Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position.

This position starts at a salary of $147,899.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to$192,275.00 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $$192,275.00 GS-14Step 10).

The primary function of this position is serving as the principal advisor to the Commissioner on enforcement and policy matters, including interagency integration and coordination of operations requiring special tactics skills and training, fugitive tracking and apprehension, immigration admissibility determinations, and contraband enforcement.

• Acting as the subject matter expert for special operations policy development, translating mission requirements and risk assessments into actionable strategies and operational options.
• Providing expert guidance on operational security, threat mitigation, and specialized tactical support for leadership movements and engagements, including planning and overseeing protective operations for the Commissioner and designated senior leadership.
• Conducting and leading threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments related to travel, meetings, and public appearances, integrating intelligence and law enforcement reporting to inform protective planning.
• Advising on high-risk enforcement activities and special operations, offering technical guidance on searches, interviews, and operational decisions to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Coordinating and directing the work of personnel assigned to protective operations, ensuring readiness, proficiency, and integration of protective activities with CBP enforcement operations.

If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section

If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service. For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.

Conditions of employment

• 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)
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
• You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
• You must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing Total Score
• 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.
• Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the Ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
• 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.
• Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Providing leadership in developing, implementing, evaluating and improving processes and procedures to monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, uniformity and productivity of all program areas.
• Interpreting and enforcing laws, operations, law enforcement procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Leading, directing or providing technical direction to others in performing inspection, intelligence analysis, and examinations on customs, immigration, and other border security issues.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.

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.

Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a primary position; and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. 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.

Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. § 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895.

Mandatory Prerequisite for Administrative Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Covered Requirement: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 C.F.R. § 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 C.F.R. § 8.802 (FERS).Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

• 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 06/10/2026

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.

Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory CBP Officer - SRT 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.

If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you need to meet the following medical/physical standards:

Physical/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 regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.

Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.

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/12975735

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 06/04/2026 if you have not held the??????? GS-14 on a permanent basis, or if you have been demoted due to performance or conduct reasons. You do not need to have a current, valid test score if you have permanently held a position at the??????? GS-14 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

We 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:

• Ability to interpret a wide variety of law, rules, regulations and procedures concerning import-export merchandise, cargo or personal possessions to the U.S.
• Ability to determine or verify classification and value of property for transports, identify violations and ability to distinguish criminal intent and admissibility.
• Knowledge of elements and circumstances of search, detention and arrest as well as enforcement techniques and tools such as selective, behavioral questioning and use of automated processing and enforcement systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make high level decisions and recommendations that will have direct and substantial effect on the agency and programs managed.

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/12975735???????.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. Information about CTAP eligibility can be found here. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

• 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, phone number, relevant, 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. 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. *Note: Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
• Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12975735
• 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 a 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, but not required, 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.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? 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.
• Age Requirement Waiver Documents: If you do not meet the age requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C § 3312 you must submit the following documents to verify your 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
  • If you are currently serving on active duty: A statement of service from your unit identifying the branch of service, period(s) of service, type of discharge, campaign badges or expeditionary medals earned, and the date you will be separated or on approved terminal leave. If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon separation from the military.
• 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.

Next steps