Intelligence Research Specialist

U.S. Customs and Border Protection · Santee, CA · 1 wk ago

Analyst$102k/yrFull-time

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, Targeting and Intelligence Division, Intelligence Unit, located in Santee, CA. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

About the role

CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. In this Intelligence Research Specialist role, you will become a key team member applying a full range of expert intelligence knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide insights that warn of potential threats and assessments on possible outcomes in regard to national security.

This position starts at a salary of $102,246.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $158,062.00 (GS-13, Step 10). GS Salary: Visit the locality pay tables by geographic area. If your geographic area is not listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level, and location.

Responsibilities

Identify, review, and evaluate large volumes of sensitive and complex information in support of strategic, operational, or tactical operations.
Assume primary responsibility for the completion of long-range and broad-scope analytical products, including intelligence notes, estimates, and assessments.
Use established intelligence techniques to analyze data from a variety of sources to develop targets, trends, patterns, profiles, estimates, and studies in support of CBP operational and mission success.
Conduct studies, prepare staff reports, and deliver briefings to managers and operators to enhance understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.
Engage in complex research and analyses to develop and publish finished tactical, operational, and strategic level intelligence products; select the proper methods of dissemination, and coordinate dissemination of intelligence products.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
You may be required to pass a background investigation.
CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
As an employee of CBP, your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, including criminal conflict of interest statutes. You will be required to obtain approval for outside employment or business activity.
DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Integrating data and information from all relevant sources to analyze situations or conditions that affect operations.
Identifying and evaluating the adversarial capabilities, composition, and disposition of all border security threats.
Conceptualizing, planning, drafting, editing, and presenting intelligence products, ensuring information is clear, consistent, concise, timely, relevant, and accurate.
Compiling, collating, extrapolating, and exploiting information from a variety of sources, using new and creative methodology for unusual problems.

GS-13: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Serving as a senior reviewer of an intelligence organization to evaluate, discuss, test, and validate intelligence research reports, and intelligence collection programs, plans.
Recognizing intelligence requirements based on existing reporting and providing evaluations on current information to improve future intelligence collection or reporting.
Extrapolating, compiling, and processing information from raw intelligence, open source, law enforcement, and intelligence community systems and databases.
Conducting special research studies and providing comprehensive assessments of broad, complex, or highly sensitive issues.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, and any applicable Time in Grade requirements by 08/25/2026.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs, and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances. For additional information, review the Applicant Resources.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement, you may request an exception by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military.
A dependent authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military working for the U.S. government.
Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university.
Working as a contractor, intern, consultant, or volunteer supporting the U.S. government.

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of their initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Training

This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete Intelligence Specialist Core and Specialized paid training. The location will be determined at the time of training. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) may result in placement into a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management.

Security Clearance

You will be required to obtain a Top-Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance for this position.