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Cbp Field Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Create detailed interface specifications for integration with CBP situational awareness systems * Design standardized site survey procedures for consistent field operations * Coordinate field test ...

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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.
Lead CBP Technician

Lead CBP Technician

Customs and Border Protection

San Luis, AZ • On-site, Remote

$61K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 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, Port of San Luis, AZ.
Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise as a team leader, responsible for more complex support functions and leader of a medium to large number of employees who perform work supportive of, or incidental to, CBP Officers (CBPO), CBP Agriculture Specialists (CBPAS), Entry/Import Specialists, and Fines, Penalties and Forfeiture (FPF) Officers.
This position starts at a salary of $61,722.00 (GS-09, Step 1) to $80,243.00 (GS-09, Step 10).
In this Lead CBP Technician position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals performing technical duties requiring application of specialized knowledge of procedures, techniques, regulations and information. Typical work assignments include:
  • Inspecting, gathering, and recording information concerning persons, cargo, conveyances, merchandise, mail, and other miscellaneous items in accordance with established guidelines under supervision and guidance.
  • Collecting, transporting, and destroying contraband; conducting real-time monitoring of area and reviewing archived video footage and preparing video archive requests.
  • Assisting CBPOs with narcotic seizures and seizures of other illegal items to the extent allowed by law; assisting with vehicle inspection and valuation in support of officers.
  • Preparing reports and correspondence for importing public and/or chain of command and responds to routine inquiries.
  • Supporting the inspection of vessels, aircraft, conveyances, passengers, and pedestrian for the presence of restricted or prohibited products.

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position.Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
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.
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
  • 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 is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions - NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites - National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU.

Qualifications
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: You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Inspecting, gathering, and recording information concerning persons, cargo, conveyances, merchandise, mail, and other miscellaneous items in accordance with established guidelines under supervision and guidance.
  • Collecting, transporting, and destroying contraband; conducting real-time monitoring of area and reviewing archived video footage and preparing video archive requests.
  • Assisting CBPOs with narcotic seizures and seizures of other illegal items to the extent allowed by law; assisting with vehicle inspection and valuation in support of officers.
  • Preparing reports and correspondence for importing public and/or chain of command and responds to routine inquiries.
  • Supporting the inspection of vessels, aircraft, conveyances, passengers, and pedestrian for the presence of restricted or prohibited products.

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.
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 06/09/2026.

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
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

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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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