Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens may apply. Locations are determined by the needs of the agency after the successful completion of pre-employment.
Duties
Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:
- Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
- Facilitating 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
You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission critical locations: Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Denver, CO; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Calais and Jackman, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI; International Falls, MN; Raymond, MT; Newark, NJ; Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, and Queens, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Philadelphia, PA; Eagle Pass, Hidalgo, and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, and Richford, VT; Blaine and Seattle, WA.
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 duty location in another geographic location within the United States.
For more information on becoming a CBP Officer, contact our recruiters here.
This announcement is open to the public to attract new entry-level CBP Officer applicants. Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.
Current CBP Officers looking for lateral opportunities within the Office of Field Operations should apply under the National Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin (NROB), Lateral Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin (LROB) and/or other reassignment opportunities identified in the National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA).
If you accept one of the below duty locations you may be eligible to receive an additional 15%-25% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. If you accept the duty location of San Francisco, you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first 4 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. These incentives only apply to new federal employees and are dependent upon the availability of funds.
Duty locations offering 25% recruitment incentives: Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, and San Ysidro, CA; Jackman, ME; Raymond, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND
Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Portal, ND
If you accept Portal, North Dakota as your location you will be eligible for the Special Salary Rate based on the Portal ND Special Salary Rate Table
If you accept San Francisco, California as your location you will be eligible for the Special Salary Rate based on the San Francisco Special Salary Rate Table
This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. Pay rates are based on the 2024 OPM Salary Tables and do not take into consideration any potential overtime earnings, recruitment incentives, location incentives or yearly cost of living increases.
For more information on career progression, click here.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission and core values at https://www.cbp.gov/about
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
Firearm Proficiency: You will be required to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all CBP Officers and is part of the training provided.
Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent Federal appointment.
CBP Officer Academy: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately 2 weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA. This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc. Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program which will be completed at their home port. For more information, please visit CBP Field Operations Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.
Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards.
Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to 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 3 of the last 5 years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than 2 of the last 5 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 of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
- Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to this requirement.
More requirements listed in the Additional Information section.
Qualifications
The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement. It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted with your application 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.
You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 3 years full-time general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply what you have learned; OR
Education Substitution: A 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
Will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement and will upload all official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date of this announcement; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed college education AND general experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial college transcripts submitted with your application.
You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if your supporting documentation shows 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 entails performance of duties in 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; OR
Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Go to Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; OR
One full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) from an accredited college or university; OR
Will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or one full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND graduate level education completed in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) from an accredited college or university. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-08. 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).
The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' preference eligible. For more information on Veterans' Preference eligibility please see the OPM Veterans' Guide.
Firearm Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
Current Federal Employees: Current Federal employees who apply to this announcement will be required to serve a probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315 and may be required to accept a change to lower grade, which may reduce their salary based on Federal pay regulations. Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency and will be subject to a probationary period.
National Service 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.
Experience as a CBP Explorer may be qualifying if your resume provides sufficient information to credit your experience. To receive full credit for your experience please be sure to describe your duties, roles and responsibilities in detail.
Political Appointees: 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.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to ensuring that all of our employees act in a manner that embodies the Department's Mission Statement: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values. 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 here.
Education
Refer to the Qualification Section for information on education substitution.
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.
You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents and the entrance examination.
A new entrance examination went into effect February 1, 2024. All eligible applicants will be required to complete the new entrance examination. Test results prior to February 1, 2024, are no longer valid.
The CBP Officer Entrance Examination consists of three parts: 1) the Candidate Experience Record; a short online questionnaire 2) the Writing Skills Test; Part 2 of the Entrance Exam and 3) the Logical Reasoning exam taken at a local testing center. This video explains what to expect for the Entrance Exam - Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Entrance Exam
To be eligible, applicants must pass the entrance examination with a score of at least 70. Proper test preparation is essential for the successful candidate; therefore, we strongly encourage you to review the CBP Officer Study Guides and take the CBP Officer Entrance Exam Pre-Test. The pre-test is a preview of the types of questions you can expect to see on the actual exam.
A passing score does not guarantee selection. If you take and fail the exam, you will need to wait six (6) months from the date you failed the exam until you can retest.
Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period as they successfully complete the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications.
If you pass the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories for referral and consideration:
Best Qualified: Substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications
Very Highly Qualified: Exceeds, to a very considerable extent, the minimum qualifications
Highly Qualified: Exceeds, to a considerable extent, the minimum qualifications
Well Qualified: Marginally exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and who demonstrate average proficiency in most of the critical competencies
Qualified: Meets the basic minimum qualifications
Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on grade levels. Veterans with 5-point preference or 10-point non-compensable preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with completing the CBP Officer Entrance Exam, you are able to request a Reasonable Accommodation prior to the online questionnaire and the Reasoning exams. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Required Documents
All applicants are required to submit a resume.
Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. If you are a current or former Federal employee you must include your salary, pay scale and pay grade information. Note: Many applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the CBP Officer Resume Aid for specific information and examples.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable at this time) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. An official transcript will be required prior to entrance on duty. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials; see www.naces.org for a listing of some accrediting agencies. If submitting documentation of a foreign evaluation, a transcript is also required. For more information, see Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Are you a current or former federal employee? If you are a current/former Federal employee, it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form to support your experience. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.
Are you a veteran? If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility as appropriate to your preference type. For more information, see Veterans Preference.
- 5-point Preference (TP): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
- 10-point Preference (CP or CPS): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later showing the total percentage of the service-connected disability. Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged.
- 10-point Preference (XP): You MUST submit a Standard Form 15, DD-214 listing the character of service, and the required documentation stated on the SF-15.
- Currently Serving: If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written signed statement from the Armed Forces certifying your dates of service, rank, campaign badge(s) and expeditionary medal(s) (if applicable), expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214.
Can you claim an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference or previous Law Enforcement service? If you are over the age of 40, you will need to submit proof you are eligible for an age waiver based on either previous Federal law enforcement service or Veterans' Preference. If you are over the maximum age and do not provide the required documentation for an age waiver, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.
- 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 for all creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17) showing Retirement Code M or O in Block 30 of your SF-50s.
- If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, you must submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
- The separation notice from your agency.
- Your most recent performance rating.
- Your most recent SF-50 with your current position, grade level, and duty location.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Before you apply, it is critical that you acknowledge each of CBP's Conditions of Employment. We expect our employees to uphold these conditions throughout their tenure with CBP. This video will detail each of our main categories: appearance and health; examinations, investigations, and tests; fitness and the academy. The goal of this video is to provide you with upfront knowledge of CBP's expectations - Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Conditions of Employment
To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Click Apply and follow the prompts to fill out the online questionnaire and submit your application. 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 planning to apply using your phone or tablet, see Browser Compatibility.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The email address posted below is for inquiries only. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire and any supporting documents at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.
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 and/or ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. In addition, to be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum requirements of the position as defined in the Well Qualified category.
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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
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.
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.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View more information on applying for Federal employment. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.
All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
Next steps
A new entrance examination went into effect February 1, 2024. All eligible applicants will be required to complete the new entrance examination.
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@psionline.com with a link to create an account to access the online assessment, which takes approximately 1 hour. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 48 hours of receipt of the email.
After completion of the initial online assessment, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@psionline.com to complete the Writing Skills Test. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 5 days after receiving the email.
Upon successful completion of the Writing Skills Test you may receive a final email from CBPEntry_Support@psionline.com to schedule the proctored exam at a local testing center. You will have 14 days to schedule and complete the proctored exam at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Scheduling the proctored exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. Please allow approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.
If you meet the qualifications for this position and have a passing score, you will be considered for future openings in "category order" in accordance with Veterans' Preference regulations.
Your status will be updated on USA Jobs throughout the process. To check your status, log into your USA Jobs account and go to your home page to view active applications.
If you are currently in the pre-employment process for the CBP Officer position at the grades 5, 7 or 9 and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, all active pre-employment process statuses will be applied to this application (e.g., medical status, background investigation, etc.).
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.
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