as CBP Officer processes, techniques, activities and law enforcement procedures to enforce and administer laws related to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances and merchandise
- Knowledge of proper law enforcement methods including, interrogating, searching, seizing, arresting, and self-defense for use in apprehension of terrorists, aliens or others suspected of illegal activity
- Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the applications of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing, exporting or enforcing the administration of laws relating to the rights of persons to enter, reside in or depart from the United States
- Ability to control imports and exports to detect and prevent smuggling and fraud
- Ability to perform primary inspection by questioning and observing individuals
Other Requirements
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.
Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA, for 103-days of intensive instruction in basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, etc. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position. Candidates assigned to certain duty locations may be required to pass a Spanish training program.
How to Apply:
Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Customs and Border Protection Officer, then complete the pre-screening questions.
You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details within the JOA and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume and supporting documents. Applicants selected at the GS-5 or GS-7 grade levels must also complete and pass the CBP Officer Entrance Exam. Exam.
Note: This is a Direct Hire Authority announcement. All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be reviewed. Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this vacancy. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.
