Apply

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.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

11/01/2024 to 11/30/2024
Salary

$39,576 - $108,733 per year
A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.
Pay scale & grade

GS 5 - 7
Help
Location

Many vacancies in the following location:
- CBPO Nationwide
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time - May include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis.
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)
- 1895 Customs And Border Protection
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
- National security
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

Yes
Announcement number

CBPO VRA 25-2
Control number

816010900

Help

Veterans

Clarification from the agency

THIS IS ONLY OPEN TO VETERAN RECRUITMENT APPOINTMENT ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS. To be eligible you must have: served during a war or have a campaign or expeditionary medal; OR are a disabled veteran; OR have an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal); OR are a recently separated veteran (within 3 years since discharge), OR will be separating from the military within 120-days from the closing date of this announcement AND separated under honorable conditions.

Help

Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:

Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations;
Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel;
Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances;
Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and
Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband

You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission critical locations: Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Miami, FL; Atlanta and Savannah, GA; Honolulu, HI; Calais, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit and Port Huron, MI; Baudette, Grand Portage, International Falls, and Warroad, MN; St. Louis, MO; Del Bonita, Morgan, Raymond, Roosville, and Wild Horse, MT; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Queens, NY; Dunseith, Hansboro, Neche, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Philadelphia, PA; Charleston, SC; Christiansted, VI; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, and Seattle, WA.

NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

For more information on becoming a CBP Officer, contact our recruiters here.

This announcement is open to the public to attract new entry-level CBP Officer applicants. Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations.

Current CBP Officers looking for lateral opportunities within the Office of Field Operations should apply under the National Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin (NROB), Lateral Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin (LROB) and/or other reassignment opportunities identified in the National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA).

If you accept one of the below duty locations you may be eligible to receive an additional 15%-25% of your salary each year for the first 3 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. If you accept the duty location of San Francisco, you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first 4 years of employment in addition to any overtime pay. These incentives only apply to new federal employees and are dependent upon the availability of funds.

Duty locations offering 25% recruitment incentives: Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Jackman, ME; Grand Portage, MN; Raymond, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND; Oroville, WA

Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Detroit, MI and Portal, ND

If you accept Portal, North Dakota as your location you will be eligible for the Special Salary Rate based on the Portal ND Special Salary Rate Table

If you accept San Francisco, California as your location you will be eligible for the Special Salary Rate based on the San Francisco Special Salary Rate Table

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. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. Pay rates are based on the 2024 OPM Salary Tables and do not take into consideration any potential overtime earnings, recruitment incentives, location incentives or yearly cost of living increases.

For more information on career progression, click here.

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

Help

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position

Firearm Proficiency: You will be required to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all CBP Officers and is part of the training provided.

CBP Officer Academy: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately 2 weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA. This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc. Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program which will be completed at their home port. For more information, please visit CBP Field Operations Academy. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.

Uniform/Grooming Standards: While in a duty status, this position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards.

Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to 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 3 of the last 5 years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than 2 of the last 5 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 of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university

If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to this requirement.

More requirements listed in the Additional Information section.

Qualifications

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.

You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, performing duties that required the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR

Education Substitution: Successful completion of at least a 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university; OR
>>> Will complete a 4-year course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. I will upload all official or unofficial transcripts that indicate I am on track to graduate within 9 months; OR

Combining Experience and Education: A combination of general experience AND successfully completed college education will be calculated using your resume and college transcripts submitted with your application. To combine, convert each to a percent, then add the percentages; the total must equal at least 100%. If your education is in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by 2/3. To calculate your percent of education, divide your semester hours by 120 hours. To calculate your percent of qualifying experience, divide your months of qualifying experience by 36 months. More information on the qualification standard is located here.

You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, that includes performing 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

Education Substitution: Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university may substitute for the experience required at this level. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours; OR
>>> Will complete one year of full-time graduate education within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. I will upload all official or unofficial transcripts that indicate I am on track to complete one year of graduate education within 9 months; OR

A Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also substitute for the experience required. It is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0, excluding pass/fail credits. Pass/fail credits cannot be more than 10% of total credits), or (3) honor society membership. Review Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) to see if you qualify under this provision. Please see www.opm.gov for additional information; OR
>>> Will receive a Bachelor's degree with SAA within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. I will upload all official or unofficial transcripts that indicate I am on track to graduate within 9 months; OR

Combining Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND successfully completed graduate level education; this will be calculated using your resume and college transcripts submitted with your application. To combine, convert each to a percent, then add the percentages; the total must equal at least 100%. If your education is in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by 2/3. To calculate your percent of graduate education, divide your semester hours by 18 hours. To calculate your percent of qualifying experience, divide your months of qualifying experience by 12 months. More information on the qualification standard is located here.

Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under enhanced retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-08. 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).

The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' preference eligible. For more information on Veterans' Preference eligibility please see the OPM Veterans' Guide.

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 applicant's 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.

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations. Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency.

National Service 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.

Education

Refer to the Qualifications Section for information on education substitution.

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.

This is a VRA Excepted Service appointment. You are eligible to be considered under this announcement if you:

Served during a war or have a campaign or expedition medal; OR
Are a disabled veteran; OR have an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal); OR
Are a recently separated veteran (within 3 years since discharge); OR
Will be separated from the military within 120-days from the closing date of this announcement;
AND separated under honorable conditions.

Click here to see if you are eligible for a VRA appointment. Upon satisfactory completion of a two-year trial period, you will be converted to a competitive appointment.

Due to the vigorous pre-employment process, applicants who only meet the criteria of "recently separated veteran" may wish to apply under the public job announcement to ensure they will be eligible for a final offer once all pre-employment processes are complete. These public announcements can be found on the CBP Careers page.

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, Conditions for Coverage; 5 USC 8425(b) and 5 USC 8335(b), Mandatory Separation; and 5 USC 8412(d), Immediate Retirement). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.

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.

Additional information

Driver's License: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid driver's license is required. Any legal restrictions on a driver's license are not acceptable.

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. For more information and videos about the polygraph 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 and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP

Pre-Screening Interview: As a part of the suitability process applicants may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview

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 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 Requirements: 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

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

Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Structured Interview

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

Help
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.

Review our 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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents and the entrance examination.

A new entrance examination went into effect February 1, 2024. All eligible applicants will be required to complete the new entrance examination. Test results prior to February 1, 2024, are no longer valid.

The CBP Officer Entrance Examination consists of three parts: 1) the Candidate Experience Record; a short online questionnaire 2) the Writing Skills Test; Part 2 of the Entrance Exam and 3) the Logical Reasoning exam taken at a local testing center. This video explains what to expect for the Entrance Exam - Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Entrance Exam

To be eligible, applicants must pass the entrance examination 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 and take the CBP Officer Entrance Exam Pre-Test. The pre-test is a preview of the types of questions you can expect to see on the actual exam.

A passing score does not guarantee selection. If you take and fail the exam, you will need to wait three (3) months from the date you failed the exam until you can retest.

Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period as they successfully complete the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are considered in the following order: (1) preference eligibles having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more; followed by (2) other 10-point preference eligibles; (3) 5-point preference eligible; and (4) non-preference eligibles (i.e., non-veterans).

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If 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, you are able to request a Reasonable Accommodation prior to the online questionnaire and the Reasoning exams. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

Help
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.

Review our 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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

All applicants are required to submit a resume.

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 or former Federal employee you must include your salary, pay scale and pay grade information. Note: Many applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the CBP Officer Resume Aid for specific information and examples.

Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable at this time) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. An official transcript will be required prior to entrance on duty. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials; see www.naces.org for a listing of some accrediting agencies. If submitting documentation of a foreign evaluation, a transcript is also required. For more information, see Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Are you a current or former federal employee? If you are a current/former Federal employee, it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form to support your experience. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.

Are you a veteran? If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility as appropriate to your preference type. For more information, see Veterans Preference.
- 5-point Preference (TP): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
- 10-point Preference (CP or CPS): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later showing the total percentage of the service-connected disability. Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged.
- 10-point Preference (XP): You MUST submit a Standard Form 15, DD-214 listing the character of service, and the required documentation stated on the SF-15.
- Currently Serving: If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written signed statement from the Armed Forces certifying your dates of service, rank, campaign badge(s) and expeditionary medal(s) (if applicable), expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214.
Can you claim an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference or previous Law Enforcement service? If you are over the age of 40, you will need to submit proof you are eligible for an age waiver based on either previous Federal law enforcement service or Veterans' Preference. If you are over the maximum age and do not provide the required documentation for an age waiver, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.
- 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 for all creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17) showing Retirement Code M or O in Block 30 of your SF-50s.
- If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, you must submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
- The separation notice from your agency.
- Your most recent performance rating.
- Your most recent SF-50 with your current position, grade level, and duty location.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.
Before you apply, it is critical that you acknowledge each of CBP's Conditions of Employment. We expect our employees to uphold these conditions throughout their tenure with CBP. This video will detail each of our main categories: appearance and health; examinations, investigations, and tests; fitness and the academy. The goal of this video is to provide you with upfront knowledge of CBP's expectations - Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Conditions of Employment

This announcement is for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) eligible applicants only. For more information on VRA eligibilities, see Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans. If you have not served in the U.S. military or if you do not qualify under VRA, please apply to our other CBPO Announcements here.

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 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 email address posted below is for inquiries only. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire and any supporting documentation at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.

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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

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.

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.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View more information on applying for federal employment. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

Agency contact information

CBP Applicant Contact Center

Phone

855-500-3722

Email

CBPApplicantContactCenter@cbp.dhs.gov

Address

Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

A new entrance examination went into effect February 1, 2024. All eligible applicants will be required to complete the new entrance examination.

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com with a link to create an account to access the online assessment, which takes approximately 1 hour. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 48 hours of receipt of the email.

After completion of the initial online assessment, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com to complete the Writing Skills Test. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 5 days after receiving the email.

Upon successful completion of the Writing Skills Test you may receive a final email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com to schedule the proctored exam at a local testing center. You will have 14 days to schedule and complete the proctored exam at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Scheduling the proctored exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. Please allow approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.

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.

If you are currently in the pre-employment process for the CBP Officer 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.).

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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

All applicants are required to submit a resume.

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 or former Federal employee you must include your salary, pay scale and pay grade information. Note: Many applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the CBP Officer Resume Aid for specific information and examples.

Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable at this time) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. An official transcript will be required prior to entrance on duty. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials; see www.naces.org for a listing of some accrediting agencies. If submitting documentation of a foreign evaluation, a transcript is also required. For more information, see Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Are you a current or former federal employee? If you are a current/former Federal employee, it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form to support your experience. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.

Are you a veteran? If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility as appropriate to your preference type. For more information, see Veterans Preference.

5-point Preference (TP): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
10-point Preference (CP or CPS): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later showing the total percentage of the service-connected disability. Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged.
10-point Preference (XP): You MUST submit a Standard Form 15, DD-214 listing the character of service, and the required documentation stated on the SF-15.
Currently Serving: If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written signed statement from the Armed Forces certifying your dates of service, rank, campaign badge(s) and expeditionary medal(s) (if applicable), expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214.

Can you claim an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference or previous Law Enforcement service? If you are over the age of 40, you will need to submit proof you are eligible for an age waiver based on either previous Federal law enforcement service or Veterans' Preference. If you are over the maximum age and do not provide the required documentation for an age waiver, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.

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 for all creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17) showing Retirement Code M or O in Block 30 of your SF-50s.
If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, you must submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:

The separation notice from your agency.
Your most recent performance rating.
Your most recent SF-50 with your current position, grade level, and duty location.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Help

Before you apply, it is critical that you acknowledge each of CBP's Conditions of Employment. We expect our employees to uphold these conditions throughout their tenure with CBP. This video will detail each of our main categories: appearance and health; examinations, investigations, and tests; fitness and the academy. The goal of this video is to provide you with upfront knowledge of CBP's expectations - Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Conditions of Employment

This announcement is for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) eligible applicants only. For more information on VRA eligibilities, see Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans. If you have not served in the U.S. military or if you do not qualify under VRA, please apply to our other CBPO Announcements here.

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 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 email address posted below is for inquiries only. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire and any supporting documentation at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.

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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

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.

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.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View more information on applying for federal employment. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

Agency contact information

CBP Applicant Contact Center

Phone: 855-500-3722
Email: CBPApplicantContactCenter@cbp.dhs.gov
Address: Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

A new entrance examination went into effect February 1, 2024. All eligible applicants will be required to complete the new entrance examination.

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com with a link to create an account to access the online assessment, which takes approximately 1 hour. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 48 hours of receipt of the email.

After completion of the initial online assessment, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com to complete the Writing Skills Test. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 5 days after receiving the email.

Upon successful completion of the Writing Skills Test you may receive a final email from CBPEntry_Support@talogy.com to schedule the proctored exam at a local testing center. You will have 14 days to schedule and complete the proctored exam at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Scheduling the proctored exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. Please allow approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.

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.

If you are currently in the pre-employment process for the CBP Officer 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.).

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.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

11/01/2024 to 11/30/2024
Salary

$39,576 - $108,733 per year
A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.
Pay scale & grade

GS 5 - 7
Location

Many vacancies in the following location:
- CBPO Nationwide
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time - May include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis.
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

12
Job family (Series)
- 1895 Customs And Border Protection
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
- National security
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

Yes
Announcement number

CBPO VRA 25-2
Control number

816010900

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/816010900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Customs and Border Protection Officer (VRA)

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Videos

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent