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Border Patrol Agent (Sector Programs)

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol
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
04/13/2022 to 04/26/2022
Salary
$94,373 to - $122,683 per year

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

Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Locations
Pembroke Pines, FL
2 vacancies
New Orleans, LA
2 vacancies
Havre, MT
2 vacancies
Aguadilla, PR
2 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—A Temporary Change of Station (TCS) Relocation benefit has been authorized and will be paid at the beginning and end of the assignment.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion - 24 MONTHS
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
USBP-IMP-11448507-KJK
Control number
648410100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

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

Duties

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Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, at various locations throughout the United States. Below are the duty locations where positions may be filled under this announcement.

Big Bend Sector Headquarters, LE Operations and LEO Programs - Prosecutions, Marfa, Texas
Del Rio Sector Headquarters, Del Rio, Texas
Havre Sector Headquarters, Havre, Montana
Miami Sector Headquarters, Pembroke Pines, Florida
New Orleans Sector Headquarters, New Orleans, Louisiana
Ramey Sector Headquarters, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Spokane Sector Headquarters, Spokane, Washington

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.

Law enforcement positions are expected to report to their duty station on a daily basis. However, due to COVID-19, some positions in CBP are currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, and you are given an entrance on duty date you will be provided additional information on the reporting requirements of your position.

This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of noncitizens into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws; and seek out and apprehend smugglers or noncitizens who are in the United States illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.

This position starts at a salary of $94,373.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $122,683.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $122,683.00 (GS-13 Step 10).

As a Border Patrol Agent (Sector Programs) you will serve as a secondary law enforcement officer (under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 8412 (d) and be responsible for:

  • Reading, analyzing, and preparing highly sensitive internal reports/presentations regarding operations, budgeting, programs, critical incidents and personnel.
  • Reviewing Border Patrol data and program metrics and collaborating with Headquarters Border Patrol managers in the collection, formulation, and development of Border Patrol objectives, plans, policies, and procedures governing the execution of projects and operations.
  • Assisting with Border Patrol mission-specific projects that may include enforcement operations, intelligence collection and reporting, administrative and logistical support, development of training programs, technological requirements, personnel, labor and employee relations issues, internal and external communications, and other program areas as required.
  • Functioning as a liaison between U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters and Sectors and with other DHS operational, management, and program offices to include representatives of other federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies in order to coordinate Border Patrol programs and significant projects and representing the Border Patrol viewpoint in meetings, workgroups, or collaborations with various law enforcement agencies.
  • Relaying and explaining the Border Patrol's policies, directives, and method of operation and furnishing guidance to field offices and assisting with problem resolution and application of policy and procedures by ensuring that stations are kept informed of changes in policies and procedures, and providing timely advice on conditions or situations which would have bearing on operations.

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 be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement Safer Federal Workforce Task Force 2 pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Who May Apply:
  • Current federal employees with competitive status who work for U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
Temporary/Rotational Assignment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed (NTE) 24 months. You will be returned, at any time, to the position from which temporarily promoted, to the last permanent official station and position held prior to this NTE assignment, and the return is not subject to the procedures found in 5 C.F.R. §§ 351, 432, 752, and 771. If you are currently at the grade level of the position announced, this action will result in a reassignment, and you may be returned at any time to the position held prior to this NTE assignment. If you currently hold a grade level higher than the grade being announced, this action will result in a change to lower grade, and you may be returned at any time to the position held prior to this temporary assignment. The incumbent will be returned to their previous duty location in accordance with the FTR 302-3.400 - 302-3.429. TCS Relocation will be approved.

Qualifications

Basic Qualification Requirements:

The basic qualification requirements include experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrates the ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; to deal effectively with individuals or persons in a courteous, tactful manner; and to analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions.

AND

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:

  • Collaborating with Border Patrol managers in the collection, formulation, and development of Border Patrol objectives.
  • Reviewing Border Patrol data and program metrics, and recommending the use or development of best practices.
  • Assisting with specific projects that included enforcement operations, intelligence collection and reporting, administrative and logistical support.
  • Creating reports utilizing information from Border Patrol databases and operations for purposes of formulating budget recommendations.

Language Requirement: Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).

Firearms Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.

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 may be required to undergo and successfully pass our medical screening process. We will schedule, provide and pay for the required basic medical examination. For more information, visit this link.

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 (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 04/26/2022.
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.

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 waiver 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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Temporary Change of Station (TCS) relocation expenses have been authorized for this position. TCS means the relocation to a new official station for a temporary period while performing a long-term assignment and subsequent return to the previous official station upon completion of that assignment. See U.S. Border Patrol Paid Moves for additional details.

This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must have a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.

Shift Work/Overtime: 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. You could be required to work overtime on a daily basis and will be compensated up to an additional 25% of your base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.

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

Law Enforcement Retirement: This position meets the eligibility criteria for law enforcement retirement. For more information on required years of service and retirement age clink on this link. For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, please see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46, pages 12-13.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

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 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

  • Ability to effectively liaison with all levels of managers, staff members, and outside groups including various law enforcement personnel and state and local governmental entities, as well as foreign diplomats
  • Knowledge of Border Patrol Mission, national strategy, policies, operations, directives, and methods of operation.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations outside of the organization, monitor public relations, and build support for ideas and initiatives with the public by negotiating with internal and external groups.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and respond to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles by evaluating information rapidly, making timely decisions, and taking appropriate actions to manage projects for the U.S. Border Patrol.
Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11448507

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. 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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