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A fully trained Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. The starting salary for this position may be higher in certain duty locations, please visit the OPM website for salary information.
The duty location offered in your final offer may include any geographic location within the United States that meets operational and mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs for entry level CBP Officers. While the location in this announcement is "Location Negotiable," the following duty locations are most likely to have CBP Officer vacancies at the time of your final offer: Los Angeles and San Francisco*, CA; Houlton*, ME; Detroit and Sault Sainte Marie, MI; Dunseith, Pembina* and Portal*, ND; Dulles, VA; Christiansted, USVI; and Sumas, WA. Locations designated with * include recruitment incentives. See the How to Apply section below for more information.
You may want to consider locations along the Southern Border by applying here!
This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level (with supervisor approval). For example you could:
*Please note this example includes a range from minimum locality pay up to maximum potential salary with overtime earnings. Pay rates are based on the 2018 Rest of the United States salary table and do not take into consideration higher locality pay where applicable, recruiting incentive or yearly cost of living increases.
Polygraph Information: You must complete and pass a polygraph examination to be eligible for the position. If you are a Veteran and have a TS-SCI clearance, you may be eligible for a polygraph waiver. CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. See the Additional Information section below for more information.
Learn more about this agency05/01/2018 to 05/31/2018
$33,394 - $98,733 per year
GS 05 - 07
Many vacancies in the following location:
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs
No
Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
12
No
CBPO 18-8
497643000
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. CBP employees protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade.
The video: Securing America's Ports of Entry emphasizes the importance of CBP Field Operations' frontline role in helping CBP accomplish its mission. For more information on CBP's mission, activities, and careers, please visit our website at www.cbp.gov. Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:
Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for all CBP Officers and is part of the training provided.
Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement will be required to serve a probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315 and may be required to accept a change to lower grade, which may reduce their salary based on Federal pay regulations. Note: If you are a current GS-12 step 1, your salary may be reduced to a GS-5 step 10, which equates to an approximate $29,961 salary reduction (based on locality). Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency and will be subject to a probationary period.
Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.
Formal Training: You will complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately 30 days at your home port prior to attending the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) for approximately 17-19 weeks at Glynco, GA. Candidates selected for duty locations where they are required to be proficient in reading, writing and speaking Spanish will be required to either pass a Spanish language proficiency examination or attend a 6-week long Spanish immersion class at FLETC.
Uniform: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform while in a duty status.
Residency Requirement: To be considered for this position, an applicant must meet the residency requirement for three years before his or her application by:
Exceptions may be granted if you provide complete state-side coverage information regarding participation in "Study Abroad" programs, overseas church missions, or state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with you overseas. You must provide information and related documentation during the hiring process.
Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license.
All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
You qualify for the GS-5 grade level (starting salary $33,394 up to $78,394 with potential overtime) if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:
a. A minimum of 3 years full-time general work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and apply a body of facts; OR
b. A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR
c. Will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement and will upload all official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date of this announcement; OR
d. A combination of successfully completed college education AND general work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial college transcripts submitted with your application.
You qualify for the GS-7 grade level (starting salary $41,365 up to $86,365 with potential overtime) if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:
a. A minimum of 1 year of specialized full-time work experience that entails performance of substantive duties in inspections work at borders, seaports, airports or other ports of entry and/or work involving preliminary screening of persons for entry and immigration status, or compliance/regulatory work; OR
b. A Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Go to Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; OR
c. One full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) from an accredited college or university; OR
d. Will receive a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester or 27 quarter hours) in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR
e. A combination of graduate level education completed in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, corrections and rehabilitation, justice studies, homeland security, forensic technology and forensic psychology) at an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
NOTE: To be eligible for overtime, employees must be fully trained.
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-9 grade level. Please refer to the CBPO GS-9 announcement: Apply Here!
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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.
Experience as a CBP Explorer may be qualifying if your resume provides sufficient information to credit your experience. To receive full credit for your experience please be sure to describe your duties, roles and responsibilities in detail.
Political Appointees: 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.
Age Requirement: Effective May 1, 2016, the Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age for original placement into a CBPO position; therefore, candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday (increased from age 37). In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). This measure will increase the statutorily mandatory retirement to an age of up to 60 to allow individuals the opportunity to complete 20 years of Enhanced Customs and Border Protection service (See U.S.C 8425 (b)(1) and 8335 (b)(1)).
The age restriction does not apply if you are a veterans' preference eligible. For more information on eligibility as a veterans' preference eligible please see the OPM veterans' guide.
Shift Work/Overtime: You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and work units. You may be required to work overtime on a regular and recurring basis. Fully trained officers may be compensated up to $45,000 in overtime in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Refer to the Qualification Section for information on education substitution.
Polygraph Examination: The CBP Officer position is a polygraph-required position. You must 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.
Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security Position and, upon selection, candidates will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention in this position. For more information please see Background Investigation.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The CBP Officer position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.
Medical/Physical Requirements: This position has medical/physical requirements. Click here for position specific requirements. You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. Employees in this position may be required to undergo a medical examination/evaluation at the request of the Agency. If you do not meet the medical standards for the position, you may request a waiver of the medical standard by demonstrating with non-medical information, with or without reasonable accommodation, you can safely perform the essential duties of the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: This is a drug testing designated position. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Physical Fitness Screening: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please see the Pre-Employment Fitness Test Readiness Program for additional information. This is 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.
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a face-to-face structured interview (SI).
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on your passing entrance examination score (external assessments), resume, supporting documents, and responses to the job questionnaire. Test scores prior to August 8, 2016 are no longer valid.
The entrance exam (external assessment) contains the following (4) assessments: CBP Officer Experience Record, Logical Reasoning, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Writing Skills. To be eligible, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70. Proper test preparation is essential for the successful candidate; therefore, we strongly encourage you to review the CBP Officer Study Guides. You should take the CBP Officer Pre-Test (sample entrance examination). The pre-test will give you a preview of the types of questions you can expect to see on the actual exam. Applying early and scheduling the online entrance exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. The last day of online testing is June 14, 2018. You will not be able to retake the entrance exam for six (6) months, regardless of whether you pass or fail. If you pass the exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be placed into the pre-employment process.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with completing the CBP Officer Entrance Exam, click here for more information about the request process: Reasonable Accommodations Request Process. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the CBP Officer Entrance Exam must be received before the announcement closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the CBP Officer Entrance Exam.
If you pass the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories for referral and consideration:
Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on grade levels. Veterans with 5-point preference or 10-point non-compensable preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify.
Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. Note: Most applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the CBP Customs and Border Protection Officer Resume Aid for specific information and examples.
Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Official transcripts preferred, but will accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Official transcripts are required upon receipt of a final offer of employment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Veterans' Preference Documents: If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214, Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge). Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. Please see the documentation as listed on the SF-15.
Statement of Service (Certification letter): If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Services showing you will be discharged or released from active duty. This certification should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals earned; and (3) the character of service. View more Veterans' Preference.
Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for the position of CBP Officer. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service; you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date of creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M or O. If you do not meet the age requirement and you are unable to provide this required documentation, you will not receive consideration under this announcement. If you are claiming an age waiver based on veterans' preference, submit the required Veterans' Preference documents. Ensure that you enter your creditable service dates in the Job Related Experience field on the Questionnaire.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
Are you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Documents must be uploaded as the correct document type or they will not be considered. Example: Resume must be submitted as a Resume. Due to system modifications, the option to fax documents is no longer possible. Please upload documents through your USA Jobs account.
It is your responsibility to verify that information entered and supporting documents that are uploaded are received and are accurate. CBP will not modify, change, or contact you regarding the completeness or accuracy of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in Application Manager and you must again upload by the closing date.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Click Apply and follow the prompts to fill out the online questionnaire and submit your application. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are planning to apply using your phone or tablet, see Browser Compatibility.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address posted below is for inquiries only. You may apply only once. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 pm Eastern Time Thursday, May 31, 2018 or by the date of your scheduled entrance exam test session, whichever comes first. Applicants with valid test scores may be eligible for early consideration. Please see the What to Expect Next section for more information.
If you recently tested under CBPO 18-7, CBPO 18-7 (Direct Hire) or CBPO VRA 18-7 and are still pending your test results, you DO NOT need to reapply unless you are interested in applying for a new location.This announcement is open to VRA-eligible applicants. Please see the Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans for more information.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and 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 eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP and/or ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
View more information on applying for federal employment.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
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.
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.
CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with Customs and Border Protection.
Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder
Duty Locations: Offers are made based on operational needs and requirements and are determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations. Although the locations listed will most likely be available, the duty location offered in your final offer letter may include any geographic location within the United States that meets agency mission critical needs: Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Houlton, ME; Detroit and Sault Sainte Marie, MI; Dunseith, Pembina and Portal, ND; Dulles, VA; Christiansted, USVI; and Sumas, WA.
If you select one of the following duty locations you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment on top of overtime pay. This incentive only applies to new federal employees and is dependent upon the availability of funds.
Relocations expenses will not be paid.
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from assessments@usahire.opm.gov with a link to complete the CBP Officer Experience Record assessment of the CBP Officer Entrance Examination. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 72 hours of receipt. Upon completion, you will receive a second email from USAHire_support@panpowered.com to schedule the three remaining assessments of the CBP Officer Entrance Examination at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Proctored testing will be conducted May 2-June 14, 2018. The proctored assessments may take up to four (4) hours to complete. After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your experience and training. If you meet the qualifications for this position and have a passing score, you will be considered for future openings in "category order" in accordance with veterans' preference regulations. Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period as they successfully complete the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications. For example, applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam from May 2-23 will be referred in the first round. Applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam will be referred based on the following rounds May 24-June 3 and June 4-14, 2018. A passing score does not guarantee selection. Your status will be updated on USA Jobs throughout the process. To check your status, log into your USA Jobs account and go to your home page to view active applications. For detailed status, click on the plus sign (+) next to the announcement. Note: If you wish to have early consideration you must submit your resume and supporting documentation by the date you complete your entrance exam; or if you have a current passing test score, you must submit your resume and supporting documentation on the day you complete your application or by the end date of the first round of testing, as stated above.
If you are already in the pre-employment process for a competitive CBP Officer position and you reapply under this announcement and are referred for a position, your new referral will replace any existing CBP Officer referral regardless of preference location for which you are currently in process, and may delay your pre-employment processes.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/497643000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
