Customs and Border Protection Officer CBPO - $40,332 to $109,952 / year

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Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)

Explore a rewarding career in law enforcement by joining a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to protecting national interests. Working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a promising career with excellent pay, benefits, and job security. Become part of a workforce committed to safeguarding borders and enhancing the country's economic growth.

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO), you'll join a team of over 60,000 personnel working tirelessly to deter illegal activities and ensure the prosperity of the nation. Your role as a CBPO signifies your importance within the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) field.

Typical duties include:

  • Enforcing laws related to customs, immigration, and agriculture
  • Facilitating legitimate trade and travel
  • Conducting inspections of persons and vehicles
  • Determining the entry eligibility of individuals
  • Preventing illegal entry and smuggling of contraband

Locations and Available Incentives

Candidates may express a preference for specific mission-critical locations. While not all areas may have immediate vacancies, offers will be made based on operational needs and agency hiring requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary for new officers ranges from $40,332 to $109,952 annually, with variance based on locality.

Apart from the base salary, fully trained officers can earn up to $45,000 in overtime. Career progression is available from GS-5 through GS-12, with promotions possible after completing 52 weeks at each level.

Benefits include:

  • Health and dental insurance
  • Generous leave programs
  • Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k)

Location-Based Recruitment Incentives
  • Locations offering 25% additional annual pay for the first three years include select locations in CA, FL, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, VT, and WA.
  • Certain areas offer a 15% salary augmentation, including locations in HI, ND, VT, and WA.
  • The CA location may offer 10% additional pay.

Qualifications
For GS-5 Level:

  • Three years of general experience showing skills in meeting people and learning new information
  • A bachelor's degree
  • A combination of education and experience, calculated using your resume and transcripts

For GS-7 Level:

  • One year of specialized experience in inspections and legal compliance
  • A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate study
  • A blend of experience and graduate education

Applicants with prior law enforcement or military police experience may qualify for the GS-9 level.

Other Essential Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have resided primarily in the U.S. for three of the last five years
There is an age restriction for this role related to law enforcement retirement guidelines, and veterans may have alternative qualifying pathways.

Training
Completion of a paid two-week pre-academy orientation is required, followed by 101 days at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. For specific assignments, additional language training may be necessary.

Application Process
To apply, click the application link on the CBP Talent Network page, and select Customs and Border Protection Officer as your position of interest. You'll be directed to complete your application on USAJOBS, ensuring to provide all necessary documents and fulfill all application steps. Stay informed by subscribing to the CBP Talent Network for updates on career events and opportunities.
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