Intelligence Research Specialist

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Edinburg, TX is seeking a GS-13 level intelligence position focused on research, threat assessment, and analytical reporting.

The role requires handling classified and open-source information to support strategic and tactical decisions, with responsibilities across collecting, evaluating, and communicating intelligence findings. Applicants must meet Time in Grade requirements, pass a rigorous background investigation, and demonstrate the ability to

Qualifications

• Meet qualification requirements, including education if applicable, subject to verification.
• Must meet Time in Grade requirements by 09/03/2026 where applicable.
• Background investigation and residency requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and evaluation of classified, sensitive, and open-source information to identify threats and provide situational awareness.
• Apply analytical techniques to produce finished intelligence products to support decisions.
• Assess reliability and validity of information from multiple sources and identify patterns and vulnerabilities.
• Develop or improve methods, procedures, or training materials to enhance intelligence processes.
• Communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences, including senior officials, and share information with partner organizations.

Skills

Research & analysis

Threat assessment

Analytical thinking

Clear communication

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Targeting and Intelligence Division, Sector Intelligence Unit located in Edinburg, TX.

Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Experience: 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:

• Conducting comprehensive research and evaluation of classified, sensitive, and open-source information to identify threats and provide situational awareness.
• Applying analytical techniques to produce finished intelligence products, such as assessments, estimates, and briefings, that support strategic, operational, or tactical decisions.
• Assessing the reliability and validity of information sources and integrating data from various sources to identify patterns, trends, and potential vulnerabilities.
• Developing or improving methods, procedures, or training materials to enhance intelligence processes and ensure current practices are followed.
• Communicating findings clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior officials, and participating in collaborative efforts with other organizations to share information and best practices.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must:

• Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 09/03/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. 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 (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers.

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 (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver 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 who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was 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 his/her 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.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.