Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim (and provide supporting documentation) based on the responses provided in the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10174941
Organizational Location: These positions are with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, Regulations and Rulings, National Commodity Specialist Division.
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.
Summary
Who May Apply (Eligibilities):
Current federal employees with competitive status who work for U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim (and provide supporting documentation) based on the responses provided in the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10174941
Organizational Location: These positions are with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, Regulations and Rulings, National Commodity Specialist Division.
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.
Joining the Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade will allow you to use your expertise in furnishing authoritative information and advice to field based Import Specialists, so as to ensure the uniformity and accuracy of their decisions. This position starts at a salary of $87,252 (GS-13, Step 1) to $134,038 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $134,038 (GS-14, Step 10). Apply for these exciting opportunities to strengthen homeland security by enforcing import laws related to international trade agreements, admissibility standards and revenue collection.
In these National Import Specialist positions you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals assuring uniformity and correctness of CBP actions, and be accountable for decisions on Tariff Classification, marking, country of origin, admissibility, applicability of Trade agreements, and will offer advice and guidance on valuation and other Trade responsibilities. Typical work assignments include:
Preparing advanced binding tariff classification rulings to importers and other interested persons and referring tariff related information to enhance the effectiveness of national cargo and entry summary selectivity;
Preparing reports for the Assistant Chief Counsel (United States Court of International Trade) on court cases, protests for further review and re-appraisement cases recommending the government's position utilizing data and opinions developed in the office;
Conducting national commodity seminars, webinars, port visits, and mini-seminars to promote accuracy and uniformity of CBP decisions nationwide; and
Promoting Informed Compliance activities by conducting public outreach presentations and preparing Informed Compliance Publications on trade-related issues.
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 the last three years (additional details below)
You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
You may be required to pass initial and random drug testing
Qualifications
GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level to include at least one year of specialized experience serving as a GS-12 National Import Specialist Assistant responsible for preparing binding rulings, etc., or serving as a Senior or Lead Import Specialist responsible for ensuring that routine work assignments of an assigned team are carried out in accordance with established guidelines and with administrative and judicial precedent; and planning, conducting, and controlling the review, analysis, and processing of entries pertaining to assigned lines of merchandise.
GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level. Examples include developing and issuing nationally binding rulings on tariff classifications; providing authoritative advice to the public on classification, value, and related issues; developing, utilizing ACS/ACE modules to enforce trade-related laws and regulations.
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, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 05/02/2018.
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.
Probationary Period: All current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
TRAINING/EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
New selectees that are not currently in the 1889 series are required to attend 7 weeks of paid training at the Field Office Training Academy in Charleston, SC. The training is a formalized course of required basic technical instruction that must be successfully completed according to the standards of Customs and Border Protection, CBP.
Failure to successfully complete the required course of basic training in accordance with the standards and policies of Customs and Border Protection will be grounds for removal from the position. Such failure will result in either reassignment to a different position, demotion, or separation by appropriate procedures.
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. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum requirements of the position. This will be measured by a score of 85 or higher. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This position is covered under the bargaining unit.
CBP 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.
Every individual receives a fair opportunity throughout the federal recruitment and hiring process. Learn more here.
Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education 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. The final determination will be based on all the information provided in your application package.
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 attainment of these KSAOs in their resume. The KSAOs are:
Knowledge regarding conducting research on and developing nationally binding tariff classification decisions for proposed imports that are novel to the United States
Drafting informed compliance information and applying a working knowledge of various computer software products for use in communications/research and for accessing various databases to enter and retrieve information
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with various members of leadership, internal and external customers
Knowledge of concepts, principles, laws, and regulations which apply to tariff classification of imported merchandise.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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.
Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, address, phone number, email address, and salary. NOTE: Resumes stored on USAJOBS will not automatically carry over to this announcement. You must upload your resume and any other applicable supporting documentation.
Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are not required to submit SF-50s, but are highly encouraged to do so, especially if you are using federal experience outside of CBP as your highest full performance level or for meeting this position's time-in-grade requirement.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Veterans' preference points are not applicable to Merit Promotion announcements
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? 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
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indication of quality prior experience, no points will be assigned.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under "Other" documents. "Other" documents may not be applicable for each applicant, but should be utilized if you are submitting a SF-50 for proof of federal service, veterans documents for eligibility, transcripts for qualifications, etc.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information visit this link. 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.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. 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, including transcripts, must be in English.
If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an Alternate Application process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 05/02/2018.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Office of Trade
CBP Hiring Center
5600 American Boulevard
Suite 700
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.
Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, address, phone number, email address, and salary. NOTE: Resumes stored on USAJOBS will not automatically carry over to this announcement. You must upload your resume and any other applicable supporting documentation.
Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are not required to submit SF-50s, but are highly encouraged to do so, especially if you are using federal experience outside of CBP as your highest full performance level or for meeting this position's time-in-grade requirement.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Veterans' preference points are not applicable to Merit Promotion announcements
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? 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
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indication of quality prior experience, no points will be assigned.
Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under "Other" documents. "Other" documents may not be applicable for each applicant, but should be utilized if you are submitting a SF-50 for proof of federal service, veterans documents for eligibility, transcripts for qualifications, etc.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information visit this link. 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.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. 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, including transcripts, must be in English.
If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an Alternate Application process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 05/02/2018.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.
Office of Trade
CBP Hiring Center
5600 American Boulevard
Suite 700
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.
Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
