The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission and core values at https://www.cbp.gov/about
In this CBP Technicianposition you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals performing technical duties requiring application of specialized knowledge of procedures, techniques, regulations and information. Typical work assignments include:
Assisting and providing support to CBP Officers and Agricultural Specialists on inspection, intelligence, analysis and examination of passengers, baggage conveyances and cargo
Operating scanning equipment to review contents of packages; screening incoming parcels for completeness of declarations, admissibility, entry status, and contraband
Examining cargo and merchandise; applying appropriate tariff number, value, and rate of duty and tax to merchandise; comparing passenger baggage to declarations
Preparing complex broker/importer cases for decision by specialists; and reviewing declarations and cargo manifests for completeness and compliance with applicable regulations
Coordinating and processing of data (permits, entries, declarations) into various automated systems
Duty Location: You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission critical locations: Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco and San Ysidro, CA; Louisville, KY; Bangor, Calais, and Jackman, ME; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Saipan, MP; Vicksburg, MS; Sweetgrass, MT; Albuquerque and Columbus, NM; Columbus and Rosemont, OH; El Paso, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Norfolk, VA; Norton, VT; and Blaine, WA.
NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.
Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs for entry level CBP Techs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.
Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise in office administration by performing work to support CBP Officers, Agricultural Specialists, and other CBP Specialists and Officers. This position starts at a salary of $42,022.00 (GS-06, Step 1) to $60,703.00 (GS-07, Step 10) with promotion potential to $60,703.00 (GS-7 Step 10).
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.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
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)
See "Additional Information" section below for more detailed requirements for this position
Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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:
Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
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.
Background Investigation: 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 and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP
More requirements listed in the Additional Information section below.
Qualifications
It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted with your application is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-06 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Providing technical and clerical duties in support of inspection functions
Conducting searches of records and automated systems
Reviewing documents for accuracy and validity
Providing information to brokers, prospective importers and other inquiries
Experience: You qualify for the GS-07 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Conducting inspections of baggage, packages, cargo, parcels, and/or persons
Reviews documents for completeness and ensure compliance with laws, policies, rules and regulations
Reconciling accounts and resolves and corrects errors
Responding to complaints and inquiries from internal and external customers
Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-6 or GS-7 grade level.
National Service 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.
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.
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our Drug Testing FAQs and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Drug Test
Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards. Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings that are obscene, racially/ethically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Work Environment: Work involves moderate risk depending on current assignment that may require special safety precautions. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear.
Shift Work: You will be required to perform work on a shift and rotational basis.
Overtime: Overtime will not be regularly scheduled; however, you must be available to work overtime on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week.
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.
As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume and supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the USA Hire online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies:
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Teamwork
Technical Ability
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the Well-Qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this job announcement.(https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/)
The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Ability to review incoming documents to determine completeness and compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and procedures
Ability to utilize, perform research, pull reports from, and input data into automated systems such as payroll systems, Microsoft programs, databases, etc.
Ability to interpret guidance to resolve issues and errors
Ability to work independently or in a team environment
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
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.
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.
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. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214 showing character of service.
SF-50: If you are a current/former Federal employee it is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Program (CTAP) and/or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
a copy of your agency notice,
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
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 requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. See How To Apply for more information on Reasonable Accommodation requests.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/25/2023 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement 09/25/2023.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. This assessment cannot be completed on a mobile device. Click here for Computer System Requirements.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.
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.
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. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Once the announcement closes, we will assess your experience and education, if applicable. If you are found qualified, you may be referred for further consideration. You will be notified by email so be sure to monitor your Junk and Spam folders. 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.
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.
If you have received a tentative offer and are currently in the pre-employment process for a CBP Technician position, reapplying to the same location and grade level is not encouraged and may delay the hiring process.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214 showing character of service.
SF-50: If you are a current/former Federal employee it is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Program (CTAP) and/or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
a copy of your agency notice,
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
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 requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. See How To Apply for more information on Reasonable Accommodation requests.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/25/2023 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement 09/25/2023.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. This assessment cannot be completed on a mobile device. Click here for Computer System Requirements.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.
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.
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. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Once the announcement closes, we will assess your experience and education, if applicable. If you are found qualified, you may be referred for further consideration. You will be notified by email so be sure to monitor your Junk and Spam folders. 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.
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.
If you have received a tentative offer and are currently in the pre-employment process for a CBP Technician position, reapplying to the same location and grade level is not encouraged and may delay the hiring process.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
