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Aviation Enforcement Agent

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
Air and Marine Operations
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, Miami Air and Marine Branch, Homestead, FL.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/18/2025 to 08/22/2025
Salary
$112,234 to - $145,906 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Homestead, FL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - 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.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
AMO-IMP-12781583-HJB
Control number
843250200

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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Utilize your skills with Customs and Border Protection to conduct and lead law enforcement operations to prevent terrorists, terrorist weapons, undocumented non-citizens, individuals suspected of smuggling, narcotics, and illegal contraband from entering the United States. This position starts at a salary of $112,234.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $145,906.00 (GS-13, Step 10).

In this position you will conduct aviation law enforcement activities. Typical work assignments include:

  • Exercising authority to conduct and lead law enforcement operations to prevent terrorists, terrorist weapons, undocumented non-citizens, individuals suspected of smuggling, narcotics, and illegal contraband from entering the United States.
  • Controlling the apprehension phase through search and arrest and coordination of all subsequent law enforcement activities and processing.
  • Performing all duties of the aerial interdiction/surveillance coordinator when an aerial interdiction occurs or during a surveillance operations.
  • Reviewing policy and projecting plans for accuracy and potential impact on the day-to-day operations of the unit and their effect on the AEAs.
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). 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. Return to your original location will be prioritized, but is not guaranteed.

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 must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • 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.
  • Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
  • Relocation: Lump Sum/VRP and PCS: A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation benefit has been authorized or a selectee may elect to receive a GSA Voluntary Relocation Program (VRP) lump sum relocation benefit if relocating from the CONUS.

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:

  • Conducting and leading air interdiction law enforcement operations.
  • Interviewing or interrogating suspects of criminal activity.
  • Operating radar, video, or other sensors to monitor, track, or record the movements of people, aircraft, marine vessels, or vehicles that are subjects of investigation.
  • Producing or finishing intelligence reports and presenting to leadership.
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 08/22/2025.
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: The Aviation Enforcement Agent position 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.

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.

Travel: Frequent and/or long term deployments may be required within the United States and abroad.

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

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Law 93-950 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a Primary law enforcement position with the Department of Homeland Security. Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 37th birthday. Creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), Title 5 U.S.C 8412(d) or creditable service on or after July 6, 2008 covered by Public Law 110-161 may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veteran's preference eligible.

Rigorous Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a rigorous position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS (5 CFR 842.803 and 5 CFR 831.903, Conditions for Coverage; 5 USC 8425(b) and 5 USC 8335(b), Mandatory Separation; and 5 USC 8412(d) and 5 USC 8336(c), Immediate Retirement). 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, please 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, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.

Education

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

Additional information

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. 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.

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.

Swimming Requirement: You also will be required to participate in an untested swim/water survival course that has been incorporated into the Air and Marine Basic Training technical skills requirements. The ability to tread water and swim with, and without, flotation devices for extended periods of time will be an essential part of the training.

Training: This position has a training requirement. As a condition of employment, in accordance with the standards and policies of CBP, selectees, who have not already done so, are required to attend, successfully complete and pass evaluations and assessments for the following course: Air and Marine Basic Academy Training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA. The training is comprised of formalized courses of basic technical instruction necessary to perform the duties of the position.

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/12781583

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 Federal laws, statutes, legal precedents, and judicial and administrative policies relating to the smuggling of contraband and human trafficking into the United States.
  • Ability in operating airborne and ground-based sensors, infrared detection systems, data downlink systems, recording devices, and aerial/ground communications equipment to detect and record the movements and actions of aircraft, vehicles, and marine vessels suspected of smuggling contraband.
  • Knowledge of performance characteristics, capabilities, and limitations for a large variety of aviation and maritime conveyances commonly used in criminal activity.
  • Skilled in directing other law enforcement or military aircraft, vessels, and/or vehicles to intercept aircraft, vessels, and/or vehicles suspected of terrorist activity, smuggling contraband and/or persons into or out of the United States, or other illegal activity is also a component of the position.
  • Ability to collect, refine, and or analyze strategic and tactical intelligence to execute aviation enforcement operations.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12781583

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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