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Supervisory Operations Manager

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
Office of Intelligence
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Intelligence, National Border Security Intelligence Center, Operations Division, located in Washington, DC.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
10/14/2025 to 10/20/2025
Salary
$167,603 to - $195,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
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
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
15
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
OI-IMP-12805831-DBM
Control number
847966800

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 and Career Transition Assistance Plan CBP employees.

Duties

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In this position, you will serve as a Supervisory Operations Manager (Division Director), responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and ensuring that the investigative work complies with legal and regulatory requirements of CBP's law enforcement and intelligence collection mission in order to prevent terrorists from entering the U.S.

This position starts at a salary of $167,603.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $195,200.00 (GS-15, Step 10.

Major Duties for this position include but are not limited to:
  • Managing and directing the operations and programs within OI's Operations Division, to include oversight of source handling officers/agents investigating individuals, businesses, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups that represent a threat to United States' national security, and interagency investigations.
  • Supervising and directing the handling of developing facts and evidence; gathering intelligence information; conducting interviews and interrogations; making arrests and conducting searches and seizures.
  • Providing oversight and management of personnel preparing and executing search and arrest warrants, or other judicial processes (e.g., document subpoenas, electronic surveillance orders, etc.).
  • Supervising specialized investigative activities, all CHS operations that are ongoing within CBP; undercover agents/program managers or case agents in authorized undercover operations involving criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and/or the penetration of organizations seeking to circumvent border security; criminal or civil asset forfeiture investigations/operations in order to deprive criminal organizations of proceeds.
  • Developing, accomplishing, and providing guidance and direction to the deputy director and supervisory staff regarding the assignment of division work to accomplish both short- and long-range planning goals.
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position.Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.

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 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.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
  • Security Clearance: The incumbent must be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
  • Driver's License: Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license.
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.

Qualifications

Experience GS-15: You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Managing and directing law enforcement activities and operations that include the investigation, apprehension, and detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States.
  • Supervising specialized investigative activities, all CHS operations that are ongoing; undercover agents/program managers or case agents in authorized undercover operations involving criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and/or the penetration of organizations seeking to circumvent border security; criminal or civil asset forfeiture investigations/operations in order to deprive criminal organizations of proceeds.
  • Applying, theories, concepts, principles, practices, laws, regulations, and methods of criminal, civil, and administrative investigations including constitutional, international , and statutory laws; specialized investigative procedures and techniques.
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 10/20/2025.
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 Supervisory Operations Manager 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.

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

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.


This position meets the definition of Secondary Law Enforcement Officer retirement coverage under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8336 (6) Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for Law Enforcement Officers defined in 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary Law Enforcement Officer special retirement coverage is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. § 831.902 CSRS and 5 C.F.R. § 842.803 for FERS. To be eligible for this secondary law enforcement officer Retirement covered position you must have permanently served in a primary law enforcement officer Retirement System covered position, i.e. Border Patrol Agent, GS-1896, CBP Enforcement Officer, GS-1895, Air Interdiction Officer GS-1801, Air Interdiction Agent GS-1881, Marine Interdiction Agent GS-1801. Note: If you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

Education

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

Additional information

Relocation: Relocation Funding or Relocation Incentive MAY be offered - In accordance with Agency policy and eligibility requirements, you MAY be eligible for either relocation funding OR a relocation incentive based on the following:

  • Fully funded relocation MAY be offered for position OCONUS
  • Lump Sum (VRP) relocation funding MAY be offered to current CBP employees moving into CONUS positions
  • Relocation Incentive MAY be offered for current federal employees outside of CBP
Rotation of Assignments/Duty Locations: You may be required to rotate assignments and duty locations.

Shiftwork: May require frequent and extensive domestic and foreign travel for extended timeframes.

Overtime: Mission needs and work assignments may require incumbents to work unplanned overtime which could include weekends, nights, and rotating shifts.

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

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.

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.

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.

Leadership Training: All newly appointed GS-15s 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 5 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.

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/12805831

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics).

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

  • Knowledge and technical skill to appear in court as a recognized authority in the field of criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and analysis. Orally presents, clear, convincing court testimony in complex cases while subject to vigorous cross-examination under adversarial conditions.
  • Knowledge of CBP organizational structure, field organization, and position descriptions/job functions in order to formulate investigative strategy and identify the impact on the mission and assess the validity of sources completed by CHS operations officers/agents.
  • Knowledge of CBP firearms and Use of Force policies and federal and state laws regarding the use of deadly force; and demonstrated proficiency with CBP issued firearms and less lethal force techniques (self-defense techniques.
  • Knowledge of the rules of evidence, criminal procedures, and court decisions concerning admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure, apprehension and detention of suspects, and related investigative and law enforcement matters.
  • Knowledge of Federal, state and local Jaw enforcement agency functions and jurisdictions; and the relationships between federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement agencies and the need for coordination with them or with other governmental agencies that have a mutual interest in select investigations.
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. 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 https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12805831

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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