1

Cbp Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CBP Officer

Juneau, AK · On-site +1

$104K - $135K/yr

The CBP Officer 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 ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cbp Officer information

What are some of the unique challenges faced by CBP officers during their daily duties at ports of entry?

CBP Officers often encounter the challenge of balancing thorough inspections with efficient processing of travelers and cargo. They must remain vigilant for security threats while providing professional service to people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the role requires adaptability, as officers may need to respond to rapidly changing situations, such as shifts in travel patterns or emerging security risks. Effective communication and teamwork with other law enforcement agencies are also essential to ensure border safety and compliance.

What is the difference between Cbp Officer vs Customs Agent?

AspectCbp OfficerCustoms Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, background checks, sometimes specialized trainingHigh school diploma, licensing, and certification often required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agency, border security, airports, portsPrivate sector, customs brokerage firms, import/export companies
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal governmentPrivate customs brokerage and freight forwarding companies

While both Cbp Officers and Customs Agents work in customs-related roles, Cbp Officers primarily serve in government border security, enforcing laws and inspecting travelers and cargo. Customs Agents typically work in the private sector, handling import/export documentation and ensuring compliance for clients. The roles overlap in credentials and industry usage but differ in employment setting and specific responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a CBP Officer, you need strong observational skills, knowledge of customs and immigration laws, and a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring additional education or relevant experience. Familiarity with inspection tools, law enforcement databases, and security screening systems is essential. Effective communication, integrity, and sound judgment are important soft skills for interacting with travelers and making quick, fair decisions under pressure. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting national borders, enforcing laws, and ensuring the safety and security of the country.

What is a CBP officer?

CBP Officers are federal law enforcement agents who work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Their primary responsibilities include protecting the nation’s borders by enforcing customs, immigration, and agricultural laws at ports of entry. They inspect travelers, vehicles, and cargo entering the United States to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and unauthorized entry. CBP Officers play a crucial role in national security, trade facilitation, and border management.

What does a CBP officer do?

As a CBP officer, your responsibilities are to provide customs and border protection for the federal government. In this law enforcement position, you may patrol a designated area, provide security in high-risk areas, implement immigration regulations, inspect trade and agriculture products, and engage in counterterrorism work. CBP officers secure land borders, coastal waters, ports of entry, and parcel processing facilities. Many aspects of this job vary by area and the duties you are assigned. For example, a CBP officer focused on examining items entering the United States will have a significantly different day-to-day experience than an officer tasked with intercepting people trying to cross the border illegally.

Do CBP officers get paid well?

CBP officers typically receive competitive salaries that increase with experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers often start with a salary around $50,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime, benefits, and career advancement. Overall, their compensation is considered fair within federal law enforcement standards.
What cities are hiring for Cbp Officer jobs? Cities with the most Cbp Officer job openings:
What states have the most Cbp Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cbp Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cbp Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$104K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Portland Field Office, Area Port of Anchorage, located in Juneau, AK


Qualifications:Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Performing inspections and enforcement of persons, merchandise, and conveyances at ports of entry and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States.
  • Enforcing the laws that protect America's homeland through detection, interdiction and apprehension.
  • Developing, planning and performing in tactical operations.
  • Conducting searches, making arrests and seizures, and collecting evidence in support of criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
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.
Primary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a primary 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)). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click onthis 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.

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 08/17/2026

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 CBP Officer 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.
Age Requirement: Pursuant to Public Law 110-161, this position is covered under special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers which allows for the imposition of a maximum age requirement. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03, the day before an individual's 37th birthday is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.
** NOTE: The Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age for original placement into a CBPO position, therefore candidates must enter their original appointment before reaching their 40th birthday. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03, unless the below criteria applies, you must meet this age requirement by the date of referral to the hiring manager.
Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) as a Customs and Border Protection Officer on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/aboutEmployment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo

About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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