Intelligence Research Specialist

This position starts at a salary of $106437.00 (GS-13 Step 1) to $138370.00 (GS-13 Step 10).

In this Intelligence Research Specialist position you will be providing the CBP Intelligence Enterprise and operational stakeholders with intelligence products that inform and enhance their ability to make strategic operational of tactical decisions in support of CBP operations directed at threats to border security.

Typical work assignments include:

• Serving as a multi-source intelligence collection specialist/analyst on complex operational assignments at the Rio Grande Valley Sector Intelligence Unit.
• Analyzing collected information into intelligence products and effectively collaborates intelligence to decision makers and collectors as feedback.
• Presenting ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities to a variety of law enforcement customers.
• Providing Commanders and other customers the intelligence information and analysis derived from ISR assets to maximize Border Patrols effectiveness by optimizing friendly force strengths exploiting adversary weaknesses and discovering opportunities and threats.
• Conducting complex research evaluation collection dissemination and fusion of multi-source information from one or more intelligence disciplines to satisfy a broad range of customer requirements.
• Planning directing and integrating functions to provide ISR intelligence and situational awareness necessary to successfully plan and conduct operations within the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Serving as a functional authority on ISR issues and representing Rio Grande Valley Sector Intelligence in meetings with agents analysts and management.
• Conducting briefings for other national law enforcement agencies. Reviews and evaluates multi-source complex technical intelligence that varies in clarity and validity.

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 visit this link to view special pay rate charts.

• 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.

Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance for this position.

Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete Intelligence Specialist Core and Specialized paid training. The location will be determined at the time of training. 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.

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 comprehensive research and evaluation of classified sensitive and open-source information to identify threats and provide situational awareness.
• Applying analytical techniques to produce finished intelligence products such as assessments estimates and briefings that support strategic operational or tactical decisions.
• Assessing the reliability and validity of information sources and integrating data from various sources to identify patterns trends and potential vulnerabilities.
• Developing or improving methods procedures or training materials to enhance intelligence processes and ensure current practices are followed.
• Communicating findings clearly and concisely to diverse audiences including senior officials and participating in collaborative efforts with other organizations to share information and best practices.

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 09/03/2026.

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

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.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPMs Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this addition you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Education

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