Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO).
Duties
Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period. Further questions regarding the Marine Interdiction Agent position can be sent to the AMO Recruiters at CBP_AMO_Recruiting@cbp.dhs.gov
Serve as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) performing Marine 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:
- Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
- Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction.
- Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
- Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.
This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-09, GS-11 & GS-12. 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, received supervisory approval, and possess the required licensing and certifications for that grade level.
Licensing and certifications requirements for promotion to the next higher grade level are possession of a USCG MMC with one of the following capacities:
GL-9 (OUPV, Mate, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Master).
GS-11 (OUPV, Mate, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Master).
GS-12 (Master or Offshore Vessel Commander); successful completion of the Tactical Boarding Officer (TBO) course AND the initial certification training for Vessel Commander (VC) at the National Marine Training Center (NMTC).
The compensation acronyms used below are:
- LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay (25% Everyone)
- RI: Recruitment Incentive (25% for Caribbean Locations)
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (Fajardo, PR, and St. Thomas, VI)(RUS + LEAP + RI)
GL-09 1st year annual pay - $92,947
GS-11 1st year annual pay - $108,829
GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $130,444
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (Miami, FL)(Locality Salary Table + LEAP)
GL-09 1st year annual pay - $82,496
GS-11 1st year annual pay - $96,593
GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $115,774
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (San Diego, CA)(Locality Salary Table + LEAP)
GL-09 1st year annual pay - $88,218
GS-11 1st year annual pay - $103,292
GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $123,805
Recruitment Incentive (RI):Upon Entrance on Duty (EOD) in Caribbean Air and Marine locations, you may be eligible to receive a Recruitment Incentive, pending budgetary approval and per the terms outlined in agency policy. The Caribbean Incentive is 25 percent of an employee's annual salary.
Duty Locations: A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre-employment process.
The duty location listed in the final offer letter may include any geographic location within the Southwest Region, Southeast Region or Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
Current possible duty locations include: Southeast Region: Miami, FL, and the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB): Fajardo, PR, and Saint Thomas, VI.
Southwest Region: San Diego, CA
*Your opportunity for final selection is increased based on your flexibility to Enter on Duty at priority duty location*
Limited Duty Locations as of 11/1/2023 - Applying to this JOA does not guarantee any of the locations listed below will still be available once you've completed the pre-employment process. Locations are offer based on the current needs of the service at that time.
Northern Region: Port Angeles, WA.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Qualifying Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), or a Merchant Mariner Licensing Division (MMLD) accepted application
- 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 at least 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
This position has a selective factor, as a minimum qualification requirement all candidates must have a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. See the U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) section that is listed below for qualifying capacities.
You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Enforcing laws, effecting arrests, and conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses and suspects
- Performing surveillance, writing reports detailing activities and observations
- Collecting and securing evidence and providing testimony in court
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:
- Independently applies advanced skill in controlling/commanding law enforcement scenes to include conducting searches, making arrests, processing arrests and seizure of evidence and property.
- Conducts investigative inquiries using various techniques, examining files and records, physical and documentary evidence to identify logical conclusions.
- Utilizes cameras and other electronic high-tech surveillance equipment to gather evidence, collect, evaluate, and then preserve that physical and documentary evidence.
- Highly skilled in writing comprehensive arrest, criminal and incident reports
- Assists government or state attorneys in preparation for court cases or grand juries, testifies as a law enforcement officer in court proceedings, and administrative forums.
- Considerable experience applying arrest authorities and constitutional law in various alleged criminal situations, or knowledge and experience of CBP laws, regulations, policies, legal precedent.
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.
OR
GL-9 Education: A master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of graduate education in a qualifying progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or LL.B., in a qualifying field (e.g., criminal justice, intelligence, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, and corrections and rehabilitation);
GS-11 Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M.
OR
Combining Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed post-bachelors education(above) and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. If education is used for your qualification, official transcript will be required upon selection. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11.
AND
U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): You must submit a valid, legible copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential at time of application. Your copies must include the expiration and capacity pages of your MMC.
Qualifying Capacities are:
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV),
Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans),
Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or
Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans)
-or-
An Accepted MMLD Application: You must submit proof an accepted MMLD application, for a MMC with a qualifying capacity, and a credential status that is in a positive standing. *It cannot be pending additional information for MMLD application process.*You must have your Official MMC Credential in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment. Don't have an MMC? See what it takes to get one by viewing Application Acceptance Checklist at this link.
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: Background investigation and the e-QIP process.
Polygraph Examination: The Marine 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 waiver 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 a Marine 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.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use an assessment questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
- Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
- Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF's and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
- Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12404412
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position Is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10 point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
3-Part Vessel Assessment: Once you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the polygraph examination, you will be evaluated using three (3) qualification assessments: written examination, vessel practical and structured interview. Assessments are pass/fail and applicants must pass all three assessments to receive consideration. Scores on passed assessments are valid for 12 months, except in cases when the applicant declines a position with AMO. See Three Part Vessel Assessment at https://www.cbp.gov/careers/mia for additional information. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with transport to and from a location to later be determined, 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 eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the Well-Qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Required Documents
- Your resume: A resume in English describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link above. *Note- It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
- REQUIRED U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials: You must submit a legible and current copy of your Merchant Mariner Credentials: OUPV, Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, near Coastal or Oceans), oran MMLD with an accepted application status and positive credential status that has been submitted for one of the capacities listed above.
- Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12404412
- Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education. Foreign education is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an accredited agency see please see www.naces.org.
- 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.
- Age Waiver Documents: Applicants entitled to veteran's preference must submit proof of claim. See 'Are you a veteran' below for required documentation.
- Active Duty Applicants: Statement of Service (Certification letter): If currently on active duty, you must submit certification from the Armed Services. This certification 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 earned; and (3) the character of service. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 upon separation from the military.
- 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.
- View more veterans' information.
- Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your most recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
-
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
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 for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact CBP Hiring Frontline AMO at cbphiringamo@cbp.dhs.gov for more information regarding an alternate application process.
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.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
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, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities 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. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position.Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
The open period for this job opportunity 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 information 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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