About the opportunity
Being a Customs and Border Protection Officer makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer profession. You will be responsible for enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances, determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States, and preventing illegal entry and smuggling. This direct-hire announcement offers selections at the GS-5 or GS-7 grade levels, with promotion potential to GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. Selected candidates will participate in intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $41,863 to $112,415 per year (GS-5 to GS-7 pay scale)
- Up to a $15,000 recruitment incentive per year for a three- or four-year service contract in eligible locations
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
- Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k))
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program
- Personal leave days and paid federal holidays
- Flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, and fitness centers
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be referred for selection before your 40th birthday to comply with enhanced retirement provisions, unless eligible for an age waiver through previous federal civilian law enforcement service or Veterans' Preference
- GS-5 Level: Minimum of 3 years of general experience (1 year equivalent to at least GS-4) OR a conferred bachelor's degree OR a combination of general experience and college education
- GS-7 Level: Minimum of 1 year of specialized experience performing physical inspections and applying laws/regulations OR a conferred bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (SAA) OR 1 full year of graduate-level education OR a combination of specialized experience and graduate education
- Must meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. or protectorates for at least 3 of the last 5 years)
- Must meet firearm ownership and qualification requirements under the Gun Control Act and Lautenberg Amendment
- Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle
Required documents
- Resume in English containing full legal name, phone number, complete work history, detailed description of duties, dates performed (MM/DD/YY), hours worked per week, and federal grade/step if applicable (maximum two pages)
- College transcripts (unofficial accepted at application, official required prior to entry on duty)
- SF-50 'Notification of Personnel Action' form (for current or former federal employees)
- Proof of eligibility for Veterans' Preference (such as DD-214 or VA Disability Award letter), if applicable
- Documentation supporting age waiver claims (such as SF-50s reflecting creditable federal civilian service or Veterans' Preference documentation), if applicable
- Separation notice, recent performance rating, and recent SF-50 (for CTAP/ICTAP applicants)
When to apply
- Opening Date: September 1, 2026
- Closing Date: September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
How to apply
- Review and acknowledge all of CBP's Conditions of Employment
- Create or log in to a login.gov account via USAJOBS
- Complete the online application and upload your resume under the 'Resume' document type and other required supporting documents
- Complete the vacancy questionnaire, including four short free-response essay questions (200 words or less each)
Additional information
- Candidates must successfully pass pre-employment screenings including a polygraph examination, medical examination, fitness test, drug testing, and structured interview
- Position requires a Tier 5 background investigation for national security clearance
- Requires wearing an officially approved uniform, complying with grooming standards, and carrying a firearm
- Requires completion of a 103-day basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with a bachelor's degree or relevant specialized experience in inspections and regulatory enforcement.
- Candidates looking for a federal career with clear promotion potential from GS-5/7 up to GS-12.
- Those who are comfortable with the physical and technical requirements of conducting border inspections.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires a 103-day basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia.
- Applicants must pass a polygraph, medical exam, and fitness test as part of the hiring process.
- The position requires a Tier 5 background investigation and adherence to strict uniform and grooming standards.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is excellent for those seeking a stable federal career that facilitates legitimate trade and travel. It offers a structured path for professional growth and the opportunity to gain specialized experience in federal law enforcement.
Our take
This is a highly suitable role for motivated individuals interested in national security and trade facilitation; however, applicants must be prepared for the intensive training and the comprehensive pre-employment screening process.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
