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.

Responsibilities

• Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
• Making rapid evaluations and making prompt decisions during in-flight operations.
• Evaluating information and developing strategies to coordinate aircraft and ground assets.
• Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files, and disseminate information.
• Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours (depending on the number of hours approved for a waiver) at their own expense before being able to attend the 3-part flight assessment.
• 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

• 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.
• 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. 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.
• Age Requirement: Maximum age for original appointment to a primary Law Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is 40, with a temporary increase due to the position.

Benefits

• Includes 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).
• Salary range: $120,636 - $189,223 based on grade level and duty location.
• Retention Incentive: Available for UAS sites and certain locations.

Pay

Starting salary ranges from $120,636 to $189,223 annually, depending on the grade level and duty location.

Schedule

Hours and schedule vary based on operational requirements and mission needs.