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Port Customs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... customs clearance, warehousing, cargo insurance, bulk cargo service, port of destination services ... etc. We are designed to apply the internet and digital technology to visualize and optimize cross ...

Port Truck Driver

Fontana, CA · On-site

$210 - $840/day

... customs clearance, warehousing, cargo insurance, bulk cargo service, port of destination services ... etc. We are designed to apply the internet and digital technology to visualize and optimize cross ...

Supply Chain Coordinator

Dinuba, CA · On-site

$32K - $36K/yr

Oversee the full container journey: booking, loading, transit, port arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery to customer sites or warehouses. 2. Documentation Management * Review, validate, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Port Customs information

What is port customs?

Port Customs refers to the government authorities stationed at seaports who are responsible for overseeing the import and export of goods. Their main duties include inspecting cargo, collecting duties and taxes, enforcing trade regulations, and preventing illegal activities such as smuggling. Port Customs officers ensure that all shipments comply with national and international laws to protect the country’s economy and security. They play a critical role in facilitating lawful trade and safeguarding borders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port customs officer?

To thrive as a Port Customs Officer, you need strong knowledge of customs regulations, cargo inspection procedures, and relevant laws, typically supported by a degree in criminal justice or related fields and government training. Familiarity with customs management systems, X-ray scanning technology, and risk assessment tools is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders and ensuring compliance. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining border security, preventing smuggling, and facilitating lawful international trade.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in port customs, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professionals in Port Customs often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing regulations, tight deadlines for cargo clearance, and the need to coordinate with various stakeholders like shipping agents, freight forwarders, and government authorities. Staying updated on local and international customs laws is crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Effective time management, attention to detail, and strong communication skills can help manage these challenges and maintain smooth port operations.

What is the difference between Port Customs vs Customs Broker?

AspectPort CustomsCustoms Broker
CredentialsTypically requires customs clearance training, certifications vary by countryRequires customs broker license or certification, often mandated by government agencies
Work EnvironmentOperates at ports, handling cargo clearance and inspectionsWorks in offices or remotely, managing documentation and compliance
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companies, freight forwardersCustoms brokerage firms, freight forwarders, import/export companies

Port Customs personnel focus on inspecting and clearing cargo at ports, ensuring compliance with regulations. Customs Brokers handle the documentation, legal compliance, and communication with customs authorities, often working behind the scenes. While both roles are essential in international trade, Port Customs are more involved in on-site inspections, whereas Customs Brokers manage paperwork and legal procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Port Customs jobs in California?

For Port Customs jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Port Customs jobs?

Cities in California with the most Port Customs job openings:

Infographic showing various Port Customs job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Customs and Border Protection Officer - Experienced with Security Clearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Tecate, CA • On-site

$63K - $127K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 24 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

171st of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America. You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation. If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) , you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. Being a CBPO makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include: * Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations. * Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. * Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances. * Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and * Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband. Duty Locations - Incentives available for some locations You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations: Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI; Grand Portage and International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Buffalo, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso, and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA. The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States. Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO). Salary - and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives - and Benefits **Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a three-year service contract, in the following locations: * Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis * California: Calexico * Hawaii: Honolulu * Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro * Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie * Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls * Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass * New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River * North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal * Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford * Washington: Blaine, Oroville **Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a four-year service contract, in the following locations: * California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate * Florida: Key West * North Dakota: Pembina Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows: * GS-9 $63,431- $127,464 per year Locality pay varies by duty location. Note: A fully trained CBPO is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience and education, and duty location of the opportunity. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering. Qualifications: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level in one of the following ways: experience, education, or a combination of both. Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes: * Detaining suspected violators of federal, state, or local laws and/or arresting violators using the proper law enforcement methods. * Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States. * Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security. * Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action. The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the application of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing and exporting merchandise to and from the United States; or enforcement and administration of laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in or depart from the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Education Substitution: A master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited college or university; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate-level education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. Other Requirements: Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years. Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). Veterans' Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible. Formal Training: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program - CBP Field Operations Academy - conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA. This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc. Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program, which will be completed at their home port. Successful completion of the Academy is required for this position. How to Apply: Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network page. For Position of Interest , select Customs and Border Protection Officer. You'll then receive a link(s) to the CBPO JOA(s) on USAJOBS to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the CBPO Entrance Exam. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you'll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with OFO and CBP.

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

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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