Customs and Border Protection Officer - Entry Level

About the role

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers a rewarding career in law enforcement. As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO), you will be part of a 60,000+ workforce dedicated to protecting America by safeguarding borders, deterring illicit activities, and enhancing national economic prosperity.

Responsibilities

• Enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
• Facilitate the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
• Conduct inspections of individuals and conveyances.
• Determine the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
• Prevent the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Requirements

You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• A minimum of three (3) years full-time general work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts;
• Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four (4)-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed college education AND general work experience.

You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• A minimum of one (1) year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes: Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations. Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations. Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings;
• For The GS-7 Grade Level Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (3.0 or higher), or (3) honor society membership;
• One (1) full year of graduate-level education. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work;
• Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND graduate level education from an accredited college or university.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years.
• Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement 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 251-03.
• Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program – CBP Field Operations Academy – conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows: GS-5 and GS-7 $41,863 - $112,415 per year.
• Locality pay varies by duty location.
• The position offers up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a three-year service contract, in the following locations: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, and Washington.
• The position offers up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a four-year service contract, in the following locations: California, Florida, and North Dakota.
• Up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.
• Eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.
• Eligible for a variety of federal employment benefits that include 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.