Intelligence Research Specialist
Job Location:
Imperial, NE - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security within U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector Sector Intelligence Unit located in Imperial CA.
Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
As an Intelligence Research Specialist you will provide the CBP Intelligence Enterprise and operational stakeholders with intelligence products that inform and enhance their ability to make strategic operational and tactical decisions in support of CBP operations directed at threats to border security.
This position starts at a salary of $87061.00 (GS-11 Step 1) to $113185.00 (GS-11 Step 10) with promotion potential to $161313 (GS-13 Step 10).
Typical duties of this assignment include:
- Advising administering and performing analysis evaluation interpretation and dissemination of information and intelligence pertaining to the following areas: counter terrorism counter narcotics counter human smuggling or trafficking counter proliferation cyber or financial crime interdiction trade enforcement counterintelligence or other emerging border security issues and threats.
- Researching evaluating integrating and analyzing all-source data in the preparation of clear concise in-depth intelligence analytical products focusing on the threats and all relevant information related to agency operations.
- Compiling collating extrapolating and exploiting information from internal databases classified and unclassified open-source reporting intelligence enterprise and law enforcement systems and databases in support of CBP border security operations.
- Preparing a variety of speculative intelligence products based on analysis and evaluation of current intelligence information received from multiple sources.
- Serving in liaison joint duty and other rotational assignments to facilitate sharing and transfer of information and best practices to further the mission of the agency and its partners.
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.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level performing duties such as:
- Gathering evaluating analyzing and abstracting intelligence data from multiple or specific sources.
- Contributing to short and long term planning through in-depth research and analysis regarding threats to border security.
- Compiling collating extrapolating and exploiting both unclassified and classified sources of information and reporting.
- Engaging in research and analysis to develop and publish finished tactical operational and strategic level intelligence products.
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.
Education Substitution: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. degree may substitute for experience required at this level. This education must demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.
Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table and may be computed by first determining the applicants total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicants education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. More information on this qualification standard is located here.
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 10/01/2026.
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
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 OPMs 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.
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Security Clearance: This position requires a security clearance. If selected for this position you must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Clearance.
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.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion nor is the promise of promotion implied.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
IC
