Customs Specialist

C.H. Robinson · Long Beach, CA · 1 wk ago

Manufacturing$21.76–$45.96/hrFull-time

About the role

You will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs clearance process. As a trusted customs expert, you will manage complex exceptions, government agency examinations, and high-impact shipment issues while delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. This position supports accurate customs clearance, drives continuous improvement, and helps optimize automated customs operations.

This role requires in-person collaboration three days a week at the office, with the flexibility for remote work two days a week.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Candidates must be available to work this schedule consistently.

Responsibilities

Review and validate customs entry data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely cargo clearance
Resolve complex customs exceptions, including documentation gaps, classification issues, valuation discrepancies, and regulatory concerns
Manage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspections
Serve as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and applying them across daily operations and automated processes
Prioritize critical shipment issues to prevent delays and maintain exceptional service for customers
Partner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless import clearance and delivery
Own and maintain customer-specific SOPs, HTS databases, and compliance requirements to support operational excellence
Investigate and resolve cargo damage claims, insurance matters, demurrage, detention disputes, and other high-impact shipment issues
Conduct quality reviews of customs entries and automated decisions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and process effectiveness
Drive continuous improvement by identifying workflow enhancements, supporting automation initiatives, and helping optimize customs operations and exception management

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum 2-3 years of entry-writing experience, international transportation, or experience with AI Agents
Must comply with 19 CFR 111.53(e) requirements, including eligibility to work in a Customs Brokerage role
Must pass an initial and annual background check; employment requires written approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for individuals with felony convictions, unless prohibited by applicable state or local law

Preferred Qualifications

Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field
Experience supporting automation-enabled workflows or BPO-integrated operations
Familiarity with customs exams, government agency holds, or dangerous goods processes
Knowledge of ABI, AMS queries, or entry summary components
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Prior experience in customer-facing operational support or escalation management
Knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the supply chain
Excellent communication, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills
Strong customer service skills and follow-up with customers and the network
Proven track record of being client-focused
Critical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving skills to adapt to ever-changing tasks and customer needs
Reputation for logical, methodical, and expedient approach to problem resolution
High level of attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven office environment
Values a diverse and inclusive work environment

Pay

Compensation range: $21.76 - $45.96 per hour. The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all U.S. locations. Individual base pay is determined by work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

Three medical plans, including prescription drug coverage
Enhanced fertility benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
Dental and Vision coverage
Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Paid observed holidays
2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees
Flexible Time Off (FTO) for U.S. salaried employees — no accruals and no caps
Paid Time Off (PTO) for all other employees in the U.S. and Canada
Paid parental leave
Paid time off to volunteer in your community
Charitable Giving Match Program
401(k) with 6% company matching
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Career development, networking, and team-building opportunities