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Port Customs Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Logistics Coordinator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Handle UK shipments end-to-end: customs brokers,breakbulk,port-to-warehouse drayage, transloading, and import documentation * Negotiate logistics procedures with new foreignsuppliers and onboard new ...

CHB Operations Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$56K - $60K/yr

You will manage end-to-end customs brokerage operations for a dedicated portfolio of accounts ... Track and trace inbound shipments from port or airport through final delivery * Ensure all required ...

CHB Operations Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$56K - $60K/yr

You will manage endtoend customs brokerage operations for a dedicated portfolio of accounts ... Track and trace inbound shipments from port or airport through final delivery * Ensure all required ...

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Showing results 1-20

Port Customs information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$39.7K

$74.8K

$97.9K

How much do port customs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for port customs in Baltimore, MD is $74,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,700.00 and $96,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Infographic showing various Port Customs job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $74,763 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Supervisory CBP Agriculture Specialist

Baltimore, MD • On-site


U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Baltimore Field Office, Port of Baltimore, located in Baltimore, MD
Qualifications: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:

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:

  • Directing, coordinating all work activities, related the importation and exportation of agricultural and commercial commodities, and conveyances at the Port of Entry.
  • Overseeing enforcement of all laws relative to import and export of agriculture and commercial commodities.
  • Providing technical advice on import and export of cargo and merchandise and planning, schedules, and assigning work to subordinate employees based upon priorities.
  • Responding to and resolving technical and operational questions relating to the admissibility of people, protection of trade, agriculture, revenue, and the introduction of harmful pests and diseases into the United State.
  • Finding ways to improve operations.
Transcripts: If you have never held a position in the GS-0401 series with Customs and Border Protection, you are required to submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience as described above and meet the basic requirement listed below.
All applicants must meet the Basic Requirement in order to be considered for this position. Eligibility will be verified based on your submitted transcripts and resume. More information on this requirement can be found in the CBP Agriculture Specialist Qualification Aid and in the OPM Qualification Standards.

Basic Requirement for the CBP Agriculture Specialist:

1. Degree:Bachelor's degree (or higher) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, animal science, plant science, pest management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience: Completed at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in a qualifying field of study, as shown above, PLUS qualifying experience or additional education.To determine if you meet the combination, you must divide the months of qualifying experience by 48; next, divide the number of undergraduate semester hours by 120 (or 180 for undergraduate quarter hours) and the two percentages must total at least 100%.

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.
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 08/28/2026.
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: CBP has the authority to conduct a polygraph for the Supervisory CBP Agriculture Specialist position, however, at this time a polygraph is not a pre-employment requirement. If CBP decides to implement the polygraph as a pre-employment requirement while you are in the hiring process, CBP will notify you and provide additional information.
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
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. 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.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed second level Supervisors are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 4 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Selectees may be required to successfully complete the Essential Supervisory Skills (ESS) course. Failure to successfully complete the ESS course within the supervisory probationary period will result in the employee being removed from the position.
Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete 59 days of paid training by the US Department of Agriculture and CBP Field Operations Academy (FOA). Prior to arriving at the FOA, you must complete 10 days of pre-academy training. Following the completion of the FOA, you must complete 13 weeks of post-academy training at the selectee(s) assigned duty location. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures.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


What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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