Customs and Border Protection Officer - Entry Level

Position Overview

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking motivated individuals to join an elite team as a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO). In this career in law enforcement, you will protect American interests, safeguard our borders, and deter illicit activity while being part of a 60,000+ workforce under the Department of Homeland Security. This position offers great pay, benefits, job stability, and a clear career ladder with promotion opportunities.

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 the illegal entry of individuals, prohibited goods, and the smuggling of illegal drugs and contraband.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with primary U.S. residency (including protectorates) for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Meet specific work experience or education requirements:
  • GS-5: Three years of general work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both.
  • GS-7: One year of specialized work experience at the next lower grade level, a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement, one year of graduate-level education, or a combination thereof.
• Must comply with residency, age, and law enforcement retirement requirements as prescribed by applicable regulations.
• Successfully complete a paid pre-academy orientation and a comprehensive 101-day training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Benefits & Perks

• Great Pay: Annual Base Salary ranges from GS-5 and GS-7 at $40,332 to $109,952 per year, plus locality pay based on duty location.
• Overtime: Fully trained CBPOs are eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay.
• Recruitment Incentives: Additional salary incentives of 10%-25% for select duty locations during the initial years of employment.
• Comprehensive federal employment benefits including health, dental and other insurance plans, generous annual and sick leave programs, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (comparable to traditional and ROTH 401(k) plans).
• A structured career ladder with promotion opportunities without re-applying after successful completion of each grade level.

How To Apply

Click the Apply button on the CBP Talent Network site, select "Customs and Border Protection Officer" for Position of Interest, and follow the instructions on USAJOBS for submitting your application, resume, and supporting documents. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and performance on the CBPO Entrance Exam.

As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails regarding webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP and OFO.