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
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Salary: Selections from this announcement will be at the GS-9 grade level with promotion potential to GS-11 and GS-12. Promotions are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the agency. Your pay will be determined after you successfully complete all pre-employment processes. Pay rates are based on the
2025 OPM Salary Tables - these tables do not take into consideration any potential overtime earnings, recruitment incentives, location incentives or yearly cost of living increases.
Duty Locations: You will be asked to select your preferred location for one of the following mission critical locations: Douglas, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West and Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Calais, Fort Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit and Port Huron, MI; Grand Portage, International Falls, Minneapolis, and Warroad, MN; Morgan, Raymond, Roosville, and Wild Horse, MT; Newark, NJ; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, Ogdensburg, Queens, and Trout River, NY; Dunseith, Hansboro, Neche, Pembina, and Portal, ND; San Juan, PR; Brownsville, Eagle Pass, El Paso, Hidalgo, and Houston, TX; Norfolk, VA; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, Seattle, and Sumas, 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. Locations offered at the time of your final offer are based on operational and mission requirements as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.
This announcement is open to the public to attract new entry-level applicants. 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, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Jackman, ME; Grand Portage, MN; Raymond, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND; Oroville, WA
Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Detroit, MI and 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
Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). For more information, please visit
https://www.nteu.org/i-am-nteu/chapter-websites
Firearm Proficiency: This position requires you to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all CBP Officers and is part of the training provided.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Polygraph Examination: You will be required to undergo a polygraph exam and must have favorable results in order to continue in the process. For more information, see Polygraph Examination. NOTE: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. Certain veterans may be eligible for a polygraph waiver.
Formal Training: You will attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA, for a 101-day training program of intensive instruction in basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, etc. Candidates assigned to certain duty locations may be required to pass a Spanish training program. For more information, please visit CBP Field Operations Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.
Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to this position before their 40th birthday in accordance with DHS 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.
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.
More requirements listed below.
Qualifications
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes:
- Detaining suspected violators of Federal, State, or local laws and/or arresting violators using the proper law enforcement methods.
- Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States.
- Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security.
- Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action.
The above experience will be applied in connection with the
CBPO Individual Occupational Requirement: Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the application of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing and exporting merchandise to and from the United States; or enforcement and administration of laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in, or depart from the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Education Substitution: A master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited or college or university;
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience
AND successfully completed graduate level education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
More information on the qualifications can be found on our
CBP.gov CBP Officer Qualifications Aid
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.
Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security position and, upon selection, applicants will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention. For more information, please see the
Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Background Investigation.
Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established
grooming standards.
Education
See the Qualifications Section for education substitution.
Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information, visit CBP's Medical Exam Process
Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our Drug Testing FAQs and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Drug Test
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Fitness Test. For more information, please see the Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Structured Interview
Primary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a primary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003, Conditions for Coverage; 5 USC 8425(b) and 5 USC 8335(b), Mandatory Separation; and 5 USC 8412(d), Immediate Retirement). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The Customs and Border Protection Officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a Customs and Border Protection Officer before July 6, 2008.
Benefits
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 workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
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.
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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, click "Apply Online" to create a login.gov account or sign in to your existing login.gov account. Your USAJOBS application packet must include responses from the online assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. See the Required Documents section for additional information. If you are planning to apply using your phone or tablet, see Browser Compatibility.
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.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. 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. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The email address posted below is for inquiries only.
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.
Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you 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.
Next steps
Applicants will be reviewed throughout the announcement open period in the order they were received. You will be notified by email after each step has been completed.
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 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.
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. All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.