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Duties

Summary

"Location Negotiable" means the duty location offered in your final offer may include any geographic location within the United States that meets operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs. Many locations have recruitment incentives. See the How to Apply section for more information.

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Responsibilities
Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:
- Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
- Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
- Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
- Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
- Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited good and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband
A fully trained Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. The starting salary for this position may be higher in certain duty locations, please visit the OPM website for salary information.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-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. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. For example you could:
- start as a CBPO in March 2020 as a GS-9 and make $51,440 - $96,440 per year*
- be promoted in March 2021 to GS-11 and make $62,236 - $107,236 per year*
- be promoted in March 2022 to GS-12 and make $74,596 - $119,596 per year*
*Please note this example includes a range from minimum locality pay up to maximum potential salary with overtime earnings. Pay rates are based on the 2019 Rest of the United States salary table and do not take into consideration higher locality pay where applicable, recruiting incentive or yearly cost of living increases.

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. Fully trained officers may be compensated up to $45,000 in overtime in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Duty Locations: Locations are negotiated after VRA eligible applicants have cleared all pre-employment requirements. Offers are based on operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations, and may include any geographic location within the United States.

If you accept one of the following duty locations you may be eligible to receive an additional 15%-33% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. This incentive only applies to new federal employees and is dependent upon the availability of funds.

Duty locations offering 33% recruitment incentives: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, and San Luis, AZ; and Calexico, CA

Duty Locations offering 25% recruitment incentives: San Francisco, CA; Coburn Gore and Jackman, ME; Grand Portage, MN; Raymond and Sweetgrass, MT; Pembina, ND; Presidio, TX; and Oroville, WA

Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Portal, ND
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

12
Job family (Series)

1895 Customs And Border Protection
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment
This is an Excepted Service appointment. After successfully completing 2 years of service, you will be converted to the competitive service.

Selective Service Registration: Males born after 12/31/1959 must verify registration. To verify your registration OR request a Status Information Letter click here.

Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for all CBP Officers and is part of the training provided.

Formal Training: You will complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately 30 days at their home port prior to attending the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) for approximately 17 - 19 weeks at Glynco, GA. Candidates selected for duty locations where they are required to be proficient in reading, writing and speaking Spanish will be required to either pass a Spanish language proficiency examination or attend a 6-week long Spanish immersion class at FLETC.

Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found here.

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

Residency Requirement: CBP has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
1. Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
2. A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
3. Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
4. Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to the residency requirement.

You must meet job-related medical, fitness, suitability and drug-testing standards.

Qualifications

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

If you do not have previous or current law enforcement or military experience, you may qualify for the GS-5/7 grade level announcement: Apply Here

You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the application of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing and exporting merchandise to and from the United States, or enforcement and administration of laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in, or depart from the United States; OR

Education Substitution: Two full years of graduate level education (equivalent to 36 semester credits or 54 quarter credits) in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) at an accredited college or university; OR

Will complete two full years of graduate-level education (equivalent to 36 semester or 54 quarter credits) within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university and will upload all official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date of this announcement; OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level AND graduate level education completed in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) at an accredited college or university. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

Age Requirement: Effective May 1, 2016, the Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age for original placement into a CBPO position; therefore, candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday (increased from age 37). In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). This measure will increase the statutorily mandatory retirement to an age of up to 60 to allow individuals the opportunity to complete 20 years of Enhanced Customs and Border Protection service (See U.S.C 8425 (b)(1) and 8335 (b)(1)).

The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' Preference eligible. For more information on Veterans' Preference eligibility please see the OPM Veterans' Guide.

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. 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.

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, 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 Resources Office.

Education

Refer to the Qualifications Section for information on education substitution.

Additional information

Polygraph Examination: The CBP Officer position is a polygraph-required position. You must take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. For more information and videos about the polygraph process, please see 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.

Pre-Screening Interview: As a part of the suitability process applicants may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview

Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security Position and, upon selection, candidates will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention in this position. For more information, please see Background Investigation.

Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The CBP Officer 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.

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 a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.

Physical Fitness Screening: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please see the Pre-Employment Fitness Test Readiness Program for additional information. This is a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.

Interview Process: You will be required to pass a face-to-face structured interview.

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.

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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 their resume. The KSAOs are:
- Knowledge of CBP laws, regulations, and precedents, as well as CBP Officer processes, techniques, activities and law enforcement procedures to enforce and administer laws related to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances and merchandise
- Knowledge of proper law enforcement methods including, interrogating, searching, seizing, arresting, and self-defense for use in apprehension of terrorists, illegal aliens, or others suspected of illegal activity
- Ability to control imports and exports to detect and prevent smuggling and fraud
- Ability to perform primary inspection by questioning and observing individuals
If you meet minimum qualifications, you will be considered as follows:
1. Eligible applicants are considered as defined by 5 CFR 302.304(b)
2. Each qualified 10-point preference eligible who has a 10 percent or more compensable, service-connected disability is first, followed by other 10 point preference eligible, and third, by 5-point preference eligible and last, by non-preference eligible
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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Other

Drug test required

Yes
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Required Documents
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. If you are a current or former federal employee please include your salary, pay scale and pay grade information. Note: Most applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the CBPO Resume Aid for specific information and examples.

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 preferred, but will accept unofficial transcripts 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 qualification 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.

Veterans' Preference Documents: If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214 Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge) showing your Character of Service. 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 about Veterans' Preference.

Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for the position of CBP Officer. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service; you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date of 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. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.

SF-50: If you are a current/former Federal employee it is recommend that you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.

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
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.
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Benefits

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our 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.
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How to Apply

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 prompts to fill out the online 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 for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, 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 posted below is for inquiries only. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire and any supporting documents at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.

CBP has a critical need for CBP Officers in Arizona. View the Arizona Destination Guide to learn about what Arizona has to offer! Click on the videos below to learn more.

New York Native CBP Officer Loves Year Round Golf in Arizona video:
CBP Officer Heather Snide enjoys a rewarding career with CBP and playing golf year-round.

Sheriff Deputy Finds Better Working Conditions as a CBP Officer video:
CBP Officer Jesus Castillo found employment that keeps him happy and motivated along with greater work-life balance to spend time with his growing family.

College Graduate Finds CBP Officer Career A Perfect Fit video:
CBP Officer Mary Garcia found a perfect career fit with CBP where she uses her language and criminal justice skills every day at the Port of Nogales.

Motorcycle Enthusiast CBP Officer Finds Southern Border Climate Picture-perfect video:
CBP Officer Branden Stoliker enjoys a rewarding career with CBP and riding his motorcycle year-round.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled Veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View more information on applying for federal employment. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

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

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

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Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Frontline Veterans Recruitment

Phone

952-857-2926

Email

CBPHiringFLS@cbp.dhs.gov

Address

Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

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Next steps

You will be referred for selection consideration during the announcement open period as you successfully complete the application, online questionnaire, and upload your documents. Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-9 grade level. Applicants who successfully complete the application process will be referred for selection consideration.

Please ensure all required documents are uploaded at the time of application. A valid application does not guarantee selection. Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log into your USAJOBS account and go to your home page to view active applications. If you meet minimum qualifications, you will be contacted for placement into the hiring process.

If you are currently in the pre-employment process for the CBP Officer position at the grades 5, 7 or 9 and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, all active pre-employment process statuses will be applied to this application (e.g., medical status, background investigation, etc.).

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.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/549882200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Customs and Border Protection Officer (VRA)

Department of Homeland Security

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

Pay scale & grade

Salary

Appointment type

Work schedule

Location

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)