Air Interdiction Agent

About the role

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Interdiction Agents are part of the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) team. They play a crucial role in detecting, preventing, interdicting, and apprehending 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.
• Making rapid decisions during in-flight operations.
• Evaluating information and developing strategies for coordinating 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 Special Salary Rate (SSR); Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP); Recruitment Incentive; and Retention Incentive.
• Retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.
• Health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Pay

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

Schedule

• Operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs determine duty locations.

Skills

• Ability to make rapid decisions during in-flight operations.
• Strategic thinking and coordination skills.
• Information system and database proficiency.
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Federal employment benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Application

• 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.
• Apply on USAJOBS.
• Apply on Airline Apps.