Customs and Border Protection Officer - Experienced

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Houlton (ME); On-site; USD 63,431 - 127,464; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive up to $15k/year

Overtime potential up to $45k

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a path to a career in law enforcement with a strong base salary and comprehensive benefits. You will join an elite team protecting American interests, with opportunities across a range of duty locations in the United States.

Typical duties include enforcing laws, inspecting individuals and goods, and determining admissibility. Applicants must meet citizenship and residency requirements and complete CBP training programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Experience enforcing import/export laws and conducting risk assessments of threats.
• Eligibility based on U.S. citizenship and residency requirements.
• Successful completion of CBP training programs is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Detaining violators

Import/export law enforcement

Threat risk assessment

Interviews with suspects

Education

Master’s degree or higher

Job description

New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals. You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move.

Typical Assignments Include

• Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
• Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
• Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.
• Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
• Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Duty Locations

Applicants may select from a range of mission‑critical locations. Incentives are available for selected sites. Examples of duty locations include Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, Orlando, FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Grand Portage, International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, Wild Horse, MT; Columbus, Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, Buffalo, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, Portal, ND; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, Sumas, WA. If preferences are unavailable, another geographic location within the United States may be offered.

Salary – Recruitment Incentives and Benefits

• Recruitment Incentive**: Newly appointed CBPOs may receive up to a $15,000 incentive per year for a three‑year service contract in the following locations:
  • Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
  • California: Calexico
  • Hawaii: Honolulu
  • Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
  • Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie
  • Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls
  • Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass
  • New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River
  • North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal
  • Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
  • Washington: Blaine, Oroville
• Recruitment Incentive**: For a four‑year service contract, the incentive may be up to a $15,000 per year in:
  • California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
  • Florida: Key West
  • North Dakota: Pembina

Annual base salary for newly appointed CBPOs (GS‑9) ranges from $63,431 to $127,464 per year. Locality pay varies by duty location.

Fully trained CBPOs are eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to starting salary.

Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending on background, experience, education, and duty location. The career ladder includes GS‑5, GS‑7, GS‑9, GS‑11, and GS‑12. Promotion to the next higher grade is possible after successful completion of 52 weeks in each level, at the agency’s discretion.

Benefits include health, dental, and other insurance plans; an annual and sick leave program; participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) offering).

Qualifications

GS‑9 grade level eligibility can be achieved through experience, education, or a combination.

Experience

• Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including:
• Detaining suspected violators of federal, state, or local laws and/or arresting violators using proper law‑enforcement methods.
• Enforcing laws and regulations related to importing, exporting, or international shipping of goods.
• Using intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and national‑security threats.
• Conducting law‑enforcement capacity interviews to gain information from suspected violators.
• Such experience applies to rapid, accurate judgment and decision‑making regarding import/export regulations, as well as enforcement of entry, residence, and departure laws for the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Education Substitution

A master’s (or higher) degree, two or more years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree, an LL.B., or J.D. from an accredited institution; OR

Combination of Experience and Education

Combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate‑level education, determined from resume and transcripts.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Residency: Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age: Must be referred for selection before the 40th birthday (unless qualifying exemptions for previous federal civilian law‑enforcement service).
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment.

Formal Training

Required paid pre‑academy orientation (~2 weeks) at home port, followed by a 101‑day CBP Field Operations Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Glynco, GA. Successful completion is mandatory. Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico must attend a Spanish training program online prior to academy.

How To Apply

Click the Apply button to be directed to the CBP Talent Network page. For Position of Interest, select Customs and Border Protection Officer. You will then receive link(s) to the CBPO JOA(s) on USAJOBS. Follow all application instructions, including resume, transcripts, and the CBPO Entrance Exam. CBP Talent Network subscribers will receive monthly emails with webinars, career expos, and future opportunities.