ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Customs Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCustoms JobsCustoms Jobs in Decatur, AL

Customs information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$35.8K

$67.3K

$88.1K

How much do customs jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs in Decatur, AL is $67,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $87,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Customs Officer, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, risk assessment, and investigative procedures, often supported by relevant government training or a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with customs management systems, X-ray scanning equipment, and document verification tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong ethical judgment, and effective communication skills help officers excel in high-pressure situations and interact with travelers and trade partners. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring border security, facilitating lawful trade, and protecting national interests.

What is the difference between Customs vs Customs Broker?

AspectCustomsCustoms Broker
CredentialsKnowledge of customs regulations, often requires relevant certifications or trainingLicensed professionals with specific customs broker licenses
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, import/export departmentsPrivate customs brokerage firms, freight forwarders
Industry UsageCustoms officers enforce regulations at bordersAssist importers/exporters with customs clearance
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in customs enforcementUnderstanding customs clearance process and licensing

While Customs officers enforce customs laws at borders, Customs Brokers facilitate the clearance process for importers and exporters by ensuring compliance with regulations. Both roles are essential in international trade but serve different functions within the customs ecosystem.

What are customs officers and what do they do?

Customs officers are government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods at borders and ports of entry. They inspect luggage, cargo, and vehicles to prevent illegal goods such as drugs, weapons, or undeclared items from entering or leaving a country. Customs officers also collect duties and taxes on imported goods and ensure compliance with trade regulations. Their work helps maintain national security, support lawful trade, and protect the country’s economy.

What do you do working in customs?

A customs officer is responsible for inspecting and processing goods and travelers at borders to enforce import and export regulations. They verify documentation, check for prohibited items, and ensure compliance with laws using tools like scanners and databases. The role often requires knowledge of customs laws and security procedures, and may involve working in a secure environment with irregular hours.

What does a customs job involve?

A customs job involves inspecting and processing shipments to ensure compliance with import and export regulations. Customs officers verify documentation, assess duties, and prevent illegal goods from entering or leaving a country, often working in border crossings, airports, or ports. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of customs laws, and sometimes security clearances are required.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in customs, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in customs often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and frequently changing international regulations, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, and managing high-pressure situations during inspections. Collaboration with other government agencies and effective communication with importers, exporters, and logistics providers are crucial for addressing these challenges. Staying updated through ongoing training and leveraging digital customs management systems can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors.

Is it hard to get a job with customs?

Getting a customs job can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. Candidates should have strong attention to detail, knowledge of regulations, and the ability to work in a secure environment. The difficulty varies depending on the specific role and location.

How much do US customs get paid?

U.S. Customs officers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers usually start at the lower end of this range, with opportunities for advancement and overtime pay. The job often requires background checks, training, and sometimes specialized certifications.
Customs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $67,294 per year, or $32.4 per hour.
Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

Performance Drone Works

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager.
What You'll Do
  • Lead PDW's global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers
  • Establish trade compliance strategies and governance policies
  • Lead regulatory export audits, investigate shipping and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions
  • Manage domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data in compliance with ITAR, EAR, Customs, and hazardous materials regulation
  • Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations
  • Support international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities.
  • Ensure all required regulatory compliance with DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials regulations
  • Select, manage, and coordinate qualified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient global transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.
  • Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams to resolve regulatory issues, obtain export authorizations, support government inquiries, and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws
  • Monitor changes in U.S. export regulations and recommend improvements to PDW's global trade compliance program
  • Manage export licensing activities, denied party screening, AES filings, recordkeeping, and trade compliance policies

Requirements
  • Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or pertinent fields
  • Minimum 5 years of experience working in Customs and Foreign Trade including sourcing and relationship development within the Customs and Foreign Trade discipline
  • Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies supporting international defense shipments
  • Working in an ITAR environment including global trade compliance, customs operations, and import/export processes
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred
  • Customs Brokerage License or equivalent level of experience
  • Experienced, demonstratable track record in all aspects of logistics sourcing and compliance

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8a-5p with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
  • PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities
  • Benefits include comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation
  • On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location
  • Employer provided life insurance
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Apply