Customs and Border Protection
CBP OFFICER (CONTAINER SECURITY)
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Summary
GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you are currently serving or have served as a full-time permanent GS-12 with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is a reassignment opportunity, which confers no promotion potential beyond the GS-12 level. This is not a promotion opportunity. Your experience must demonstrate responsibility in: Performing the full range of CBP Officer duties in the effort to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the United States; to enforce the laws that protect America's homeland through the detection, interdiction and apprehension of those who attempt to illegally enter or smuggle any person or contraband at the POEs; and to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of legitimate trade and lawful travelers. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. 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. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 10/22/2026 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. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (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 additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Polygraph Examination: The CBP OFFICER (CONTAINER SECURITY) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, 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. 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. Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Tour of Duty: Employees will serve a two (2) year initial tour, with the potential opportunity to apply for additional tours subject to the duration as defined by the host country and Department of State, and at the discretion of management. At the end of the assignment or at the discretion of management, you will be returned to a position at the same level as this Container Security Initiative Division position. Employees who have not served two (2) years at a domestic duty station, subsequent to their initial overseas tour of duty, will not be considered for a second tour of duty in any foreign assignment. Employees who have not served two (2) years at a domestic duty station, subsequent to their initial overseas tour of duty, will not be considered for a second tour of duty in any foreign assignment. Return Rights: No more than one hundred and fifty (150) calendar days before the end of tour, but not less than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the end of the initial tour, as well as the conclusion of any extensions, employees are expected to formally request, through a fully completed Notice of Intent (NOI), express intent to return to the United States. Please refer to Article 40 Section 6 of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement for additional information with regards to Extension Request and Return Procedures. Annual Leave Accumulation: When you are selected for a Container Security Initiative (CSI) position, you will earn annual leave at the same rate as stateside. The maximum accumulation of annual leave at a CSI station increases to 45 days (360 hours) Living Quarters Allowances (not payable if claiming temporary lodging allowance): You will receive payment of an annual tax-free quarters allowance for housing while in a CSI station. This allowance is intended to cover the cost of suitable, adequate living quarters for you and your family plus the cost of heat, light, gas, fuel, electricity and water. However, at some duty stations government subsidized housing is provided. Home Leave: In addition to annual leave, you will earn five, ten, or fifteen days home leave per year on each two year assignment depending on your foreign post assignment and the post differential rate. This leave is granted to you when you have your CSI assignment extended for another tour and is to be used between tours. The government pays your per diem and transportation expenses from your post of duty in a CSI station to your former official residence in the United States. In addition, it also pays for the transportation expenses of your dependents that accompany you on home leave to your residence to the United States. Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes marine docks and terminals. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection and respirators.
Major Duties
It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration as this announcement will close on 10/22/2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET or on the day we receive 150 applicants (whichever comes first.) This is a Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin: You must be currently serving or have previously served as a permanent GS-12 with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are currently serving or have served in the 1895 series within the last five years to qualify under this Bulletin. If you hold or have previously held the GS-1895-13 level or higher and are willing to take a change to lower grade, you will also be considered for this position. Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen Homeland Security by performing law enforcement activities such as inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, and interpretation of laws and regulations. This position starts at a salary of $78,581.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $102,157.00 (GS-12, Step 10). Salary above excludes COLA. Please see here for specific COLA Rates. In this position you will become a key member of a team of homeland security professionals responsible for detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Typical work assignments include: Performing inspection, intelligence analysis, examinations, including all-bilateral and multilateral discussions, negotiations, policies and operational activities and decisions involving the security of global containerized cargo. Identifying and targeting high-risk shipments and conveyances for examination. Conducting visual and physical inspection of cargo, using a wide array of non-intrusive technology. Gathering and analyzing information from all available sources to identify threats to U.S. borders. Reviewing and analyzing carriers', importers' and exporters' records for possible violations of laws and threats to national security. Conduct Responsibilities on Overseas Assignment: Employee will be subject to the laws of the United States while posted overseas to include those specifically applicable to Federal employees including the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees in the Executive Branch and the DHS Ethics/Standards of Conduct. While posted overseas, the employee will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects honorably on the United States of America and which is consistent with any applicable diplomatic agreements between the United States and the host country. This includes, but is not limited to: Excessive consumption of alcohol, or if the country forbids consumption of alcohol, the consumption of alcohol. Recreational use of controlled substances such as marijuana, whether prescribed or not, even if legal in the geographic location. Using the services of a commercial sex provider, even if legal in the geographic location. Any conduct that could disgrace, embarrass, or discredit the Department of Homeland Security or the United States of America. Failure to adhere to the above may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including removal, the loss of security clearance, and the immediate expulsion from the host country.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures You and your dependents must pass a State Department medical examination. You and your dependents must obtain a valid passport. If selected for this position, you should be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. 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. Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the Ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required. 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. Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit. Employees who have not served two (2) years at a domestic duty station, subsequent to their initial overseas tour of duty, will not be considered for a second tour of duty in any foreign assignment.
Required Documents
Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, relevant, work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords. *Note: Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13091182 Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, you should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your most recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Age Requirement Waiver Documents: If you do not meet the age requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C § 3312 you must submit the following documents to verify your claim: DD 214 (Member Copy 4) and If you are a veteran with a service connected disability; A VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later If you are currently serving on active duty: A statement of service from your unit identifying the branch of service, period(s) of service, type of discharge, campaign badges or expeditionary medals earned, and the date you will be separated or on approved terminal leave. If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon separation from the military. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your initial and termination SF-50s. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
How to Apply
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. 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. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 10/22/2026. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and 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. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). 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; 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. Visit, 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. After CBP completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements. 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 [email protected]. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.