Marine Interdiction Agent

Marine Interdiction Agent

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those with Merchant Mariner Credentials the exceptional opportunity of a career in law enforcement working with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission protecting America.

If youre looking for an exciting and rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become a Marine Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively seeking applicants to fill full-time security-based positions with the nations largest law enforcement organization charged with maintaining the security of our national borders while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

Salary and Benefits

Begin your career as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) and make up to $76, per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location.

Example annual compensation for the first three years at our CAMB and subordinates new-hire locations (RUS + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service).

• GS-11 1st year annual pay - $105,931
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $137,977
• GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $164,075

Example annual compensation for the first three years at our Key West, Key Largo and Marathon, FL new-hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP)

• GS-11 1st year annual pay - $112,168
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $146,946
• GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $174,739

Example annual compensation for the first three years at our Long Beach, CA new-hire locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service)

• GS-11 1st year annual pay - $121,840
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $160,859
• GS-13 3rd year of annual pay - $191,284

This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12 and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52-weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval) and any additional training, licensing, and certification requirements.

Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Recruitment Incentive (RI): Upon Entrance on Duty (EOD) in Caribbean Air and Marine (CAMB) locations, you may be eligible to receive a Recruitment Incentive, pending budgetary approval and per the terms outlined in agency policy. New hires that are eligible may receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed).

Duty Locations

A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre-employment process. The duty location listed in the final offer letter may include any geographic location within the Southwest Region, Southeast Region or Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

Note: Your opportunity for final selection is increased based on your flexibility to Enter on Duty at priority duty location.

Current possible duty locations include:

• Southeast Region: Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Marathon, FL and CAMB: Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce, and San Juan PR; and Saint Thomas, VI
• Northern Region: Bellingham, WA

Limited Duty Locations as of 2/1/2025 Applying to this JOA does not guarantee any of the locations listed below will still be available once you've completed the pre-employment process. Locations are offered based on the current needs of the service at that time.

• Northern Region: Port Huron, MI
• Southeast Region: Houma, LA
• Southwest Region: Brownsville, TX

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Marine Interdiction Agent, you will perform marine-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties may include:

• Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
• Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction.
• Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
• Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.

Qualifications

This GS-11 grade level position has a selective factor: As a minimum qualification requirement all candidates must have a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. See the U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) section that is listed below for qualifying capacities.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one (1) year of…