Customs and Border Protection Officer

at  US Customs and Border Protection

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; Raymond, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND
Duty location 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-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

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-9 grade level if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the 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; OR
Education Substitution: Two full years of graduate level education (equivalent to 36 semester credits or 54 quarter credits) 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) at an accredited college or university; OR
Will complete two full years of graduate-level education (equivalent to 36 semester or 54 quarter credits) within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement 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 and will upload all official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date of this announcement; OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized work experience equivalent to at least 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) at 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 (i.e., volunteer 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.
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.

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 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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package. 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.
CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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.
Help

This is a targeted announcement for applicants with previous or current law enforcement or military experience. See Qualifications below.

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: Lukeville, Nogales, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, and San Ysidro, CA; Denver, CO; Washington, D.C.; Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; International Falls and Minneapolis, MN; Raymond, MT; Newark, NJ; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, and Queens, NY; Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Philadelphia, PA; Dallas, El Paso, and Houston, TX; Richford, VT; Blaine and Seattle, WA.