Customs and Border Protection Officer - Entry Level
BURR RIDGE, ILPosted 21 days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Job overview
The Customs and Border Protection Officer (Entry Level) role involves protecting U.S. borders by enforcing laws and facilitating legitimate trade and travel as part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Responsibilities and impact
The officer will enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture laws, conduct inspections, determine admissibility of individuals, and prevent illegal entry and smuggling activities.
Compensation and benefits
The salary ranges from GS-5 to GS-7 levels, $40,332 to $109,952 annually, with locality pay and potential overtime up to $45,000; benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and recruitment incentives for certain locations.
Experience and skills
Applicants must be U.S. citizens with residency requirements, meet age restrictions, and have either general work experience, a bachelor's degree, or a combination for GS-5; specialized experience or education is required for GS-7; law enforcement or military experience may qualify for GS-9.
Career development
The position offers a career ladder from GS-5 to GS-12 with promotions based on successful completion of time-in-grade and agency discretion, plus formal training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Work environment and culture
The role is part of a highly trained, elite federal law enforcement team focused on protecting American interests with pride and camaraderie.
Company information
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security responsible for safeguarding U.S. borders and enhancing economic prosperity.
Team overview
Candidates join a workforce of over 60,000 federal law enforcement officers dedicated to border protection and law enforcement missions.
Job location and travel
Duty locations are across the U.S. and territories with some offering recruitment incentives; assignments depend on operational needs and candidate preferences.
Application process
Applicants must apply through the CBP Talent Network and USAJOBS, submit resumes and transcripts, and pass the CBPO Entrance Exam; ongoing communication is provided via monthly emails.
Unique job features
The position includes a paid pre-academy orientation and a 101-day training academy with specialized law enforcement and language training for certain locations.
Company overview
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws. CBP generates revenue primarily through tariffs and duties on imported goods. Established in 2003, following the Homeland Security Act of 2002, CBP plays a crucial role in national security by preventing the illegal movement of people and contraband while ensuring lawful travel and trade.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your ability to enforce laws, conduct inspections, and assess admissibility, emphasizing skills in law enforcement, attention to detail, and compliance with regulations.
Focus on showcasing any relevant experience or education that demonstrates your capacity to work with people, apply rules, and perform physical inspections, as well as your adaptability to diverse duty locations and mission-critical assignments.
Apply through multiple platforms, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official website, USAJOBS, and LinkedIn, to maximize your application visibility and reach recruiters effectively.
Connect with current CBPOs or recruiters on LinkedIn within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection division; use ice breakers such as asking about their experience at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or their advice for succeeding in the CBPO Entrance Exam.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'law enforcement,' 'customs inspections,' 'immigration laws,' 'physical inspections,' and 'compliance,' ensuring clear formatting and relevant certifications or training.
Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application channels, and find LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your energy on preparation and interview readiness.
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