Customs and Border Protection
CBP Officer (NTC)
Department of Homeland Security · Sterling, Virginia
- Salary
- $125,158 - $162,708 per year
- Pay grade
- GS-13
- Schedule
- Full-time
- Appointment
- Permanent
- Opened
- Jul 7, 2026
- Closes
- Jan 4, 2027
- Remote
- No
- Telework eligible
- No
- Openings
- Many
- Security clearance
- Top Secret
- Promotion potential
- 13
- Announcement
- OFO-IMP-12977975-KEG
Who may apply: Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) · Internal to an agency
Applications are submitted on USAJOBS.gov, not on Careers.org. Always confirm details in the official announcement.
Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center located in Sterling, VA. This Open Continuous Job Announcement is used in building a pool of qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed throughout the duration of announcement up to the closing date. Please see additional information section for further instructions.
Duties
- 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 $125,158.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to$162,708.00 (GS-13, Step 10). Typical work assignments include: Managing and ensuring the performance of the inspection, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement activities relating to arrival and departure of persons, conveyances, and merchandise at Ports of Entry (POE). Managing and coordinating the identification of potential terrorists and instruments of terror. Performing layered enforcement activities (preprimary/risk assessment, primary and secondary inspection, outbound, registration, exit controls, and post disposition). Applying a comprehensive knowledge of program related legislation and regulations and knowledge of inspection and investigative techniques. Developing, planning, and participating in tactical operations. If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service. For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Researching, obtaining, assembling, and analyzing classified intelligence from a wide array of sources (federal, state, local, military, foreign, financial, and technology companies) to identify patterns, assess risks, and distinguish criminal intent Providing expert guidance to CBP Officers and management, demonstrating ingenuity and resourcefulness to target, manage, process, and resolve high-risk, complex, sensitive, and unprecedented situations involving people and cargo Identifying weaknesses in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; making and defending recommendations for significant changes or interpretations to improve CBP Officer operations Preparing complex reports that substantiate findings and serve as a basis for potential legal action, requiring a strong understanding of legal frameworks and meticulous documentation. 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. The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008. Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a primary position; and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180. The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008. Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. § 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Im…
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. governmen
Job data from USAJOBS.gov. Careers.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, 4:22 AM EST.