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Cbp Field Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CBP Officer

Skagway, AK · On-site +1

$104K - $135K/yr

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Portland Field Office, Area Port of ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are currently serving or have served in the 1895 series ...

CBP Officer

Tok, AK · On-site

$104K/yr

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Portland Field Office, Area Port of ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all ...

CBP Officer

Tok, AK · On-site

$104K/yr

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Portland Field Office, Area Port of ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all ...

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Cbp Field Operations information

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$11

$28

$44

How much do cbp field operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cbp field operations in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CBP Field Operations Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CBP Field Operations Officer, you need a solid understanding of border security protocols, law enforcement procedures, and must typically possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience along with U.S. citizenship. Familiarity with inspection technologies, law enforcement databases, and specialized detection equipment is important, as is completing the CBP Officer Basic Training Academy. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and decision-making under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure officers can effectively enforce laws, protect national security, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel at U.S. ports of entry.

Does CBP pay well?

CBP Field Operations officers typically receive competitive salaries that increase with experience and rank, along with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Entry-level salaries generally start around the federal pay scale, with opportunities for overtime and promotions that can enhance overall compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by CBP Field Operations officers, and how can new hires effectively prepare for them?

CBP Field Operations officers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable work hours, high-pressure situations at ports of entry, and the need to quickly assess risks while balancing security and efficient processing. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills, maintaining physical fitness, and familiarizing themselves with customs regulations and procedures. It also helps to be adaptable and stay updated on current security threats, as teamwork and situational awareness are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.

What are CBP Field Operations?

CBP Field Operations refers to the branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) responsible for securing the nation’s borders at official ports of entry. Officers working in Field Operations inspect travelers and cargo entering the United States, enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws, and prevent illegal goods or individuals from crossing the border. Their work is critical for facilitating lawful trade and travel while protecting the country from threats such as terrorism, contraband, and infectious diseases.

What is the difference between Cbp Field Operations vs Customs Broker?

AspectCbp Field OperationsCustoms Broker
Required CredentialsCBP Officer or Agent certification, background checkCustoms broker license, licensing exam
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, ports, airports, enforcementImport/export documentation, client consultation
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Customs and Border Protection, governmentPrivate import/export companies, freight forwarders

While both roles involve customs procedures, Cbp Field Operations focuses on border enforcement and security, whereas Customs Brokers handle import/export documentation and compliance for clients. They work in related industries but serve different functions within the customs process.

More about Cbp Field Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Cbp Field Operations jobs? Cities with the most Cbp Field Operations job openings:
What states have the most Cbp Field Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Cbp Field Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cbp Field Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cbp Field Operations jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cbp Field Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,801 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Supervisory CBP Officer (Field Program)

Supervisory CBP Officer (Field Program)

Customs and Border Protection

Ashburn, VA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, International Operations and Advisory Directorate (IOAD), International Field Office, Field Analysis Intelligence Unit Division, in Ashburn, Virginia.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration.
Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to manage one or more national programs in order to help to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to direct programs that strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security.
This position starts at a salary of $120,579.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to$156,755.00 (GS-13, Step 10).
Salary above includes Special Rate for Customs and Border Protection Officer positions in the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality pay area.
In this first-line supervisory position you will become a key member of a team of Homeland Security professionals detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Typical work assignments include:
  • Coordinating enforcement efforts with Field Intelligence and Analytical Units, Joint Multi-Task Force Teams, Tactical Terrorism Response Team (TTRT), Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), and other Task Force details.
  • Developing and deploying strategies, preventing the illegal entry of terrorists and their associates into the United States; participating with Office of Field Operations components in deterring and disrupting smuggling operations and interdicting principals inbound and outbound.
  • Serving as a liaison with high-ranking officials in other Federal agencies and managers in DHS.
  • Serving as the focal point for unifying, coordinating, and overseeing anti-terrorism and contraband enforcement efforts within the geographic area and among the ports under the field offices' purview, as well as between these offices and other applicable entities.
  • Promoting management accountability and operational integrity for border security initiatives by ensuring policy compliance for respective areas.

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.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • You must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing Total Score
  • Firearm Requirement-This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the Ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the 13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing prearrival information via automated manifests, entries, and passenger/crew information systems.
  • Identifying and targeting high-risk persons, shipments, and conveyances for in-depth examination.
  • Performing counterintelligence activities to identify and prevent cross-border movement of international/corporate espionage.
  • Determining whether a traveler, or conveyance may be immediately admitted/released or referred to secondary inspection.
  • Interpreting and applying the laws and regulations relating to the admissibility of people into the U.S.

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.
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; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/04/2026

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.
For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory CBP Officer (Field Program) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:
Physical/Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.
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. government

Additional information
Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period upon appointment.

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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003