CBP Officer

This is a Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin: You must be currently serving or have previously served as a permanent GS-12 with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are currently serving or have served in the 1895 series within the last five years to qualify under this Bulletin. If you hold or have previously held the GSlevel or higher and are willing to take a change to lower grade you will also be considered for this position.

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. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen Homeland Security by performing law enforcement activities such as inspection intelligence analysis examination and interpretation of laws and regulations.

This position starts at a salary of $104013.00 (GS-12 Step 1) to$135219.00 (GS-12 Step 10)

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

• Performing primary inspections to determine alienage citizenship admissibility as well as the physical and visual examination of cargo and conveyances to determine admissibility and compliance with import/export requirements or the need for further inspection.
• Conducting a wide range of record checks using a variety of law enforcement databases and systems and employing tactical intelligence to identify high risk travelers.
• Interpreting and applying the laws and regulations relating to the admissibility of people into the U.S. Developing disseminating and utilizing tactical information and intelligence.
• Interacting with carriers other agencies and foreign entities to exchange information and provide guidance on admissibility and compliance.

• 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
• 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 applicants 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 drivers license is required.

• 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 is a bargaining unit covered position represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions - NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites - National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU

Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level performing duties such as:

• Performing inspections and enforcement of persons merchandise and conveyances at ports of entry and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States.
• Enforcing the laws that protect Americas homeland through detection interdiction and apprehension.
• Developing planning and performing in tactical operations.
• Conducting searches making arrests and seizures and collecting evidence in support of criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable laws regulations and policies.

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.

Primary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a primary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b); 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d)). For more information on required years of service and retirement age click onthis link. If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at .

The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6 2008.

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 08/17/2026

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 agencys 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 CBP Officer 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.

Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

If you are not a current GS-1895 and you are selected you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:

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.

Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.

Age Requirement: Pursuant to Public Law 110-161 this position is covered under special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers which allows for the imposition of a maximum age accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03 the day before an individuals 37th birthday is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.

** NOTE: The Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age for original placement into a CBPO position therefore candidates must enter their original appointment before reaching their 40th birthday. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03 unless the below criteria applies you must meet this age requirement by the date of referral to the hiring manager.

Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) as a Customs and Border Protection Officer on or after July 6 2008 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).

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.