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CBP Agriculture Specialist (Agriculture Operations Manager)

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, San Juan Field Office, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Overview

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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$106,437 - $138,370 per year

Salary above excludes COLA.

Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
OFO-IMP-13018019-DLC
Control number
879072500

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 is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) Field Offices that maintain oversight of operations at land border ports of entry, airports, seaports, international mail facilities, express consignment carrier facilities, inland port sites, and pre-clearance stations. The position is responsible for mission-critical program management within the assigned geographic area of the Field Office. The primary mission of OFO is to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror, plant pests and foreign animal diseases, and illegal drugs and contraband from entering/exiting the United States; to enforce the laws that protect America's homeland through the detection, interdiction, and apprehension of those who attempt to illegally enter or smuggle any person or contraband at the ports of entry; and, to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of legitimate trade and lawful travelers.

This position starts at a salary of $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10) .

Salary above excludes COLA. Please see the following link for specific COLA Rates COLA Rates

Major duties for this this position include:

  • Implementing strategic plans for attaining goals and objectives, monitors performance measures and other performance-related metrics, and reports on port of entry and Field Office program activities to ensure progress towards goals and objectives.
  • Contributing to the assessment of threats to national security and to economic and agricultural interests.
  • Reviewing guidance and intelligence on identifying shipments, conveyances, and passengers that may present agricultural threats for operational applicability.
  • Identifying goals and objectives that need additional emphasis, makes recommendations for program improvement, and manages all resources as corporate assets.
  • Maintaining cooperative relations and acts as a Field Office representative on collaborative projects with Government agriculture partner agencies.

Temporary/Rotational Assignment: In accordance with CBP Directive No. 1335-018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rotation Program and to meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed (NTE) 3 year(s), with possible extension(s) for an additional 2 year(s), for a maximum of 5 years. You may be returned, at any time, to the permanent assignment within the Office of Field Operations. The Office of Field Operations may utilize flexibility to be placed within any sub-office/directorate and to place you in the same or similar position with equivalent grade and pay. 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. You may be returned, at any time, to the permanent assignment within the Office of Field Operations. The Office of Field Operations may utilize flexibility to be placed within any sub-office/directorate and to place you in the same or similar position with equivalent grade and pay. Your return will be based on the agency rotational policy.

All Selectees will be required to sign an Employee Rotational Agreement as a condition of employment.

At management's discretion, you may be permanently placed to this position without further competition.

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

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 position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Experience: 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:

  • Planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling, and evaluating agricultural quarantine inspection program activities.
  • Reviewing the analysis of information from all available sources, including CBP and USDA systems, to identify vulnerabilities and agricultural threats.
  • Conducting evaluations, qualityassurance, and/or quality control of port activities, including agriculture-related port systems and processes.
  • Providing input or may develop and coordinate a systematic series of tactical operations for ports of entry within the Field Office.

Basic Requirement: 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%.

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.

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.

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 08/10/2026.
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 CBP Agriculture Specialist (Agriculture Operations Manager) 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.

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.

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.

Education

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

Additional information

Driver's License: You must possess a valid state driver's license.

Certification: You must maintain a current pesticide certification.

Data Systems: You must maintain access to all data systems necessary for duty execution.

Security Clearance: You must obtain and maintain a SECRET level national security clearance.

Rotational Assignments/Duty Locations: Mission needs may require rotation of assignments and duty locations. Must be willing to oversee multiple locations in multiple ports.

Uniform: You will be required to wear an officially approved uniform while in a duty status.

Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete a 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.
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.

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/13018019

After CBP completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 08/07/2026 if you have not held the GS-13 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 08/07/2026 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

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

- knowledge of OFO and APHIS policy, applicable Executive orders, and legislation, to ensure operational alignment with policy, improve policy practices, and provide expert consultation to leadership and policy officials.
- knowledge and understanding of CBP and USDA operating components, program objectives, and goals, along with the sequence and timing of key program events, milestones, and significant criteria to evaluate program accomplishments.
- Ability to interpret a wide variety of laws, rules, regulations, and procedures concerning import-export of agricultural commodities, commercial cargo or personal possessions to the U.S.
- Ability to plan, organize and direct team or task force efforts across organizational lines, ensuring that realistic objectives and milestones are established, to accomplish mission requirements in a timely manner.

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.

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
Connect with us:

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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