Supervisory CBP Officer (Senior Watch Officer)

Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position; Career Transition Assistance Plan CBP employees.

This position serves as a Senior Watch Officer and First Line Supervisor to Watch Officers. The incumbent collaborates across CBP operational components and program offices engaged in law enforcement, administrative, technical, and operational support work in furtherance of CBP's goals and objectives for operational reporting under one organization, staffed by and supporting CBP component offices. This position is responsible for the overall planning, organization, administration, coordination, and communications of CBP Watch activities and functions and serves as CBP's primary conduit of information to the DHS National Operations Center.

Typical duties include:

• Supervising and managing CBP Watch operations, ensuring effective situational awareness reporting, information coordination, and communication between CBP Headquarters and field components.
• Monitoring, assessing, and reporting on international trade and travel activity through ports of entry, providing timely updates and tailored information to CBP leadership and other agencies.
• Coordinating and advising on CBP's compliance with laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and international treaties related to customs, immigration, and anti-terrorism operations and incidents.
• Directing and overseeing a team of CBP employees, including law enforcement officers and professional staff, performing the full range of CBP Watch activities, incident management, intelligence, communications, and operational readiness.
• Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to inform and coordinate multi-agency responses to significant incidents, and representing CBP in official interactions with strategic partners and stakeholders.

This position starts at a salary of $125,158.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to$162,708.00 (GS-13, Step 10).

Temporary/Rotational Assignment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed (NTE) 3 years, with possible extensions for an additional 2 in 1 year increments. You may be returned, at any time, to the position you held prior to this temporary promotion, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay, and the return is not subject to the procedures found in 5 C.F.R. §§ 351, 432, 752, and 771. If you are currently at the grade level of the position announced, this action will result in a reassignment, and you may be returned at any time to a same or similar position held prior to this temporary assignment. If you currently hold a grade level higher than the grade being announced, this action will result in a change to lower grade, and you may be returned at any time to the position held prior to this temporary assignment or to the same or similar position at the lower grade level.


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-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Reporting and advising on CBP's compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and international treaties to CBP leadership and other agencies regarding customs, immigration, and anti-terrorism operations and incidents at ports of entry.
• Monitoring, assessing, and reporting on international trade and travel activity through ports of entry for CBP leadership and other agencies, bringing timely attention to incidents and trends and effectively tailoring the information and messaging for the intended audience.
• Assessing available intelligence and developing actionable intelligence reports regarding customs, immigration, and anti-terrorism activity at ports of entry to CBP leadership and other agencies for informed decision-making, ultimately affecting enforcement operations at ports of entry.
• Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to inform and coordinate multi-agency responses to customs, immigration, and anti-terrorism incidents at ports of entry.
• Advising on the appropriate, effective, and efficient enforcement actions and procedures in response to emergencies and significant events at ports of entry.

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.

• 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 08/14/2026

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 (Senior Watch Officer) 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.

Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have 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.

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

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which you claim in the job questionnaire AND you must provide the supporting documentation. You will not be considered for Eligibilities for which you did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13006536.

A series of vacancy questions will be used to determine your eligibility. If you meet those basic requirements, your application package may be referred to management for selection consideration. Falsification of your application will remove you from consideration and could subject you to disciplinary action.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by (open date) if you have not held the ( promotion potential)_ 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 ( promotion potential) or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

Failure to demonstrate sufficient detail in the body of your resume may impact your final rating. Please note you are not required to provide specific narrative responses to the skills and competencies described in this section. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview.

The following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) needed to perform this job are:

• Knowledge of primary and secondary inspections, intelligence analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities including apprehension, detention, and arrests relative to arrival and departure of persons, conveyances and merchandise at Ports of Entry (POE).
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of management to accomplish work through others.
• Knowledge and understanding of the national collective bargaining agreement and the ability to apply the bargaining unit agreement.
• Ability to coach and train lower level CBPOs in the selection and application of appropriate problem solving methods and techniques, provides advice on work methods, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to all levels of internal components and external government agencies.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports of enforcement actions and activities
• Ability to plan and schedule work on a daily basis.

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/13006536
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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