Customs and Border Protection Officer - Entry Level

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) – New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers an exceptional opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement. As part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, you will protect American interests and secure our nation.

• Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
• Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
• Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.
• Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
• Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Preference can be requested for the following mission‑critical locations:
Anchorage, AK;
Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ;
Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA;
Washington, D.C.;
Key West, Miami, and Orlando, FL;
Honolulu, HI;
Chicago, IL;
Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME;
Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI;
Grand Portage and International Falls, MN;
Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT;
Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM;
Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Buffalo, NY;
Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND;
Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso, and Houston, TX;
Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT;
Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.

• Recruitment Incentive – up to $15,000 per year for a three‑year service contract, in the following locations:
  • Arizona:
    Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
  • California:
    Calexico
  • Hawaii:
    Honolulu
  • Maine:
    Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
  • Michigan:
    Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie
  • Minnesota:
    Grand Portage, International Falls
  • Montana:
    Raymond, Sweetgrass
  • New York:
    Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River
  • North Dakota:
    Dunseith, Portal
  • Vermont:
    Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
  • Washington:
    Blaine, Oroville
• Recruitment Incentive – up to $15,000 per year for a four‑year service contract, in the following locations:
  • California:
    Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
  • Florida:
    Key West
  • North Dakota:
    Pembina
• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs: GS‑5 and GS‑7 $ 41,863 – $112,415 per year.

Locality pay varies by duty location.

Fully trained CBPOs are eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.

Grade‑level progression: GS‑5, GS‑7, GS‑9, GS‑11, and GS‑12. Promotion is at the discretion of the agency after completion of 52 weeks at each level.

Officers are eligible for federal benefits, including health, dental, and other insurance plans; a generous annual and sick leave program; and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to a 401(k).

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years full‑time general work experience demonstrating ability to meet people and learn and apply facts.
• Education Substitution: A bachelor’s degree or completion of a full four (4)‑year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Combination: Successfully completed college education AND general work experience, evaluated from resume and transcripts.

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of specialized full‑time work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including:
  • Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
  • Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying applicable laws.
  • Making determinations that may lead to arrests, seizures, fines, and/or penalties.
• Education Substitution: A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (≥3.0 GPA or equivalent) or one (1) full year of graduate‑level education that demonstrates necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Combination: Specialized work experience…