Intelligence Research Specialist (Watch Officer) at Customs and Border Protection – Washington, District of Columbia

About the opportunity

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Intelligence, located in Washington DC. The Intelligence Research Specialist (Watch Officer) serves as the primary point of contact within the National Intelligence Watch (NIW) for CBP Executive leadership, field managers, the Intelligence Community (IC), federal partners, and DHS Intelligence Enterprise component watches. Major duties include assisting in the research, screening, evaluation, and consolidation of a large quantity of information related to CBP issues and threats; demonstrating proficiency using Intelligence Community databases and tools to gather, review, and collate all-source message traffic; drawing meaningful conclusions and producing clear assessments; presenting findings in written products or oral briefings; and providing situational awareness of all events, issues, and threats being monitored by the NIW.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary of $85,447.00 (GS-11, Step 1) to $111,087.00 (GS-11, Step 10) with promotion potential to $158,322.00 (GS-13 Step 10).
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• 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.
• Other benefits including flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.

Who can apply?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must meet primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (unless an exception applies).
• Must meet all pre-employment processes conducted in English.
• Must pass a background investigation and/or polygraph.
• Must meet qualification requirements, including education if applicable, and Time in Grade requirements by 09/15/2026.
• For GS-11: Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, OR substitute a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M.

Required documents

• A resume in English, two pages or less, containing your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history with detailed description of duties, dates performed (MM/DD/YY), hours worked per week, job title, series, grade, and salary.
• Responses to the job questionnaire.
• Responses to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
• College transcript (unofficial is acceptable at application) or coursework list if qualifying based on education.
• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status (Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34), highest grade held, and time-in-grade proof, if a current or former federal employee.
• Separation notice, SF-50, performance rating, or agency certification, if claiming special priority selection rights under CTAP.
• DD-214, VA Disability Award letter, or written statement from armed forces certifying dates of service, if applying under a veteran appointing authority.

When to apply

• Date Posted: 2026-09-09
• Application Close Date: 2026-09-15 at 11:59 PM (ET) or until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first.

How to apply

• Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
• Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-15.
• Complete the required online USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of receiving the assessment link.

Additional information

• All new employees to the federal government must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Selectees are required to attend and successfully complete Intelligence Specialist Core and Specialized paid training as a condition of employment.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.