Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO).
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to all U.S. Citizens. This announcement will be utilized to fill positions through the Direct Hire Authority.
Duties
This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Category rating, Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice.
Due to authorization constraints under DHA, applicants may be brought onboard under another non-competitive appointing authority if they are eligible for one.
Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period. Further questions regarding the Air Interdiction Agent position can be sent to the AMO Recruiters at CBP_AMO_Recruiting@cbp.dhs.gov
Serve as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) performing Aviation Law Enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Your duties will include:
- Conducting air patrol, surveillance and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
- Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
- Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.
- Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52-weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval). Air Interdiction Agents (AIA) special salary rates are posted on OPM's site. To see the special salary rates please visit this link. The compensation acronyms used below are:
- SSR: Special Salary Rate as posted by OPM (Effective 1/1/2022)
- LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay (25% Everyone)
- RI: Retention Incentive (10% for UAS Sites)
- RI: Recruitment Incentive (25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Site only)
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP).
- GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $104,805
- GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $125,619
- GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $149,378
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 10% retention incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 10% Retention Incentive ((RI) UAS Sites: Sierra Vista, AZ; Grand Forks, ND; San Angelo, TX)
- GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $113,189
- GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $135,669
- GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $161,328
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 25% Recruitment Incentive ((RI) CAMB location only).
- GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $125,766
- GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $150,743
- GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $179,254
Locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs for entry level Air Interdiction Agents as determined by Air and Marine Operations. A duty location will be offered after successfully completing a three-part assessment. The duty location listed in the final offer letter may include any geographic location within the Southwest Border Region, Southeast Border Region, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB), and National Air Security Operation Centers (NASOC) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Location. You must be willing to work at any duty location that falls within that region.
Southeast Region: (to include but not limited to the following locations) Homestead, FL and the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB): Aguadilla, PR
Southwest Region: (to include but not limited to the following locations) Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX
National Air Security Operation Center (NASOC) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Locations: (to include but not limited to the following locations) Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- FAA Commercial or ATP Airplane or Helicopter rated with Instruments
- FAA Class 2 Medical required at time of Flight Assessment. FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military medical flight clearance qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position. All must be dated within the last 12 months.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
- Primary U.S. residency for the last three of the last five years (additional details below)
- You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
- CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
- As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes, or speed
- Evaluating information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations
- Developing strategies and coordinate aircraft and ground assets
- Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information
- Utilizing air intercept/sea search radars, night-vision goggles, or other aircraft sensor systems in furtherance of law enforcement operations
- Coordinating and conducting airborne law enforcement operations
Experience may include:
- Operation of an aircraft as Captain
- Pilot in Command
- Aircraft Commander
- First Officer
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Second in Command
- Co-pilot
- Airborne Mission Commander
- Military Weapons Systems Officer/Flight Officer/Crew Chief
- Air to Air, Air to Ground, or Air to Surface aviation law enforcement mission coordinator
Hiring Minimums:
Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours; see Required Documents regarding the Flight Hour Waiver).
250 Pilot-in-Command hours
75 Instrument hours
75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available, see Required Documents)
100 Flight hours in the last 12 months (This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2024)
*No Military Flight Hour Conversion Allowed.
A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with the following ratings:
- Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating; or
- Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument; or
- Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating; or
- Equivalent military rating of the above at the time of application (eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot)
FAA Class 2 medical required at time of 3-part assessment dated within last 12 calendar months. FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military dated within the last 12 months qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position.
Apply at 750 hours total time
Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours (depending on the number of hours approved for a waiver) at own expense before being able to attend the 3-part assessment. Applicant must still meet 250 Pilot-in-Command, 75 instrument, 75 night hours and 100 flight hours in the last 12 months (This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 1, 2024).
UAS Flight Hours: Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours or predator based variant flight hours. These hours may be credited towards satisfying the "Total flight time" 1,500 flight hour requirement only. UAS hours do not count towards the 250 flight hours as a Pilot in Command, 75 flight hours Instrument and 75 flight hours Night. Flight hour logbooks will be required at time of your Flight Assessment for verification.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
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.
You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 05/31/2024
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.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information, review the following links: Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP and the e-QIP process.
Polygraph Examination: The Air Interdiction Agent position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
- Working as a contractor, intern, consultant, or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Laws 93-350 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a primary Law Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In accordance with DHS Management Directive 251-03, the "day before an individual's 37th birthday" is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a primary law enforcement officer within DHS. The age requirement is also necessary to ensure that you are able to complete the 20 years of applicable service for retirement. NOTE: The Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into an Air Interdiction Agent position.
Unless the below criteria applies, you must meet this age requirement by 05/31/2024 AND enter-on-duty no later than the day prior to your 40th birthday in order to achieve the required 20 years of service for retirement.
Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) (as a Customs and Border Protection Officer) on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
Veterans' Preference Eligibility - To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its decision Isabella v. Dept of State, the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veterans' preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. 3312. You must submit proof of Veteran's Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy) at the time of application.
Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB): Aguadilla, PR *Tax Law Impact: Federal Travel Regulation GSA Bulletin FTR 18-05 - On December 22, 2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective January 1, 2018, for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made certain reimbursements and other payments taxable, including, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of household goods and shipment of household goods. For more information, please see Federal Travel Regulation GSA Bulletin FTR 18-05
Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
Mobility Agreement: You are required to sign a mobility agreement and be willing to relocate as necessary.
Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially approved uniform while in a duty status.
Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.
Benefits
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is being filled under a Direct Hire Authority. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. All applicants who meet minimum qualifications and any basic requirements applicable to this position, will be forwarded to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. In accordance with the Direct Hire Authority, rating and ranking questions will not be used. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
- Skill and ability to fly and/or operate fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft in adverse or hazardous conditions in operations supporting CBP or other law enforcement entities
- Knowledge of air enforcement operations
- Ability to collect, refine and analyze strategic and tactical intelligence in order to execute aviation enforcement operations
- Ability to evaluate information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly while remaining courteous and professional
Once you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the polygraph examination, you will be evaluated through the use of three (3) qualification assessments: written examination, flight check practical evaluation and structured interview. Assessments are pass/fail and applicants must pass all three assessments to receive consideration. Scores on passed assessments are valid for 5 years, except in cases when the applicant declines a position with AMO. Learn more here. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with transport to and from National Air Training Center (NATC) facility in Oklahoma, City, OK., as well as lodging and all other personal expenses incurred.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
- a copy of your agency notice,
- a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
- a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
Required Documents
Flight Hour Waiver request is part of the online assessment.
This position is being filled under a Direct Hire Authority. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. All applicants who meet minimum qualifications and any basic requirements applicable to this position, will be forwarded to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. In accordance with the Direct Hire Authority, rating and ranking questions will not be used. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
- Skill and ability to fly and/or operate fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft in adverse or hazardous conditions in operations supporting CBP or other law enforcement entities
- Knowledge of air enforcement operations
- Ability to collect, refine and analyze strategic and tactical intelligence in order to execute aviation enforcement operations
- Ability to evaluate information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly while remaining courteous and professional
Veterans: Veterans preference does not apply to selections made using the Direct Hire Authority. Veteran candidates will be considered along with all other applicants who apply.
Age Requirement Documents: If over the age of 40 you must submit proof of eligibility for this position. If requesting an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service; you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the start and end dates of creditable Federal (not military) service. Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M, MF, MR, O, OF or OR.
Active Duty Applicants: Statement of Service (Certification Letter): If you are still on active duty, you must submit a signed certification from the Armed Forces showing when you will be discharged or released from active duty. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals; and (3) the character of service. View more about Veterans Preference. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214 showing character of service.
Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
- Five Point Preference: DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
- Ten Point Preference: DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference). Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed in the SF-15.
- If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, rank, expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 upon separation from the military.
Once you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the polygraph examination, you will be evaluated through the use of three (3) qualification assessments: written examination, flight check practical evaluation and structured interview. Assessments are pass/fail and applicants must pass all three assessments to receive consideration. Scores on passed assessments are valid for 5 years, except in cases when the applicant declines a position with AMO. Learn more here. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with transport to and from National Air Training Center (NATC) facility in Oklahoma, City, OK., as well as lodging and all other personal expenses incurred.
How to Apply
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 05/31/2024.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other."
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
View common definitions of terms in this announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, and Peace Corps possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Next steps
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. The AIA position falls under a special pay rate, other series also fall under special pay rate.Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
The open period for this announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.
Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all info in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
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