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Customs Va Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Newport News, VA Pay Rate: $27.00/hour Duration: 12-Month Contract Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM ... This role works closely with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal ...

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Customs Va information

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$40K

$75.2K

$98.5K

How much do customs va jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs va in the United States is $75,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need for customs?

To work as a Customs VA, you typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with customs procedures and regulations. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and some roles may prefer or require knowledge of specific software or certifications related to customs and import/export processes.

What is the difference between Customs Va vs Customs Broker?

AspectCustoms VaCustoms Broker
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of customs procedures, sometimes certifications depending on jurisdictionRequires licensing or certification, such as a customs broker license
Work EnvironmentRemote or office-based, supporting customs clearance processesOffice-based, handling direct communication with customs authorities and clients
Employer & IndustryLogistics companies, freight forwarders, import/export firmsCustoms brokerage firms, freight forwarders, import/export companies

While both roles involve customs procedures, a Customs Va primarily provides administrative support and documentation assistance, whereas a Customs Broker actively manages customs clearance, often requiring licensing. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right position based on credentials and responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in customs?

The highest paying roles in customs typically include Customs Directors or Chief Customs Officers, who oversee operations and compliance. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, and they can earn significantly higher salaries compared to entry-level customs agents or inspectors.

How to get a job working for customs?

To work as a Customs VA or in customs-related roles, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and may require knowledge of customs procedures, security protocols, and relevant software. Applying through government or agency websites, obtaining necessary clearances, and demonstrating attention to detail and organizational skills are important steps in the hiring process.

Is there a demand for customs brokers?

There is steady demand for customs brokers, including Customs VAs, due to the ongoing need for import and export compliance, trade regulations, and customs clearance. Employers seek professionals with knowledge of tariffs, documentation, and customs procedures, often requiring certification or licensing. The role is essential in international trade operations and can offer stable employment opportunities.
More about Customs Va jobs
What cities are hiring for Customs Va jobs? Cities with the most Customs Va job openings:
What states have the most Customs Va jobs? States with the most job openings for Customs Va jobs include:
Infographic showing various Customs Va job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $75,242 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
CBPO (Program Manager)

$125K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


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

115th of 663 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Operations and Advisory Directorate (IOAD), International Programs and Training Division, located in Ashburn, VA.Qualifications:Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Applying an extensive, comprehensive and thorough knowledge of program-related legislation and regulations and an extensive knowledge of inspection and investigative technique.
  • Applying behavioral and cultural analysis, and decision-making skills in order to perform the risk assessment required to release travelers and shipments.
  • Overseeing the gathering and analysis of information from all available sources such as intelligence reports, and various databases.
  • Developing, planning and participating in tactical operations, such as pre-primary blitzes, intensive boarding's and roving.
  • Overseeing the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of a program or several program segments.
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.
Mandatory Prerequisite for Administrative Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Covered Requirement: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 C.F.R. 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 C.F.R. 8.802 (FERS).Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

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 06/24/2026
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 CBPO (Program Manager) 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.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
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.
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
Employment Type: OTHER

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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