Air Interdiction Agent Job

Vacancy No. AMO-SMP(ICTAP)-12776201-AGJ Department Customs and Border Protection
Salary $88,621.00 to $137,000.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/7/2025 Close Date 8/13/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Sierra Vista, AZTucson, AZYuma, AZRiverside, CA


Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine Operations (AMO), in multiple locations.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Displaced Federal employees under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP); Reemployment Priority List (RPL); Displaced Federal employees requesting special priority selection consideration under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP); Individuals eligible under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA); Certain Military Spouses; Current and former Land Management employees who meet the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.

Duties

In this Air Interdiction Agent position, you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in performing law enforcement aviation operations in support of CBP priority anti- terrorism missions and commanding law enforcement operations utilizing aircraft.

Locations available include:

Bellingham, WA
Selfridge ANGB, MI
Buffalo, NY
Plattsburgh, NY
Farmingdale, NY
Old Towne, ME
Key Largo, FL
Homestead, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Hammond, LA
McAllen, TX
Laredo, TX
Uvalde, TX
El Paso, TX
San Antonio, TX
Tucson, AZ
Yuma, AZ
San Diego, CA
Corpus Christi, TX
Grand Forks, ND
Sierra Vista, AZ
San Angelo, TX
Riverside, CA
Glynco, GA
Punto Salinas, PR

This position starts at a salary of $88,621.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $137,000.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $137,000 (GS-13 Step 10).


Typical work assignments include:

  • Conducting air patrol/surveillance and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
  • Making informed decisions regarding the admissibility of noncitizens and vessels into the U.S.
  • Apprehending and searching undocumented noncitizens, smugglers, and violators
  • Seizing narcotics, contraband, weapons, and assets and making on-site arrests of violators

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • FAA Class I Medical required at time of Flight Assessment. All FAA Medicals must be dated within the last 12 months. FAA Class 2 Medical qualifies.
  • FAA Commercial or ATP Airplane or Helicopter rated with Instruments or both
  • Meet specified flight hours
  • Must meet job related medical, fitness and drug testing standards
  • 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.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the 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 well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS 12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Using law enforcement and interdiction techniques to detect, detain, apprehend, arrest and interdict suspected smugglers, and to conduct searches of aircraft and vehicles in accordance with operating procedures and related laws;
  • Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly, while remaining courteous and professional;
  • Using technology and intelligence to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States (i.e., chemical, biological, and nuclear agents);
  • Using air intercept or sea search radar and performing Ground Control Intercepts (GCI).
You qualify for the GS 13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Conducting undercover operations and/or approaching individuals or groups to obtain the desired result
  • Gaining compliance with established policies and regulations or gaining information by establishing rapport with a suspicious informant
  • Testifying under oath before a grand jury, Federal court proceedings and other domestic legal proceedings
  • Flying over large areas of water to conduct unseen aerial search of vessels in order to accurately determine speed, probable route, and point of rendezvous
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; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/13/2025.

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)

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.

FAA Class I medical required for assessment dated within last 12 calendar months.

FAA Class II medical will qualify. It must be dated within last 12 calendar months. However, at the time of your Flight Assessment you MUST present a FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate dated within the previous 12 calendar months.

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 flight assessment. Applicant must still meet 250 PIC, 75 instrument and 75 night hours.

UAS Flight Hours: Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours and Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) 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.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/13/2025.
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 more information visit this link.

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 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.

Additional information

Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Laws 93-350 & 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 this position.

Unless the below criteria applies, you must meet this age requirement by 08/13/2025 & enter-on-duty no later than the day prior to your40th 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).

To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its recent decision of 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.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm & maintain firearm proficiency. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. You will be required to certify whether you have ever been convicted of such offense. False or fraudulent information is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Travel: Employees may be required to perform some travel, in addition to the initial basic & other mandatory training, which includes work on operational details away from home for extended periods of 35 days or more.

Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license.

Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) in Glynco, GA. The training is comprised of formalized courses of basic technical instruction necessary to perform the duties of the position. You will complete the following training programs: (1) Spanish Language training; (2) Initial Survival Training; (3) Aircraft-specific Flight Training; & (4) Standardized Tactical Aviation Training (STAT). Learn more here (https://www.cbp.gov/careers/aia-app-proc)

Mobility: You are required to sign a mobility agreement & be willing to relocate as necessary.

Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.

Overtime: Employees must be fully trained to be eligible for overtime.This is a National Security position. Requires a Secret or higher security clearance.

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

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.

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776201We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

  • Skill in flying and/or operating both fixed and rotary wing aircraft in adverse or hazardous conditions, e.g. maneuvering in close proximity to suspected violator's aircraft or conveyance during hours of darkness, in poor weather, or at low altitudes or speed; using over water interdiction tactics.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement including multiple arrest authority for Immigration, Customs, Title 21 and other laws (Secure evidence, and establish articulable facts of the case).
  • Ability to evaluate information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly, while remaining courteous and professional.
  • Skill in preparing concise, comprehensive reports of interdiction activities, which may become the basis for prosecution.
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/12776201

Additional Hiring and Special Appointing Authorities: See "THIS JOB IS OPEN TO" section above for what additional Appointing Authorities may apply. Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people 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 and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click on the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the CBP Hiring Center via the contact information listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.
  • Veterans
  • Military spouses Effective until December 31, 2028, any spouse of a member on active duty may be eligible
  • Land Management Hiring Flexibility Act: The following documents are required at the time of application: SF-50s to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements and the most recent performance rating signed by your supervisor or a statement from your supervisor documenting acceptable performance.

Required Documents

  • Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. 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. *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.
  • Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776201
  • Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, you should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND an SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position.
    • Current CBP Employees are encouraged to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions.
    • Retired former federal employees must submit your retirement SF-50 and encouraged to submit your most recent annuity statement.
  • 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 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.
  • Special Appointing Authority: See "Additional Information" section to determine what documentation you need to submit as proof of eligibility for a Special Appointing Authority.
  • Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your 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. To learn more click here.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your initial and termination SF-50s.
  • You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Additionally, if you are a former federal employee, and have been separated from Federal service for over 52 weeks, it is recommended that you submit your most recent rating of record (performance appraisal) when applying.

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.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. 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 08/13/2025.

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." Do notsubmit documents as a PDF Portfolios.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

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; 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.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov.

View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for this position. If you do not meet the age requirement and you are unable to provide this required documentation, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.

Prior Federal Law Enforcement Service: If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service; you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date of creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M or O.

Veterans Preference: Applicants who do not meet the age requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C § 3312 must submit the following documents to verify their claim:

  • DD 214 (Member Copy 4) and
  • If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability; A VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later
  • Active Duty Applicants: Statement of Service (Certification letter)- If on active duty you must submit certification with the military branch letterhead that contains (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. Your preference will be verified by a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 upon separation from the military. For more information visit Veterans' Preference.

Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Center
Address
Air and Marine Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

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.

Additional Locations

  • San Diego, CA
  • Homestead, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Key Largo, FL
  • Glynco, GA
  • Hammond, LA
  • Old Town, ME
  • Selfridge ANG Base, MI
  • Grand Forks, ND
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Farmingdale, NY
  • Plattsburgh, NY
  • Aguadilla, PR
  • Salinas, PR
  • Corpus Christi, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Laredo, TX
  • McAllen, TX
  • San Angelo, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Uvalde, TX
  • Bellingham, WA


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.