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CBP Agriculture Specialists from the Office of Field Operations safeguard American agriculture by preventing the introduction of harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases, and potential agricultural bioterrorism into the United States and intercepting dangerous pests that threaten the health and safety of U.S. agriculture. This is done through the inspection of vessels, vehicles, and baggage for restricted materials and assessing the agricultural risk of entry into the United States.
Learn more about this agency10/28/2024 to 11/06/2024
$39,576 - $77,955 per year
GS 5 - 9
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
No
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs.
No
Permanent
Full-time - May include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis.
Competitive
12
No
Yes
No
AGS 25-1
815462600
United States Citizens may apply. Locations are determined by the needs of the agency after the successful completion of pre-employment.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The CBP Agriculture Specialist (CBPAS) primary responsibilities are:
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
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.
CBP Agriculture Specialist Training: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately 2 weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 59-day training program conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA. This training consists of determining the admissibility of agriculture commodities, preventing introduction of harmful pests/diseases, etc. For more information, please visit CBP Field Operations Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.
Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.
Residency Requirement: CBP has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. You are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates as (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement as stated above and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
This position falls under the General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences series, 0401 Individual Occupational Requirements, which requires a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, animal science, plant science, pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, OR a combination of qualifying education and experience.
See the Qualifications section for more information on the Basic Requirement.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission and core values at https://www.cbp.gov/about.
Background Investigation: 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 more information visit this link and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP
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.
Drug Testing: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our Drug Testing FAQs and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Drug Test.
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview.
Polygraph Examination: 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.
Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). For more information, please visit https://www.nteu.org/i-am-nteu/chapter-websites.
After you successfully complete all the pre-employment steps, you will be at the final offer step. For more information on the final offer, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Final Offer.
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.
All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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 and supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire. It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted with your application is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
You will be assessed on the following competencies: General Ability Frontline Staffing
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
All applicants must submit a resume and qualifying transcripts.
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. If you are a current federal employee, please include your salary, pay scale and pay grade information. Note: Most applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume.
Transcripts: All applicants are required to submit college transcripts that include the name of the institution, courses, credits earned, GPA, and conferred degree (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application however, official transcripts will be required before a final offer of employment can be extended. Education must be from an accredited college or university by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education Evaluation: Education obtained from a foreign college or university is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of educational credentials. The evaluation and foreign education transcripts must be submitted with your application. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Your online submitted responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12580337
The following documentation may also be submitted:
Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:
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 online prompts to fill out the questionnaire and submit your application. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, transcripts and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section for additional information. All application materials 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 below is for inquiries only. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, transcripts and any supporting documents at the time of application.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to ensuring that all of our employees act in a manner that embodies the Department's Mission Statement: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values. 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 here.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.
Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement. View more information on applying for federal employment.
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.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which may be available from the Human Resources Office. Contact information is listed below.
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.
Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. If you are among the best qualified, your application will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration at the highest grade for which you are determined eligible. A valid application does not guarantee selection. Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded at the time of application.
Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account and go to your home page to view active application.
If you are already in the pre-employment process for a CBP Agriculture Specialist position at the grades 5, 7 or 9 and you reapply under this announcement and are subsequently referred for a position, all active pre-employment process statuses will be applied to this application (e.g., medical status, background investigation, etc.).
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov
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/815462600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
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 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.
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.
Be sure to keep up to date on all the latest CBP has to offer its employees by liking and following us on Twitter (@CBPJobs) and LinkedIn.
CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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