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Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line)

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

Summary

As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America's borders and enable legitimate trade and travel. Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority. Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
10/13/2020 to 11/02/2020
Salary
$91,231 to - $118,603 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Haines, AK
Ketchikan, AK
Skagway, AK
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses may or may not be paid depending upon the budget of the specified location as well as whether or not the position and/or location are designated as hard-to-fill. Application decisions should not be based on whether relocation funding will be paid.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
OFO-IMP-10899124-RLL
Control number
581403600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position.

Duties

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This announcement is for a Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line), GS 13. We are no longer issuing certificates from the previous announcement OFO-IMP-10526739-CAF; that announcement has been discontinued. You must re-apply to this current vacancy OFO-IMP-10899124-RLL announcement to continue to receive consideration.

WHERE WILL POSITIONS BE FILLED UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT? Positions filled under this announcement are in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations. Positions are available throughout the United States. You will be asked to identify your duty location preferences in the on-line application process. In some cases, the duty stations may not have a vacancy during the life of this announcement. In addition, there may be occasions where applicants are referred for selection based upon working within a particular commuting area. The local commuting area is defined as the area surrounding the duty station by which people reasonably travel back and forth from home to work. If you are selected for and accept this position, once you enter on duty, you will no longer be referred for other locations under this announcement.
Geographic Location: You may select up to Seven (7) locations where you would be willing to work.

WHEN IS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN AND WHAT IS THE LAST DATE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION? We are currently accepting applications from 10/13/2020 to 11/02/2020. You must apply on-line by 11:59 p.m. ET, 11/02/2020 to receive consideration under this announcement. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for further guidance. You must meet the qualifications and eligibility by 7/31/2021 to be considered eligible under this announcement. You may be referred and selected at any time after the closing date. However, if selected, you will be promoted/reassigned only after you have met all job requirements such as qualifications and time-in-grade requirements. Employees who meet the qualifications and other job requirements (as explained in this announcement) by 7/31/2021, are encouraged to apply during the open period. If you do not apply by 11/02/2020, you WILL NOT have an opportunity to apply for this position and will not receive consideration for selection until the next open period.


Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen Homeland Security by performing law enforcement activities such as inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, and interpretation of laws and regulations.

This position starts at a salary of $91,231.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to$118,603.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $118,603 GS-13Step 10).

Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

COLA is authorized for certain locations and is calculated separately using the base salary table. Please see the following link for specific COLA Rates here.

In this first-line supervisory position you will become a key member of a team of Homeland Security professionals detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Typical work assignments include:
  • Supervising, planning, directing, coordinating, assigning and evaluating all work activities regarding the full range of inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities relating to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances, and merchandise at Ports of Entry.
  • Interpreting the laws and regulations of a broad range of Federal, state, and local agencies relating to the admissibility of people, cargo, and conveyances.
  • Identifying potential terrorists and instruments of terror and performing layered enforcement activities relative to counter-terrorism.
  • Preventing the entry of terrorists and instruments of terror, harmful pests and diseases, illegal drugs and contraband, and all illegal aliens and importations/exportations contrary to law and trade agreements from entering/exiting the United States.
  • Evaluating employees' performance and conduct; resolving disciplinary actions; maintaining operating budgets; and promoting affirmative action goals.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • You must pass the CBP Officer Promotional Assessment
  • You must possess a valid driver's license
  • You must meet firearms requirements
  • You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency

Qualifications

Qualifications: You must meet all qualification requirements by July 31, 2021. Qualification claims will be subject to verification through a review of your work experience and/or education as provided in your resume, transcripts (as applicable), and responses to assessment questions. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Conducting primary inspections of cargo, conveyances, and travelers to determine admissibility, alienage, citizenship and the need for referral to secondary inspection for further intensified inspection at Ports of Entry (POE) utilizing behavioral and cultural analysis.
  • Conducting secondary inspections of referrals from primary inspections through interviews, additional database queries, communication with other law enforcement agencies, and use of technology at the POE.
  • Identifying, targeting, controlling and examining passengers and cargo leaving the United States to ensure the mission objectives of interdicting terrorists and instruments of terror, and compliance with export requirements.
  • Developing, planning and participating in tactical operations and preparing detailed accurate reports regarding inspections, gathered intelligence, and incidents.
  • Communicate and interact with internal components, other law enforcement agencies, foreign entities, and carriers and serving as a coach and mentor of lower level CBP Officers on a regular and recurring basis.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements by close of business 7/31/2021.

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.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For more information visit this link.

Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment 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.

Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:

Physical and Medical Requirements: Because the duties of the position are of a strenuous nature and require a high degree of interaction and responsibility to the public, you must undergo and successfully pass our medical screening process. We will schedule, provide and pay for the required basic medical examination. For more information, go to https://www.cbp.gov/careers/frontline-careers/cbpo/app-proc.

Physical Fitness Requirement: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test-1. Please see the Pre-employment Fitness Test-1 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 tests.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. You will be required to certify whether you have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Age Requirement: Pursuant to Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers which allows for the imposition of a maximum age requirement. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 252-08, the day before an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.

Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C 8412(d), or Customs and Border Protection Officer service under Public Law 110-161 may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving as a CBPO covered by Public Law 110-161.

To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its recent decision of Isabella v. Dept. of State, the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veterans preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. § 3312.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for 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 of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information

This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.

Leadership Training: All newly appointed first-time CBP Supervisors are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include SLT three (3) weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.

All first-line appointed supervisors, who have never completed a supervisory probationary period are required to successfully complete the Essential Supervisory Skills (ESS) course during their supervisory probationary period. Failure to successfully complete the ESS course within the supervisory probationary period will result in the employee being removed from the position.

Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Secret level clearance for this position.

Travel: You will be required to travel frequently.

Rotation of Assignments/Duty Locations: You may be required to rotate assignments and duty locations.

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

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.

Basic Training: You may be required to attend approximately 18 weeks of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Academy (FLETC). If you are selected for certain duty locations you may be required to receive an additional 6 weeks of Spanish language training.

Data Systems: You will be required to maintain access to all data systems necessary for duty execution.

Shift work: You may be required to perform work on a shift and rotational basis.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a current valid State driver's license at the time of appointment.

Overtime: You must be readily available to work overtime on a scheduled or unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week.

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.

Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations.

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

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which you claim in the job questionnaire AND you must provide the supporting documentation. You will not be considered for Eligibilities for which you did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10899124.


A series of vacancy questions will be used to determine your eligibility. If you meet those basic requirements, your application package may be referred to management for selection consideration. Falsification of your application will remove you from consideration and could subject you to disciplinary action.

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 10/13/2020 if you have not held the GS-13 on a permanent basis, or if you have been demoted due to performance or conduct reasons. You do not need to have a current, valid test score if you have permanently held a position at the GS-13 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.


We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
  • Knowledge of primary and secondary inspections, intelligence analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities including apprehension, detention, and arrests relative to arrival and departure of persons, conveyances and merchandise at Ports of Entry (POE).
  • Knowledge of principles and techniques of management to accomplish work through others.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the national collective bargaining agreement and the ability to apply the bargaining unit agreement.
  • Ability to coach and train lower level CBPOs in the selection and application of appropriate problem solving methods and techniques, provides advice on work methods, practices, and procedures.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing to all levels of internal components and external government agencies.
  • Ability to prepare accurate reports of enforcement actions and activities.
  • Ability to plan and schedule work on a daily basis.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10899124.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. Information about CTAP eligibility can be found here. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

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