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Duties

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

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.

The video: Securing America's Ports of Entry emphasizes the importance of CBP Field Operations' frontline role in helping CBP accomplish its mission. For more information on CBP's mission, activities, and careers, please visit our website at www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The CBP Agriculture Specialist (AGS) primary responsibilities are:

· Serve as a consultant in the areas of inspection, analysis, intelligence gathering, examination, and law enforcement activities regarding the importation of agricultural/commercial commodities and conveyances at ports of entry.

· Apply laws and regulations when determining the admissibility of agriculture commodities while preventing the introduction of harmful pests, diseases, and potential agro-terrorism into the United States.

· Participate in special enforcement, targeting or analysis teams charged with collecting and analyzing information and identifying high-risk targets.

· Plan and conduct remedial actions such as treating, disinfecting, and decontaminating prohibited commodities, conveyances, contaminants or agricultural materials.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply to this position
You must have resided in the U.S. for the last 3 years
You must meet job-related medical and drug-testing standards
You must successfully pass a background investigation
You will be required to work regular and recurring shift work
You must possess a valid driver's license
You may be required to take a polygraph examination

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement will 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 salary based on Federal pay regulations. Note: If you are a current GS-12 step 1, your salary may be reduced to a GS-5 step 10, which equates to an approximate $29,961 salary reduction (based on locality). Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency and will be subject to a probationary period.

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.

Formal Training: You will start your training at the Professional Development Center located in Frederick, MD, for USDA training. Upon successful completion of this training, you will transition to the Field Operations Academy located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, for additional training. Successful completion of both training environments is required.

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

Shift Work/Overtime: You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and work units. You may be required to work overtime on a regular and recurring basis.

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 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.

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

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

Qualifications

Basic Requirement for All Grades (GS-5/7/9): You must have successfully completed a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that includes a major field of study such as agronomy, botany, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, pest management, plant science, soil science, crop science, microbiology, mycology, nematology, weed science, ecology, biology, agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, environmental resource management, chemistry or related disciplines. If you have not completed the above described education, you must have completed at least 24 semester hours in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline at an accredited college or university plus have appropriate work experience.

You qualify for the GS-5 grade level (starting salary $33,394) if you possess one of the following:

a. A minimum of 1 year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom training and on-the-job instruction; maintain logs and gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records AND transcripts which includes at least 24 semester hours of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university; OR

b. A full four-year course of study (at least 120 semester credits) at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree that includes a major in a field of study listed above; OR

c. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that includes a major in a field of study listed above; OR

d. Will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement and the transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement

You qualify for the GS-7 grade level (starting salary $41,365) if you possess one of the following:

a. A minimum of 1 year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with agricultural matters; research information for reports and provide information to others; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate action enforcing regulations when inspecting vessels, vehicles, aircraft and/or baggage for the presence of restricted plant materials, pests or diseases and reviewing/analyzing passengers and/or commodity documents to assess the agricultural risk of their entry into the United States AND transcripts which includes 24 semester hours of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university; OR

b. One full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree that includes a major in a field of study listed above; OR

c. A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale), which is based on one of the following: class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership from an accredited college or university that includes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a field of study listed above; OR

d. Will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of the job announcement, which includes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a field of study listed above and the transcripts must indicate you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR

e. A combination of graduate level education completed in a field of study listed above from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience listed in a. above. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application

You qualify for the GS-9 grade level (starting salary $50,598) if you possess one of the following:

a. A minimum 1 year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to coordinate, plan and execute inspection assignments, investigate violations, prepare investigative reports and provide testimony, compile data, logs and prepare reports of work accomplishments and inspection operations, coordinate and assist with school or media events and plan, conduct and oversee treatments such as disinfection, sterilization and decontamination treatments AND transcripts which includes 24 semester hours of biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or a related discipline from an accredited college or university; OR

b. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university that includes a major in a field of study listed above; OR

c. Will receive a Master's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement in one of the fields of study listed above and the transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR

d. A combination of one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade listed above and two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree in one of the fields of study listed above; OR

e. A combination of graduate level education completed in a field of study listed above from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience listed for GS-9 grade a. above. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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, and 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.

Political Appointees: 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 Resource office.

Education

Additional information

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. This may include but is not limited to a polygraph exam, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) name and fingerprint check, review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. For more information see Background Investigation.

Medical/Physical Requirements: This position has medical/physical requirements. Click here for position specific requirements. You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. Employees in this position may be required to undergo a medical examination/evaluation at the request of the Agency. If you do not meet the medical standards for the position, you may request a waiver of the medical standard by demonstrating with non-medical information that, with or without reasonable accommodation, you can safely perform the essential duties of the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: This is a drug testing designated position. You must complete and pass a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.

Interview Process: You will be required to pass a video based test.

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

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an

Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment , and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

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.

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 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 70-100 based on your responses. Your entire application package will then be reviewed.

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 functions of this position. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform of these KSAOs in an online job questionnaire. The KSAOs are:

Knowledge of inspection programs, policies, practices, and methodsAbility to evaluate, analyze, review and assess prohibited items, pests or diseasesAbility to communicate orally and in writing

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

Best Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of the evaluation criteria.
Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. This position is considered scientific/professional. Please see Veterans Preference for more information.

Reasonable Accommodations will be provided on a case-by-case basis to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, both as amended.

Required Documents

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Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. Please see the CBP Agriculture Specialist Resume Aid for specific information.

Assessment questionnaire: You must submit the online job questionnaire

Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Official transcripts are preferred but will accept unofficial at the time of application. Official transcripts are required upon receipt of a final offer of employment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualifications requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. For a listing of accrediting agencies, please see NACES Members or AICE Members.

Veteran's Preference: If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214, Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge). Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. Please see the documentation as listed on the SF-15 .

Statement of Service (Certification letter): If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Services showing you will be discharged or released from active duty. This certification should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals earned; and (3) the character of service. View more Veterans Preference.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit: 1) a copy of your agency notice; 2) a copy of your most recent performance rating; and 3) a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

Are you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment

Documents must be uploaded as the correct document type or they will not be considered. Example: Resume must be submitted as "Resume." If you fax your documents you must use the Fax Cover Sheet and fax to: (478)757-3144. You must indicate Vacancy Identification Number LN2028711 on the fax cover sheet or your documents will not be properly uploaded.

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.

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

Apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration as this announcement will close on Monday, February 26, 2018 11:59 pm Eastern Time OR on the day we receive 400 applicants (whichever comes first).

To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Click Apply and follow the online prompts to fill out the questionnaire and submit your application. 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 must be in English. If you are planning to apply using your phone or tablet, see Browser Compatibility.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may only apply once. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, transcripts and any supporting documents by 11:59 pm Eastern Time Monday, February 26, 2018.

Duty Locations: In the on-line application, you will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission critical locations: : Douglas, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Brownsville, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, El Paso, Hildago/Pharr, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso, and Rio Grande City, TX. (Click on each location for more information.) The Southern Border includes the States of: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of California, specifically Andrade, Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Ysidro and Tecate.

Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs for entry level CBP Officers as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations. The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available at the time of final offer, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location along the Southern Border of the United States.

Relocations expenses will not be paid. To compare the cost of living data, calculate mortgage scenarios or gather information on communities and schools, see Relocation Tools.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the highly-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.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

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.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

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

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

Agency contact information

CBP Frontline Hiring OFO

Phone: (952)857-2927x3
Fax: (478)757-3144
Email: CBPHIRINGDEUAGS@CBP.DHS.GOV

Address: CBP Frontline Hiring
5600 American Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55437-1450

Next steps

Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. If you are among the best qualified, your application will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration, at the highest grade for which you are determined eligible. A valid application does not guarantee selection. Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded at the time of application. Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account and go to your home page to view active application. For detailed status, click on the plus sign (+) next to the announcement.

If you are already in the pre-employment process for a CBP Agriculture Specialist position and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, your new referral will replace any existing CBP Agriculture Specialist referral regardless of preference location for which you are currently in process, and may delay your pre-employment processes.

View more information on applying for federal employment.

Required Documents

Help

Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. Please see the CBP Agriculture Specialist Resume Aid for specific information.

Assessment questionnaire: You must submit the online job questionnaire

Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Official transcripts are preferred but will accept unofficial at the time of application. Official transcripts are required upon receipt of a final offer of employment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualifications requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. For a listing of accrediting agencies, please see NACES Members or AICE Members.

Veteran's Preference: If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214, Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge). Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. Please see the documentation as listed on the SF-15 .

Statement of Service (Certification letter): If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Services showing you will be discharged or released from active duty. This certification should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals earned; and (3) the character of service. View more Veterans Preference.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit: 1) a copy of your agency notice; 2) a copy of your most recent performance rating; and 3) a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

Are you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment

Documents must be uploaded as the correct document type or they will not be considered. Example: Resume must be submitted as "Resume." If you fax your documents you must use the Fax Cover Sheet and fax to: (478)757-3144. You must indicate Vacancy Identification Number LN2028711 on the fax cover sheet or your documents will not be properly uploaded.

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.

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.

How to Apply