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Port Customs Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Detailer - IAD Airport

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Eligibility to acquire needed credentials and clearances (FAA, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs and U.S. Postal- as applicable) * Airlines are 24/7, so we need our team members to be flexible to ...

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 cities in Washington are hiring for Port Customs jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Port Customs job openings:

Infographic showing various Port Customs job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Call for Experts: Peace, Justice & Security

Pan American Development Foundation, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Call for Experts: Peace, Justice & Security

Job Category: Programs

Requisition Number: CALLF001934

  • Posted: July 6, 2026
  • Full-Time
Locations

Showing 1 location

Headquarters
1889 F St NW
Washington, DC 20006, USA

Join PADF’s Roster of Subject Matter Experts for the Western Hemisphere

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is building a standing roster of subject matter experts to support its Peace, Justice & Security (PJS) programming across the Western Hemisphere. PADF works alongside national counterparts throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America to strengthen civilian security, advance the rule of law, and build accountable, effective, and trusted justice and law enforcement institutions.

We are seeking experienced law enforcement, justice sector, and security professionals to provide technical advice and assistance that strengthens host nation reforms. Depending on program needs, experts on this roster may be engaged as short-term consultants or as embedded advisors placed directly within host‑nation institutions.

This is a rolling call. Expressions of interest are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed as opportunities arise across PADF’s active and pipeline programs.

Who We Are Looking For

PADF seeks experts who:

  • Bring demonstrated technical expertise and hands‑on proficiency in their area of specialization, with a proven ability to advise, mentor, and support institutional development at multiple levels.
  • Understand the value of context‑driven, partner‑centered approaches grounded in local realities.
  • Are committed to promoting effective, accountable, and rights‑respecting security and justice institutions.
  • Can work credibly alongside national counterparts, peers, and partners to design responsive and enduring solutions.
  • Bring regional knowledge of the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, with working proficiency in Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, or relevant Creole languages considered a strong asset.

Areas of Expertise

PADF welcomes experts across the following thematic areas. This list is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and adjacent specializations are encouraged to apply.

Border, Maritime & Supply Chain Security

  • Border security operations and cross‑border threat interdiction
  • Disruption of illicit cross‐border networks (weapons, narcotics, and human smuggling)
  • Maritime and port security, governance, and modernization
  • Supply chain, cargo, and customs security

Criminal Investigations & Forensics

  • Crime scene investigation and management
  • Evidence handling, chain of custody, and preservation
  • Forensic laboratory establishment and management
  • Digital forensics and digital evidence processing
  • Law enforcement interviewing and investigative interrogation
  • Cybercrime investigations
  • Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure (IT/OT/ICS)
  • Information and communications technology (ICT) and digital transformation
  • Data analytics and case management systems for justice institutions

Crime Prevention & Community Security

  • Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
  • Community‑oriented and intelligence‑led policing
  • Gang prevention, intervention, and investigations
  • At‑risk youth programming and violence interruption
  • Counter‑trafficking in persons (TIP)
  • Victim services and psychosocial support
  • Financial crimes investigations, including fraud and money laundering
  • AML/CFT systems strengthening and FATF standards implementation
  • Counterterrorism financing
  • Egmont Group, Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), and financial intelligence sharing
  • Sanctions, terrorist designation, and legal framework development (FTO/SDGT alignment)
  • Disruption of illicit economies, including illicit mining and environmental crime
  • Transnational criminal organization disruption, including networks with a terrorism nexus

Law Enforcement Professionalization & Institutional Reform

  • Police professionalization, standards, and accreditation
  • Command, leadership, and supervisory development
  • Strategic planning, organizational policy, and institutional reform
  • Competency‑based training, curriculum design, and assessment
  • Train‑the‑trainer delivery and internal capacity sustainment
  • Prosecutorial capacity development
  • Legislative and regulatory drafting
  • Case management and judicial process reform
  • Regional and multi‑jurisdictional legal cooperation

Cross‑Cutting Expertise

  • Intelligence analysis and analytical tradecraft
  • Anti‑corruption and institutional integrity
  • Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)
  • Vetting compliance

Engagement & Locations

Engagements are based in PADF program countries across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Most assignments require significant in‑country travel or, in the case of embedded advisory roles, residency within or alongside a host institution for the duration of the assignment. Engagement type, level of effort, and duration vary by program.

How to Express Interest

Qualified professionals are invited to submit the following for consideration:

  • A current CV or resume detailing relevant technical and regional experience;
  • A brief statement identifying your areas of expertise and the countries or regions where you have worked;
  • Your availability and preferred engagement type (short‑term consultant or embedded advisor); and
  • Professional references available upon request.

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified experts will be contacted as relevant opportunities arise.

PAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record.

Equal Opportunity Employer – This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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