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U S Customs Border Protection Jobs in Washington

Customs Specialist

Dulles, VA · On-site

$25 - $28.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing ...

Must be able to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship in order to be able to qualify for a Customs & Border Protection (CBP) clearance which can take 9 months without any clearance; less time clearance ...

Customs Brokerage Specialist

Dulles, VA

$25 - $28.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing ...

Customs Brokerage Specialist

Dulles, VA · On-site

$25 - $28.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing ...

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Showing results 1-20

U S Customs Border Protection information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$135.3K

$179.5K

How much do u s customs border protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for u s customs border protection in Washington is $135,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,600.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is U S Customs Border Protection a good career?

U S Customs Border Protection offers a stable federal career with opportunities for advancement, competitive benefits, and job security. The role involves border security, law enforcement, and compliance work, often requiring physical fitness, background checks, and specialized training. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public service and national security.

What is the difference between U S Customs Border Protection vs U S Customs Officer?

AspectU S Customs Border ProtectionU S Customs Officer
Primary RoleProtects U S borders, enforces customs laws, and manages border securityEnforces customs laws, inspects goods and travelers, and prevents illegal activities at ports of entry
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, seaports, and inland checkpointsPorts of entry, airports, and border crossings
CredentialsFederal employment, background checks, and sometimes specialized trainingSimilar federal requirements, background checks, and customs training

U S Customs Border Protection is a broad agency responsible for border security and customs enforcement, while U S Customs Officer is a specific role within the agency focused on inspecting travelers and goods. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but CBP oversees a wider scope of border security operations.

How can I become a U S Customs Border Protection officer?

To become a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, applicants must meet age, citizenship, and background requirements, pass written and physical fitness tests, and complete a training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and physical fitness, and candidates often need to pass a drug test and security clearance.

What are popular job titles related to U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Washington?

For U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for U S Customs Border Protection jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most U S Customs Border Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various U S Customs Border Protection job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,297 per year, or $65 per hour.

Supervisory Trade Investigator (Division Director)

Customs and Border Protection

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$169K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 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

172nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, Operations Directorate, Trade Investigation Division, located in Washington, DC.
Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
This position starts at a salary of $169,279.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $197,200.00 (GS-15, Step 10).
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position.Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
As a Supervisory Trade Investigator (Division Director), you will independently oversee, plan, conduct, and document investigative activity involving civil and administrative investigations subject to CBP's Priority Trade Issues (PTIs). You will also supervise and monitor the civil trade investigative program's effectiveness and efficiency based on a comprehensive analysis of a variety of data related to trade violations, laws, policies, programs, and regulations.
Typical duties include:
  • Planning, directing, and reviewing complex trade investigations involving violations of U.S. trade laws and regulations to ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements. Approving investigative plans and reports and ensuring proper evidence handling and case file management.
  • Developing and implementing division strategies and enforcement initiatives that support CBP's trade enforcement mission and national security objectives. Managing division resources and budget and contributing to policy development and best practices.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with other CBP components, federal agencies, international partners, and the trade community to facilitate information sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts. Representing CBP in meetings, conferences, and working groups on trade enforcement matters.
  • Analyzing investigative data and program metrics to assess effectiveness and identify improvements and preparing reports and briefings for senior leadership. Ensuring quality assurance of investigative activities through regular reviews, audits, and adherence to established standards.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Leading, planning, and directing complex trade investigations involving violations of U.S. trade laws, regulations, and international agreements, and ensuring investigative strategies address priority trade issues.
  • Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating the performance of investigators and enforcement personnel by assigning work, setting priorities, and ensuring quality and compliance of investigative products.
  • Interpreting and applying U.S. trade laws, regulations, and policies to enforcement actions, and developing strategic initiatives to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Collaborating and coordinating with internal CBP components, other federal agencies, international partners, and the trade community to facilitate enforcement operations and information sharing.
  • Analyzing intelligence, data, and investigative findings to identify trends, assess risks, and communicating results through comprehensive reports, briefings, and presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

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.
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 08/14/2026.

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
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

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Additional information
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance for this position.
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.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed Supervisory GS-15s 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 5 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do notsubmit documents as a PDF Portfolios.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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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