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AUTOMOTIVE WORKER

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Centro Sector, located in Imperial, CA.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/14/2026 to 01/21/2026
Salary
$27.31 to - $31.83 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 8
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Imperial, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
8
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
USBP-IMP-12861067-PFT
Control number
853831200

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; Career Transition Assistance Plan CBP employees.

Duties

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This position starts at an hourly rate of $27.31 (WG-08, Step 1) to $31.83 (WG-08, Step 5).

As an Automotive Worker, your typical job assignments will include:

  • Installing, locating, removing, cleaning and replacing integral parts of the automotive system such as spark plugs, fan belts, generators, starters, carburetors, fuel pumps, mufflers, tail pipes, wheel bearings, steering gear assemblies, axle shafts, brakes, radiators, filters, screens, battery cables, clamps, engine components and heating cooling devices.
  • Performing auditory checks and/or tests on the ignition, fuel and electrical systems using a small variety of test equipment.
  • Adjusting brakes, transmission linkages, engine idle, voltage and current control valves and pressure regulator valves.
  • Performing automotive servicing such as purging and recharging air conditioning systems, flushing radiators and replacing anti-freeze solutions and aligning front ends of cars and trucks.

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)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council - NBPC. For local chapter contact information see https://bpunion.org/#.

Qualifications


Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. To minimally qualify for the WG-08 grade level you must meet the Screen Out Element:

  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
To meet the Screen Out Element, you should haveexperience performing the following duties:
  • Making repairs by installing, locating, removing, cleaning and finally replacing auxiliary parts of automotive systems.
  • Adjusting brakes, transmission linkages, engine idle, voltage and current control valves, sensing valves, expansion valves and pressure regulator valves.
  • Performing automotive servicing such as purging and recharging air conditions systems, flushing radiators, replacing anti-freeze solution, and aligning front ends of vehicles.
  • Performing checks and tests on ignition, fuel and electrical systems using a variety of test equipment.
Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the experience described above, you will also be evaluated on the basis of your overall level of competency (knowledge, skills, and abilities) in the following areas:
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (Includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Trouble shooting

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 01/21/2026.
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 additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

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
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.

Education

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

Additional information

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

Work Conditions: You must stand, stoop, stretch and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions often for extended periods of time. You may frequently lift and carry parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds. Work is usually performed inside on concrete surfaces where there is exposure to drafts, noise, and fumes from vehicles. Due to continuous exposure to dirt, dust, and grease with the potential for burns, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises, cuts and strains, you will be required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, and respirators.

Travel: Work may require travel away from the normal duty station.

Overtime and Shift Work: Call back and emergency overtime may be regular requirements of this position.

Uniforms: Work requires wearing protective clothing and/or safety equipment.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12861067

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.

See the Qualifications Section for how you will be evaluated.

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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