Air Interdiction Agent

About the role

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking skilled pilots for the Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) position. This role involves aviation-based law enforcement operations to detect, prevent, interdict, and apprehend terrorists, weapons, and other contraband attempting to illegally enter or attack the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
• Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
• Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.
• Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts.

Requirements

• Certification & Ratings: A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with one of the following ratings: Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating. Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument. Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
• Flight Hours: Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours. 250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available, see Required Documents); and 100 Flight hours in the last 12 months).
• FAA Class 2 medical required for assessment dated within the last 12 calendar months; FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military medical flight clearance dated within the last 12 months qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position.
• UAS Flight Hours: Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours and Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) or predator-based flight hours. These hours may be credited towards satisfying the "Total flight time" 1,500 flight hour requirement only.

Qualifications

• Experience: One (1) year of specialized professional aviation experience performing duties such as flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes, or speed.
• Specialized Professional Aviation Experience: Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations. Developing strategies and coordinating aircraft and ground assets. Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information.

Benefits

• Salary range: $88,509 - $163,996 per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location (see below).
• Recruitment Incentive: New hires may be eligible to receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed).
• Retention Incentive: Retention Incentive is contingent on eligibility. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.
• Health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Pay and Schedule

GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $120,636
GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $132,606
GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $157,686

Benefits

• Retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Application

To apply, fill out the Air Interdiction Agent applicant checklist and email it to a recruiter at cbp_amo_recruiting@cbp.dhs.gov along with a copy of your resume; or apply on USAJOBS; or apply on Airline Apps. Stay updated by opting into CBP’s talent repository (highly recommended).