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, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons 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

Pilot certification with a Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification, including 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.

Minimum flight hours: 1500 flight hours; 250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available).

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.

Qualifications

You must be a U.S. Citizen and have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. You must also meet the maximum age requirement of 40 years old for original appointment, except for veterans who may qualify for exceptions.

Skills

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.

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

This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval).

The position offers a range of federal employment benefits including health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.