Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander)

Customs and Border Protection; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Customs and Border Protection in Sterling, VA, is seeking a Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander) to lead field operations and national programs. The role starts at $147,899 (GS-14, Step 1) and goes up to $192,275 (GS-14, Step 10) annually, with national scope and frontline supervisory duties.

The position includes directing field teams, coordinating targets and cargo controls, and ensuring export compliance while interdicting threats.

Qualifications

• Residency: must have resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years.
• Residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.
• Top Secret security clearance is required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Direct CBP field locations and coordinate targets, controls, passengers and cargo leaving the United States.
• Oversee risk assessment and use intelligence to detect terrorists and instruments of terror.
• Provide guidance to CBP field locations and other agencies during investigations.
• Maintain awareness of threats through databases, open-source reporting and communications networks.

Job description

Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander)

• Hiring Agency: Customs and Border Protection
• Department: Department of Homeland Security

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center located in Sterling, VA.

Key Responsibilities

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to manage one or more national programs in order to help to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the U.S. This position starts at a salary of $147,899.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $192,275.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

In this first-line supervisory position you will become a key member of a team of homeland security professionals detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S.

The typical work assignments include: Providing direction and guidance to CBP field locations, coordinating the identification of targets, controls, passengers and cargo leaving the United States, ensuring compliance with export requirements as well as the interdiction of terrorists and instruments of terror.

Maintaining awareness of current and emerging threats through use of automated databases, open source reporting, and communication networks containing actionable intelligence information. Providing direction and guidance to CBP field locations and other law enforcement agencies conducting investigations on individuals and businesses suspected or convicted of violations of criminal laws, regulations, trade agreements, and treaties enforced by CBP.

Overseeing the analysis of behavioral and cultural patterns and trends to perform risk assessment. Advising employees of the performance requirements of their positions and keeping them informed of their progress in meeting the requirement.

If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service.

For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.

Requirements & Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position. 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

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $147899 – $192275/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-27.

How many openings are available?

There are 4 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.