Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

MARINE INTERDICTION AGENT

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
This job announcement has closed

Summary

**Newly appointed MIAs that Enter on Duty (EOD) in a Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) duty location, have been authorized to receive a 25% recruitment incentive in-addition to, LEAP and overtime pay.

A fully trained Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) may be eligible for overtime pay (up to an additional 25% of salary).  Marine Interdiction Agents (MIA) may also have a higher starting salary based on their duty location.  Please visit the OPM website for more information.

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice.  Category Rating, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice.  

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-9, GS-11 and GS-12.  You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level (with supervisor approval).  For example you could: 

· start as a MIA in July 2018 as a GL-9 and make $52,285 -$65,356 per year*

· be promoted in July 2019 to GS-11 and make $61,218 - $76,523 per year*

· be promoted in July 2020 to GS-12 and make $73,375 - $91,719 per year*

*Please note this example includes a range of minimum locality pay up to maximum potential salary with overtime earnings.  Pay rates are based on the 2018 "Rest of the United States" salary table and does not take into consideration higher locality pay where applicable or yearly cost of living increases.

Polygraph Information:  Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) is a polygraph-designated position.  You must complete and pass a polygraph examination to be eligible for the position.  If you are a Veteran and have a current TS-SCI clearance, you may be eligible for a polygraph waiver. 

Polygraph Reciprocity:  CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam.  You may request reciprocity at the time of polygraph exam scheduling. 

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.

Overview

Help
Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
04/01/2018 to 04/15/2018
Salary
$52,285 to - $67,465 per year
Pay scale & grade
GL 09
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
San Diego, CA
Many vacancies
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Many vacancies
Fort Myers, FL
Few vacancies
Key Largo, FL
Many vacancies
Travel Required
25% or less - You will be required to travel frequently. This may require extended foreign and domestic, Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation will be paid for Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, VI locations ONLY.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Service
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Announcement number
MIA 18-7 2028945
Control number
493849700

This job is open to

Help

Duties

Help

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:

  • Conducts maritime patrols and interdictions at sea, on lakes, and rivers to prevent the illegal entry of weapons of terror
  • Conducts interdiction operations against national security threats to include, illegal drugs and undocumented alien smuggling
  • Conduct joint investigations with other agencies related to border security in the maritime environment, employing multiple investigative techniques and capabilities 

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

  • Serving as an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel commander and crew member in law enforcement operations utilizing CBP marine assets.
  • Conducting maritime patrols, surveillance and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land, air, and sea.
  • Conducting high speed vessel pursuits and intercepts of suspect vessels under adverse and sometimes hazardous conditions during the hours of darkness and in times of foul/inclement weather.
  • Searching vessels and/or persons to gather evidence to support allegations of criminal or terrorist activity.
  • Conducting independent and joint investigations.
  • Working closely with other Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to gather/share intelligence information regarding illegal maritime activity to include identifying and preventing potential acts of terrorism.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • REQUIRED - Qualifying USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials
  • *Recruitment Incentive; see 'Benefits'
  • 1 year specialized law enforcement experience
  • Must be referred prior to 40th birthday *waiver for Veterans
  • Successfully pass a background investigation and poly exam
  • Have lived in the US for the last 3 years
  • Required to carry a firearm and possess a valid driver's license
  • Must meet job related medical, fitness and drug testing standards
  • Must pass written exam, vessel practical and structured oral interview
  • Required to work regular and recurring shift work

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

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 current salary based on Federal pay regulation.

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  attend approximately 23 weeks of paid training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, consisting of 15 weeks of Air and Marine Basic Training (AMBT) which includes a 100-meter swim and 15-minute survival float test that must be passed to complete the course; followed by 4 weeks of Spanish Language training (if you failed the Spanish Language proficiency test given during the  AMBT course); and 4 weeks of Marine Law Enforcement training. Additionally, you will be required to complete the following training programs after successful completion of AMBT: (1) Crewmember training course at your local duty station; (2) Tactical Boarding Officer training course; and (5) Initial Vessel Commander Certification at the National Marine Training Center (NMTC) in St. Augustine, FL. Failure to successfully complete all of the training may be grounds for mandatory removal from the position.

Physical Requirements: You must be physically able to perform strenuous duties under rigorous environmental conditions. For example, duties require physical stamina in running long distances, climbing, jumping, etc., withstanding exposure to extreme weather conditions for extended period; and standing and stooping for long periods of time. Irregular and protracted hours of work are also required.

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.

Drivers' License: You must possess a valid drivers' license.

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 GL-9 grade level (starting salary $52,285 - $67,465 with potential overtime) if you possess at least one year of specialized experience that provided you with the knowledge of basic law enforcement methods, techniques, and skills. 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Enforcing laws, effecting arrests and conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses and suspects
  • Performing surveillance, writing reports detailing activities and observations 
  • Collecting and securing evidence and providing expert testimony in court;

 

U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): You must submit a legible and current copy of your Merchant Mariner Credentials.

Qualifying MMCs: OUPV, Master or Deck's Mate showing the, expiration date and capacity pages of the license.  *If you do not possess a qualifying MMC or upload both pages of a qualifying MMC listed above you will not receive consideration for this announcement.

 

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.

Education

A Master's degree or two full years of graduate education in a qualifying progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or LL.B., in a qualifying field (e.g., criminal justice, intelligence, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, and corrections and rehabilitation); OR 

A combination of successfully completed post-bachelors education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.  If education is used for your qualification, official transcript will be required upon selection.

Additional information

Polygraph Examination: The Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) 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 you have a 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 MIA 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, MIAs are subject to random & unannounced drug tests.

Medical Examination: You must undergo & successfully pass the medical screening process.

Physical Fitness Screening: Due to the strenuous nature of the MIA duties & the associated training programs, fitness tests have been developed to screen candidates for entry-level MIA positions.  Please see: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/frontline-careers/mia/app-proc

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:

  • Knowledge and skill in the use of proper law enforcement and interdiction techniques
  • Ability to evaluate and use intelligence information by consolidating disparate facts, events and other intelligence material
  • Ability to operate a wide variety of vessels
  • Knowledge of navigation techniques
  • Ability to operate radar systems capable of multiple target acquisition, electronic navigation systems, fathometers and communication suites

Once you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the polygraph examination, you will be evaluated through the use of three (3) qualification assessments: written examination, vessel practical and structured interview.  Assessments are pass/fail and applicants must pass all three assessments in order to remain in consideration. If you previously applied for an MIA position and failed an assessment, you must wait 6 months before retaking the assessment. Scores on passed assessments are valid for 24 months.

  • Written Examination: This examination covers the following areas - Rules of the Road, Navigation General, and Deck General. To prepare for the examination, you should refer to study aides for preparing for the USCG MMC - Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vehicles (OUPV) license. You should also review and practice chart plotting. Chart plotting tools will be provided.
  • Vessel Evaluation: You will be required to demonstrate your vessel handling proficiency on an approximately 30' twin engine vessel. You will be evaluated on your knowledge of equipment safety and nomenclature, Marine VHF, vessel handling and practical demonstration of navigation and docking in various conditions.
  • Structured Oral Interview: You must be able to answer scenario-based interview questions to demonstrate your knowledge of core competencies needed for this position.

    Applicants are responsible for all expenses associated with their travel to and from the assessment.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.