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Duties

Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the Nation's borders. CBP employees protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade.

Apply to this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's and our partners' ability to perform their homeland security functions by doing the following:

Conduct air to air, air to water, and air to ground border interdiction of people and conveyances illegally crossing U.S. borders
Patrol oceans, lakes, and rivers to prevent the illegal entry of weapons of terror
Prohibit illegal narcotics and prevent the entry of undocumented aliens

Being an Air Interdiction Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:

Operating Unmanned Aerial Systems performing law enforcement missions
Performing interdiction duties that include intelligence gathering, detecting, intercepting, tracking, apprehending, testifying and acting as liaison with other Federal, State, local, tribal and foreign law enforcement agencies
Developing strategies to track aircraft, vessels and people to accomplish an effective and successful interdiction
Gathering and sharing intelligence information on illegal activities or potential acts of terrorism with internal customers, the general aviation and marine communities and other law enforcement agencies
Testifying under oath before a grand jury, federal court proceedings and/or other legal proceedings

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

*Recruitment Incentive; see 'Benefits'
FAA Commercial or ATP - Airplane or Helicopter rated w/instruments or both
1500 flight hrs. 100 within last 12 months; *waiver see Qualifications
Possess a current FAA Class I or Class II medical certificate
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
Referred for selection prior to age 40; waiver for vets, see Other Info
You must successfully pass a polygraph exam & background investigation
You must have resided in the U.S. for the last 3 years; AD military exempt
You will be required to carry a firearm and have a valid driver's license
You must meet job-related medical, fitness and drug-testing standards

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to serve a probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315 and may be required to accept a change to lower grade, which may reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulation.

Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for Air Interdiction Agents and is part of the training provided.

Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license.

Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.

Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, for 15 weeks of Air and Marine Basic Training (AMBT). The training is comprised of formalized courses of basic technical instruction necessary to perform the duties of the position, including an untested swim/water survival course. Additionally, you will complete the following training programs: (1) Spanish Language training course; (2) Initial Survival Training course; (3) Aircraft-specific Flight Training course; and (4) Standardized Tactical Aviation Training (STAT) course.

Mobility: You are required to sign a mobility agreement and be willing to relocate as necessary.

Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.

Shift Work: This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations.

Overtime: Employees must be fully trained to be eligible for overtime.

Qualifications

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by closing date of this announcement.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level (starting salary $60,210 up to $75,262 with potential overtime) if you possess one year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to:

Fly as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes or speed;
Ability to valuate information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations;
Develop strategies and coordinate aircraft and ground assets;
Use information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information

To be eligible for overtime, employees must be fully trained.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience) 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.

Certificates, Ratings and Flight Experience:

You must possess and provide proof of the following, at time of application in order to meet the basic requirements of this position:

A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with the following ratings:
Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating; OR
Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument; OR
Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
An FAA Medical Certificate First or Second Class. Either one must be dated within the last 12 calendar months and valid through the closing date of this announcement. However, at the time of your Flight Assessment you MUST have an FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate dated within the previous 12 calendar months. Military flight medicals cannot be used - you must possess an FAA 1st or 2nd class Medical certificate.
Have 1500 hours total flight time. Within the 1500 hours you must have/show; 250 hours as Pilot-in-Command; 75 hours Instrument, and 75 Night hours, and 100 within the last 12 months. The flight logs you provide at time of application must clearly show all flight hours listed above. Your physical flight log book(s) will be required for verification at the time of your Flight Assessment.

*Note: Up to 500 of the 1500 flight hour requirement may be waived upon verification of specialized experience (e.g. general military flight experience and training, complex aircraft flight instructor experience, multi-engine aircraft time, night vision device operations, imminent danger flight time and terrain and/or over water flight operations).

You must meet all qualification requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Qualifications are subject to verification at any stage of the application process.

Education

Flight Hour Waiver:

The experience you use to request consideration for the Flight Hour Waiver (FHW) must be submitted at time of application. Please list all of your FHW experience on a sheet titled ‘Flight Hour Waiver Request'. Your request should include all of the following items: dates of experience, hours per week, title and a detailed description of experience.

Please see the following example:

General military flight experience and training

Title: Pilot
1/1/95 to 3/2/97 40 HPW
Detailed work experience

Additional information

Polygraph Examination: The Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) position is a polygraph-required position. You must undergo a polygraph exam with favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination. Polygraph Examination.

Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.

Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) as a condition of placement into this position. Please see Background Investigation.

Age Requirement: You must be referred for consideration before reaching your 40th birthday in accordance with Public Law 100-238. Federal civilian law enforcement positions covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) may have sufficient service to meet the requirement. There are no exceptions to PL 100-238. The age restriction does not apply if you are a veteran preference eligible. See 'Required Documents'.

Notice to Retired Veterans: Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for preference in appointment unless they have a documented service-connected disability. This does not apply to Reservists who will not begin drawing military retired pay until age 60. Please see veterans' 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:

1. Resided in the United States or its protectorate or territories (excluding short trips abroad, such as vacations);

2. Worked for the United States government as an employee overseas in a federal or military capacity; or

3. Been a dependent of a United States federal or military employee serving overseas.

Exceptions may be granted if you can 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.

Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The AIA position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.

Drug Testing: You must pass a drug test as a condition of employment for this position. Once employed, AIAs are subject to random & unannounced drug tests.

Medical Examination: You may be required to undergo and successfully pass an agency medical for the AIA position.

Physical Fitness Screening: Due to the strenuous nature of AIA duties & the associated training programs, a fitness test has been developed to screen candidates. Please see: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/frontline-careers/aia/app-proc

Help

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.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Saving Plan (similar to a 401(k); Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits."

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): You must be readily accessible/willing to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of a 40-hour work week, you will receive extra compensation. LEAP pay is 25% of base pay.

Recruitment Incentive (RI): Newly appointed AIAs that Enter on Duty (EOD) in a Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) duty location have been authorized to receive a 25% RI (NOTE: Current federal employees serving in a permanent position are not eligible to receive a RI). 25% of your scheduled salary (base pay plus locality) for these locations will be paid at the beginning of each year, for up to a total of three years. The RI requires a three year/156 week service agreement. You must remain employed as an AIA in the eligible duty location for the period of the service agreement in order to receive and remain eligible for the RI.

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.

You will be evaluated based on your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. The knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job are:

Skill and ability to fly and/or operate fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft in adverse or hazardous conditions in operations supporting CBP or other law enforcement entities
Knowledge of air enforcement operations
Ability to collect, refine and analyze strategic and tactical intelligence in order to execute aviation enforcement operations
Ability to evaluate information rapidly and make judicious decisions promptly while remaining courteous and professional.

Prior to appointment to this position, you must pass a three-part qualification assessment. The assessments will be conducted after you successfully complete a polygraph examination.

The assessments are pass/fail and you must pass all three in order to be eligible to be appointed to this position:

Flight Check: You will be required to demonstrate your flight proficiency in CBP aircrafts with a flight instructor. You will be evaluated based on FAA Commercial Pilot standards.
Oral Evaluation: You will be tested on your pilot knowledge based on published regulation.
Structured Interview: You will be asked scenario-based interview questions concerning core competencies, which include judgment/decision-making, teamwork/interpersonal skills, flexibility, integrity and oral communication.

The qualification assessments will be conducted at the National Air Training Center (NATC) facility in Oklahoma City, OK, and will take approximately 1 full day. An additional day may be necessary due to weather and/or maintenance issues. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with transport to and from the NATC facility and hangar, as well as lodging in Oklahoma City and all other personal expenses incurred.

Help

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.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Saving Plan (similar to a 401(k); Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits."

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): You must be readily accessible/willing to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of a 40-hour work week, you will receive extra compensation. LEAP pay is 25% of base pay.

Recruitment Incentive (RI): Newly appointed AIAs that Enter on Duty (EOD) in a Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) duty location have been authorized to receive a 25% RI (NOTE: Current federal employees serving in a permanent position are not eligible to receive a RI). 25% of your scheduled salary (base pay plus locality) for these locations will be paid at the beginning of each year, for up to a total of three years. The RI requires a three year/156 week service agreement. You must remain employed as an AIA in the eligible duty location for the period of the service agreement in order to receive and remain eligible for the RI.

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.

Required Documents

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Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone numbers, Date of Birth (DOB), aircrafts you've piloted, and a detailed description of your flying and operating experience in fixed wing and/or rotary aircrafts; dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), and Hours Worked Per Week (HPW) and
Total Flight Hours: On the first page of you resume provide the total number of flight hours for each of the categories listed below.
1. Overall Total Flight hours
2. Total Flight hours within the last 12 months
3. Total hours as Pilot-in-Command
4. Total Instrument hours
5. Total Night hours
6. Total hours by Aircraft category;
Upload as ‘Resume'

Flight Logs/Hours: You must submit clear copies of your flight records showing a total of 1500 flight hours AND;
250 Pilot-in-Command hours
75 Instrument hours
75 Night hours
100 Flight hours within the last 12 months
Upload pages under ‘Other' as Flight Log(s)

Current FAA Airmen Commercial or ATP Certificate: You must provide a legible copy of both front & back sides of your pilot certification. You must possess one of the following pilot ratings to be considered for this announcement: Dual Rated, Airplane Rated and/or Rotorcraft Helicopter Rated. *See "Basic Requirements" for rating requirements. Private Privileges cannot be used. Upload under ‘Other" as FAA Front & FAA Back

FAA Medical Certificate: You must submit a legible copy of your, FAA Medical Certificate, 1st or 2nd class. Either class must be dated within 12 months of the date of issuance and valid through the closing date of this announcement. Upload under ‘Other' as FAA Med

Online Questionnaire: You must complete the online questionnaire when you apply online.

Veterans Preference: If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (Member 4 copy of your DD214). Those applying for 10-Point preference may fill out the SF-15 and/or provide documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This certification must indicate your; (dates of service, your rank and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions). *Although Veterans Preference does not apply to Direct Hire Authority, upon selection Veterans Preference documentation may be required. View more veterans' information.

Age Requirement Documents: You must be referred for consideration before reaching your 40th birthday. You will need to submit proof that you are eligible for the position of Air Interdiction Agent if you are over 40 or will be turning 40 within the next 60 days. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service, you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning and end of the creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M or O. If you do not meet the age requirement and you are unable to provide this required documentation, you will not receive consideration under this announcement. *ALL current/former Federal employees MUST provide the required SF-50s (beginning/ending) for coverage period(s) they are claiming. If you are claiming an age waiver based on veterans' preference, submit the required veterans' preference documents. Ensure that you enter your creditable service dates in the ‘Job Related Experience' field on the questionnaire.

ICTAP Eligibility: Are you claiming special priority selection rights under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility. ICTAP eligibility Submit: a copy of your agency notice a copy of your most recent performance rating a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting your current position, grade level and duty location

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Help

In order to begin your application, you will need an active USA Jobs account. To begin your online application, click the "Apply Online" button to create a USA Jobs account and follow the prompts or sign into USA Jobs, take the online questionnaire and submit the required documents. 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 supporting documents, including transcripts, must be in English.

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 Thursday, August 31, 2017.

It is your responsibility to verify that information entered, or supporting documents that are uploaded or faxed are received and are accurate. Documents must be uploaded as the correct document type or they will not be considered. Example: Resume must be submitted as a Resume. CBP will not modify, change, or contact you regarding the completeness or accuracy of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in Application Manager and you must again upload or fax it by the closing date.

DO NOT upload performance appraisals, letters of recommendation, miscellaneous certificates, training plans or position descriptions. These documents cannot be used for qualifications and will not be reviewed.

Duty Locations: You will only be able to select one regional preference. Positions may be filled at any AMO duty station within the regions listed below. You must be willing to work at any duty location that falls within that region.

Southwest Region: Yuma, AZ; Alpine, Laredo and McAllen, TX
Caribbean Air and Marine Branch: Aguadilla, PR - Paid Relocation AND Recruitment Incentive Location

National Air Security Operation Centers (NASOC) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Locations:

NASOC: Sierra Vista, AZ
NASOC Location: Grand Forks, ND

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

To compare the cost of living data, calculate mortgage scenarios or gather information on communities and schools, visit: http://www.relocationessentials.com/aff/lifecare/tools/salary/col.aspx

Agency contact information

CBP MHC Hiring

Phone: (952)857-2932
Fax: (478)757-3144
Email: CBPHIRING-APPLICANTINQUIRY@CBP.DHS.GOV

Address: CBP Hiring Center
5600 American Blvd
Suite 700
Bloomington, MN 55437-1450
USA

Next steps

Once the announcement has closed we will assess your experience and training. Veterans Preference does not apply to Direct Hire recruitment procedures. Applicants will be referred for selection consideration if they meet minimum qualifications. If you are tentatively selected for a position, you will be emailed a tentative selection letter.

If you have already been tentatively selected for an Air Interdiction Agent position and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, your referral will replace any existing Air Interdiction Agent selection for which you are currently in process, and may delay your pre-employment processes.

You will be considered for selection based on future needs of Customs and Border Protection for as long as the inventory is active, typically for a period of 12 months. There is no guarantee that everyone on the inventory will be selected for a position.

CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with Customs and Border Protection.

DHS 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.

All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

For more information about CBP's mission, activities, and careers, please see http://www.cbp.gov/.

Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder