Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Director)

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance (LESC); Policy, Force Review, and Compliance Branch

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is located within the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support, Law Enforcement Safety & Compliance Directorate; Policy, Force Review, and Compliance Branch in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/30/2026 to 04/03/2026
Salary
$147,899 - $192,275 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Harpers Ferry, WV
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. GSA Voluntary Relocation Program (VRP) Lump sum relocation benefit has been authorized.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion - NTE 3-5 Years
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
LESC-IMP-12909010-NIK
Control number
862748600

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position seeking a temporary promotion, or reassignment; Career Transition Assistance Plan CBP employees.

Duties

Help

The Law Enforcement Safety & Compliance Directorate (LESC)'s mission is to optimize the safety, readiness, accountability, and operational performance of CBP law enforcement personnel through developing use of force policy, maintaining appropriate controls and standards, and supplying the highest quality education and training, weapons, and other officer-safety equipment. This position supports this mission in the capacity of a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA) Assistant Director.

This position starts at a salary of $147,899.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $192,275.00 (GS-14, Step 10).
Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or special rate of the duty location and position.

Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Directing a staff responsible for training and formulating, developing, and resolving use of force policy within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is responsible for developing and implementing a service wide training program for CBP law enforcement personnel.
  • Providing input into local and national policies and directives and is responsible for questions arising from within CBP regarding use of force policy and training.
  • Formulating recommendations leading to the revision of current curricula or the development of new courses.
  • Supporting field training requirements by developing and preparing exportable training programs, such as videos, lesson plans, and study materials.

This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of aliens 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 aliens who are in the United States illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.

Requirements

Help

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 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.
  • Firearm 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.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Formulating and resolving use of force policy by analyzing operational requirements, interpreting regulations, and drafting policy directives to ensure compliance and consistency.
  • Assigning work based on priorities, evaluating performance, and identifying developmental needs to maintain optimal workforce effectiveness.
  • Advising management and stakeholders by preparing reports, presenting recommendations, and communicating complex information regarding advanced training methodologies and policy issues.
  • Coordinating with external partners by organizing collaborative meetings, gathering operational intelligence, and integrating best practices into training and policy development.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within 90 days of assignment to this position.

Leadership Training: All newly appointed, second level supervisors and managers 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 4 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.

Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS 5 CFR 842.803, 5 CFR 831.903, 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b),5 USC 8412(d) and 5 USC 8336(c). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46 (CSRS pages 12-14, and FERS pages 41-43). If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.

Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position:
This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS).

Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

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

Physical/Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.

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 04/03/2026.
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

Polygraph Examination: This 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information


Relocation Authorized Position: Due to the current funding hiatus, all relocations will be placed on hold at the time of selection. As soon as the hiatus ends and funding becomes available, you will be contacted by the CBP Hiring Center to coordinate an enter on duty (EOD) date and complete the necessary relocation forms.

GSA Voluntary Relocation Program (VRP) lump sum relocation benefit has been authorized.

In addition, a VRP verification process has been established. Please be informed that within 90 days after your report date, you will be requested to provide valid documentation confirming that you have established a residence closer to the new duty location. Further information on this process will be provided to you during the selection process.

Temporary/Rotational Assignment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed (NTE) three year(s), with possible extension(s) for an additional two year(s) in one-year increments. You may be returned, at any time, to the position you held prior to this temporary promotion, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay, 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 a same or similar position held prior to this temporary 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 or to the same or similar position at the lower grade level. At the discretion of the rotational office, you may be permanently reassigned to this position by the rotational office, without further competition. You have the option to accept or decline the permanent assignment.

Return Rights: Employees offered a rotation assignment are provided return rights based on the employee's permanent assignment and CBP program office. The CBP program office has the discretion to place the employee to any location, unless outlined by bargaining unit agreements. CBP program office can offer return rights to the employee's previous permanent assignment location if documented on the Employee Rotation Agreement. When the permanent assignment location is offered for return rights, the office will be responsible for providing a position in that location when the employee exercises return rights. The employee on rotational assignments (initial and extensions of a rotational assignment or movement from one rotational assignment to another rotational assignment) outside of their permanent office must return to their permanent office within 5 years for at least 90 days before being eligible for another rotational assignment outside of their permanent office.

Employee Rotation Agreement: Employees who are selected for a rotational assignment will sign an Employee Rotation Agreement as a condition of employment to document the employee's agreement with the length and conditions for the rotational assignment.

Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

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.

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 03/30/2026 if you have not held the GS-14 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-14 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

You will be assessed on the following competencies or KSAs:

  • Knowledge of investigative techniques, methods, functions, operations, and practices.
  • Skill in the performance of law enforcement and investigative activities, including the investigation, detention, and apprehension of CBP/DHS and related laws.
  • Knowledge of CBP policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure appropriate implementation and to formulate recommendations for revising curricula or developing new courses.
  • Ability to solve complex problems and meet multifaceted demands related to the coordination, development, implementation, and articulation of agency-wide Use of Force doctrine and guidance.
  • Leading others through inspiration, motivation, and guidance of a dynamic staff to accomplish highly complex projects and goals, which directly impact CBP's national programs.

Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12909010

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.

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

Customs and Border Protection

Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
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 workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. At CBP, we:

  • Secure and enforce trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws
  • Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country
  • Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, and agricultural products and prohibited goods.
  • Prevent unauthorized entry into the country
  • Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our border
Find us on Twitter at @CBP and @CBPJobs
Find us on LinkedIn at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about

Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Center
Phone
952-857-2932
Email
CBPhiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov
Address
Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Customs and Border Protection, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.cbp.gov

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.