Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resiliency to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Discover a challenging and rewarding career in CBP, the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we:
Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country
Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, and agricultural products
Prevent unauthorized entry into the country
Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our border
For more information about CBP's mission, activities, and careers, please see www.cbp.gov.
This position will allow you to use your expertise in writing and editing to create and revise written information published by the agency. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to communicate its message to target audiences.
Who May Apply:
Current Federal employees with competitive status within the local commuting area;
Current and former Federal employees who meet the established criteria in an Office of Personnel Management Interchange Agreement within the local commuting area;
Current and Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility who reside within the local commuting area (Note: unemployed reinstatement eligibles must reside in the local commuting area);
Veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous service will receive consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA);
Individuals who are eligible under a Special Appointing Authority. Please see the "Special Appointing Authority" paragraph in the "Other" section of this vacancy announcement.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please see www.dhs.gov.
Organizational Location: This position is located within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Office of Chief, Information Coordination Branch, Washington DC.
Summary
Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resiliency to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Discover a challenging and rewarding career in CBP, the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we:
Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country
Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, and agricultural products
Prevent unauthorized entry into the country
Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our border
For more information about CBP's mission, activities, and careers, please see www.cbp.gov.
This position will allow you to use your expertise in writing and editing to create and revise written information published by the agency. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to communicate its message to target audiences.
Who May Apply:
Current Federal employees with competitive status within the local commuting area;
Current and former Federal employees who meet the established criteria in an Office of Personnel Management Interchange Agreement within the local commuting area;
Current and Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility who reside within the local commuting area (Note: unemployed reinstatement eligibles must reside in the local commuting area);
Veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous service will receive consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA);
Individuals who are eligible under a Special Appointing Authority. Please see the "Special Appointing Authority" paragraph in the "Other" section of this vacancy announcement.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please see www.dhs.gov.
Organizational Location: This position is located within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Office of Chief, Information Coordination Branch, Washington DC.
This is a multi-faceted position that requires the incumbent to serve as a writer, editor, and composer of various articles on agency activities. Your job will include:
Composing and editing written information for senior level and top management officials.
Examining documents produced by others for clarity, style requirements, and organizational policies.
Reviewing and drafting appropriate form letter responses for top level management signatures.Researching and analyzing pertinent regulations, policies, and program documents to develop complete and accurate statements.
One or more selections may be made using this job opportunity announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
You may be required to pass a background investigation
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
Primary U.S. residency for the last three years (see "Other Information")
Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit a writing sample with their application. Please upload your sample under miscellaneous documents.
This position is covered under the bargaining unit.
Qualifications
GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. Examples include writing speeches for high level officials; using various research methods to prepare speeches, and incorporating research findings into speech; and researching, editing, and writing a wide variety of written communication that is highly complex and technical.
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, 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 04/25/2017.
Education
Background Investigation: 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, methamphetamine, and 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. Entry into this position may require that you successfully pass a polygraph examination. For more information, please see: www.cbp.gov.
Additional information
Residency: If you are not currently a CBP employee, you must meet one or more of the following primary residency criteria for the last three years prior to applying to this announcement:
Resided in the United States or its protectorate or territories (excluding short trips abroad, such as vacations);
Worked for the United States government as an employee overseas in a federal or military capacity; or
Been a dependent of a United States federal or military employee serving overseas.
Exceptions may be granted if you provide complete state-side coverage information regarding participation in "Study Abroad" programs, overseas church missions, or state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with you overseas. You must provide information and related documentation at the time of application.
Special Appointing Authority: Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click on the appropriate link below.
Separate referral lists will be generated for applicants eligible to be appointed under a non-competitive special appointing authority. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement (please see "Required Documents"). If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.
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.
CBP uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, 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 here: www.uscis.gov.
Every individual receives a fair opportunity throughout the federal recruitment and hiring process. To learn more, click here: www.hru.gov.
Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter: @CustomsBorder
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using an online self-assessment questionnaire that is based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. You will receive a score ranging from 70 to 100 based on your responses. Your entire application package will then be reviewed. The final determination will be based on all the information provided in your application package.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAOs): Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements are required to possess certain Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Other Characteristics (KSAOs) to successfully perform the duties of this position. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their attainment of these KSAOs in an online job questionnaire. The KSAOs are:
Skill in preparing written material on complex issues related to the mission, policies, programs and initiatives of the agency.
Knowledge of publishing concepts, practices, standards, and technologies used by the media.
Ability to extensively research topics for effective and accurate speech writing.
Knowledge of the most current and up to date development issues involving the agency in order to present the most current and factual information to the many concerned audiences that interact with the agency.
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. Information about ICTAP or CTAP eligibility can be found at: www.opm.gov. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum requirements of the position. This will be measured by a score of 85 or higher. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, address, phone number, email address, and salary. NOTE: Resumes stored on USA Jobs will not automatically carry over to this announcement.
Are you a current or former federal employee? With the exception of current CBP employees, ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT A MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50B (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Applicants should also submit an SF-50B reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50B (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Special Appointing Authority: See "Other Information" to determine what documentation you need to submit as proof of eligibility for a Special Appointing Authority.
Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a special veteran appointing authority, you must submit a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 (showing characterization of service and qualifying medal(s) or service period) and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later (if applicable). Current federal employees applying under the VEOA authority must submit a qualifying SF-50B to show they meet time-in-grade requirements. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, rank, expected type of discharge, and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 upon separation from the military. To learn more click on the link www.fedshirevets.gov. Veterans preference points are not applicable to Merit Promotion announcements; veterans documentation is required only to verify eligibility.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indication of quality prior experience, no points will be assigned.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under "Other" documents. "Other" documents may not be applicable for each applicant, but should be utilized if you are submitting a SF-50 for proof of federal service, veterans documents for eligibility, transcripts for qualifications, etc.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload or fax it by the closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USA Jobs account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/25/2017.
Customs and Border Protection
Minneapolis Hiring Center
5600 American Boulevard
Suite 700
Bloomington, MN 55347
US
Next steps
Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: my.usajobs.gov. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, address, phone number, email address, and salary. NOTE: Resumes stored on USA Jobs will not automatically carry over to this announcement.
Are you a current or former federal employee? With the exception of current CBP employees, ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT A MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50B (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Applicants should also submit an SF-50B reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50B (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Special Appointing Authority: See "Other Information" to determine what documentation you need to submit as proof of eligibility for a Special Appointing Authority.
Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a special veteran appointing authority, you must submit a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 (showing characterization of service and qualifying medal(s) or service period) and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later (if applicable). Current federal employees applying under the VEOA authority must submit a qualifying SF-50B to show they meet time-in-grade requirements. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, rank, expected type of discharge, and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 upon separation from the military. To learn more click on the link www.fedshirevets.gov. Veterans preference points are not applicable to Merit Promotion announcements; veterans documentation is required only to verify eligibility.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indication of quality prior experience, no points will be assigned.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under "Other" documents. "Other" documents may not be applicable for each applicant, but should be utilized if you are submitting a SF-50 for proof of federal service, veterans documents for eligibility, transcripts for qualifications, etc.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload or fax it by the closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USA Jobs account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/25/2017.
Customs and Border Protection
Minneapolis Hiring Center
5600 American Boulevard
Suite 700
Bloomington, MN 55347
US
Next steps
Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: my.usajobs.gov. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
