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Supervisory CBP Agriculture Specialist (Assistant Area Port Director)

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
Office of Field Operations

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Seattle Field Office, Area Port of Sweetgrass, located in Great Falls, Montana.

Overview

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Open & closing dates
04/28/2026 to 05/04/2026
Salary
$125,776 - $163,514 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Great Falls, MT
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses will be paid in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation limits and agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
OFO-IMP-12947840-PJK
Control number
866878800

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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Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S., harmful pests and diseases, enforce applicable laws, and facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of legitimate trade and lawful travelers. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen Homeland Security by performing a wide range of inspection, intelligence, analysis, examination and law enforcement activities relative to the importation and exportation of agricultural and commercial commodities, and conveyances at the Ports of Entry (POE).

This position starts at a salary of $125,776.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $163,514.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

In this second-line Supervisory Assistant Area Port Director position, you will become a key member of a team of Homeland Security professionals responsible for overseeing enforcement of all laws related to the import and export of agricultural and commercial commodities. Typical work assignments include:

  • Directing agriculture operations at ports of entry, including inspections, clearances, and safeguards to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and biological threats.
  • Managing the processing of passengers, cargo, and conveyances to ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, and overseeing enforcement actions such as detentions, seizures, and penalties.
  • Building and maintaining partnerships with government agencies and CBP partners to support regulatory compliance and coordinate responses to agricultural threats.
  • Supervising employees through subordinate supervisors by planning, assigning, and evaluating work, setting performance standards, and maintaining a high level of interaction with the bargaining unit (NTEU) to address employee issues and grievances.
  • Managing recruitment, selection, and workforce planning; approving disciplinary actions and employee recognition; and promoting collaboration and team building to ensure effective staffing and organizational performance.

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.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement in order to be considered for this position. Eligibility will be verified based on your submitted transcripts and resume. More information on this requirement can be found in the CBP Agriculture Specialist Qualification Aid and in the OPM Qualification Standards.

Basic Requirement for the CBP Agriculture Specialist:

1. Degree:Bachelor's degree (or higher) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, animal science, plant science, pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience: Completed at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in a qualifying field of study, as shown above, PLUS qualifying experience or additional education.To determine if you meet the combination, you must divide the months of qualifying experience by 48; next, divide the number of undergraduate semester hours by 120 (or 180 for undergraduate quarter hours) and the two percentages must total at least 100%.

You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess one year of specialized experience as described below.

Experience:
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:

  • Performing and coordinating inspections of passengers, cargo, and conveyances to enforce agricultural regulations and prevent entry of pests and diseases.
  • Utilizing automated targeting and risk management systems to analyze data, conduct risk assessments, and identify agricultural threats.
  • Providing technical guidance and regulatory interpretation to staff and partner agencies, and supporting compliance with agricultural policies.
  • Providing guidance, training, and mentorship to agriculture specialists; supporting work assignments, monitoring performance, and assisting with conflict resolution.
  • Recommending procedural improvements, identifying training needs, assisting with onboarding, and ensuring compliance with security and regulatory standards.
Transcripts: If you have never held a position in the GS-0401 series with Customs and Border Protection, you are required to submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

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 05/04/2026.
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: CBP has the authority to conduct a polygraph for the Supervisory CBP Agriculture Specialist (Assistant Area Port Director) position, however, at this time a polygraph is not a pre-employment requirement. If CBP decides to implement the polygraph as a pre-employment requirement while you are in the hiring process, CBP will notify you and provide additional information.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.

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

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

Fully Funded Relocation: Relocation expenses will be paid in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation limits and agency policy.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.

Leadership Training: All newly appointed second level Supervisors 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.

Selectees may be required to successfully complete the Essential Supervisory Skills (ESS) course. Failure to successfully complete the ESS course within the supervisory probationary period will result in the employee being removed from the position.

Security Clearance: The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Secret level national security clearance.

Data Systems: Maintain access to all data systems necessary for duty execution.

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

Certification: Maintain current pesticide certification.

Rotation of Assignments/Duty Locations: You may be required to rotate assignments and duty locations.

Motor Vehicle Operation: Incumbent must possess a valid state driver's license.

Training: This position has a training requirement. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures.

Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete:
  • 59 days of paid training by the US Department of Agriculture and CBP Field Operations Academy (FOA).
  • Prior to arriving at the FOA, you must complete 10 days of pre-academy training.
  • Following the completion of the FOA, you must complete 13-weeks of post-academy training at the selectee(s) assigned duty station.
Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations.

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/12947840

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 04/28/2026 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.

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.

This self-assessment will be used to assess the following competencies or KSAs:

  • Knowledge of the mission of DHS and agricultural science and of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) programs, activities, and regulations sufficient to independently apply established methods and procedures of survey control, and regulatory work and generally recognize plant pests of environmental/economic significance.
  • Knowledge and understanding of DHS and USDA operating components including the agriculture program manuals, program objectives and goals, specified performance measures and other metrics, data/reports and automated systems, and the significant criteria to evaluate program operations.
  • Knowledge of modern management techniques, methods, principles, and labor relations concepts to assure optimum utilization of personnel, equipment, and space, and to accomplish program objectives through combined technical and administrative program oversight.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and an ability to grasp conceptual ideas and exercise original thought where there is an established time limit for deliberation, consultation and evaluation, and to present well-considered and sound recommendations or decisions.
Failure to demonstrate sufficient detail in the body of your resume may impact your final rating. Please note you are not required to provide specific narrative responses to the skills and competencies described in this section. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview.

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.

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 X 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 HR Contact
Phone
855-500-3722
Email
cbphiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov
Address
Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

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http://www.cbp.gov

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