Visual Information Specialist (Multimedia)

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Training and Development. Available locations include:

• U.S. Border Patrol Academy - Artesia, New Mexico (2 positions)
• Field Operations Academy - Glynco, Georgia (2 positions)

Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the listed duty locations.

Pay

This position starts at a salary of $61,722.00 (GS-09, Step 1) to $97,087.00 (GS-11, Step 10) with promotion potential to $97,087.00 (GS-11, Step 10).

View the locality pay tables by geographic area. If your geographic area is not listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions may qualify for a special pay rate depending on series, grade level, and location.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, designing, and developing visual and multimedia products (e.g., 2D graphics, introductory 3D elements, motion graphics, and visual assets) that support CBP training and informational programs and align with approved concepts, scripts, and storyboards.
• Produce routine graphic design and layout products using standard software tools and templates, including title cards, icons, charts, diagrams, presentation graphics, and other visual components that comply with CBP branding, style, and accessibility requirements.
• Support animation, compositing, and video graphics production by assembling and integrating visual assets, applying basic transitions and keyframed motions, and synchronizing graphics with audio, captions, and other media elements using non-linear editing or compositing software.
• Provide technical and production support by preparing and maintaining project files and asset libraries, performing basic rendering and file conversion, packaging products for deployment to learning management systems or internal networks, and assisting with routine setup and use of studio or field equipment.
• Participate in project meetings with supervisors, senior multimedia staff, instructional designers, and subject matter experts to gather requirements, report status on assigned tasks, clarify expectations, and incorporate feedback into revised visual and multimedia products.

CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values, and careers.

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.
• You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
• 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 also be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

As an employee of CBP, your conduct will be subject to ethics rules, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity to ensure it does not conflict with your official duties. Review further details on ethics rules.

DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). View local chapter contact information.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you meet one of the following:

• Education Substitution: A Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Specialized Experience: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Assisting with the design and development of visual or multimedia products (e.g., graphics, presentation materials, motion graphics, or video elements) in support of training, education, or informational programs.
  • Utilizing professional design and multimedia software tools to create and edit visual assets, including basic 2D graphics, image editing, and introductory motion or video graphics, in alignment with established branding or style guidelines.
  • Preparing graphics and multimedia files for delivery on multiple platforms, including basic rendering, encoding, and file conversion.
  • Maintaining organized project files and asset libraries in accordance with established file naming, storage, and version control practices.
  • Working with instructional designers, program staff, or subject matter experts to translate technical or instructional information into clear, audience-appropriate visual or multimedia products.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you meet one of the following:

• Education Substitution: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. degree. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. If your school does not provide credit hour information, use 54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours as equivalent to three years of graduate study.
• Specialized Experience: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Designing and developing multimedia products (e.g., graphics, motion graphics, visual assets, or video elements) for training or informational programs.
  • Translating scripts, storyboards, project briefs, or subject matter expert input into visual concepts, design specifications, or production-ready multimedia products.
  • Utilizing industry-standard design, animation, video editing, or compositing software to create and optimize visual products for multiple platforms.
  • Applying branding, accessibility, usability, and technical requirements to ensure final products meet established standards.
  • Coordinating project tasks, resolving routine design or technical issues, and providing recommendations or feedback to project staff or stakeholders.

Note: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet these requirements, or you may be found ineligible.

Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify for GS-9 and GS-11 positions. Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, and any applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band) by 08/13/2026.

Current or former political appointees must disclose their status and may require OPM authorization for employment offers.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During this process, you will be asked about:

• Any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges.
• Use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy).
• Use of non-prescribed controlled substances, including experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution.

Review additional information on the preemployment process.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. You must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet this requirement but have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request a residency waiver if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or military member.
• A dependent authorized to accompany a federal civilian or military member 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.