Customs and Border Protection Officer - Entry Level

Position Overview

The Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) opportunity offers a rewarding career in law enforcement with the Department of Homeland Security. Join an elite team dedicated to protecting American interests through border security, enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws, and facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. This role provides great pay, benefits, job stability, and clear career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
• Facilitate the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
• Conduct inspections of individuals and conveyances.
• Determine the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
• Prevent illegal entry of individuals, prohibited goods, and the smuggling of contraband.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and meet residency requirements (primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years).
• For GS-5 eligibility: Either three years of full-time general work experience, a bachelor’s degree (or completion of a four-year course), or a combination of both.
• For GS-7 eligibility: Either one year of specialized work experience performing physical inspections and applying federal laws, a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement, one full year of graduate-level education, or an appropriate combination of experience and education.
• Successful completion of pre-academy orientation and a 101-day training program at the CBP Field Operations Academy is required.
• Candidates must meet stringent age, background, and physical requirements as defined for federal law enforcement positions.

Benefits & Perks

• Recruitment Incentives: Newly appointed CBPOs may be eligible for up to $15,000 per year under specified duty locations and service contract terms.
• Compensation: Annual base salary ranging from $40,332 to $109,952 (GS-5 and GS-7), with a fully trained CBPO eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay.
• Career ladder progression from GS-5 to GS-12, with promotions possible after 52 weeks in each grade level.
• Federal employment benefits including health, dental, and life insurance; generous annual and sick leave; and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement plan similar to a traditional and ROTH 401(k)).

How to Apply

Click the Apply button on the site to be linked to the CBP Talent Network page. For the Position of Interest, select "Customs and Border Protection Officer." You will then receive a link to the CBPO Job Opportunity Announcement on USAJOBS where you must follow all application instructions, including submitting your resume, transcripts, and supporting documents. Your evaluation will consider your resume, supporting materials, and performance on the CBPO Entrance Exam. Subscribers to the CBP Talent Network receive monthly updates on webinars, career expos, and future opportunities.