Marine Interdiction Agent GL-9

BackgroundU. S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. CBP takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity.Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) you will be part of our 60,000-employee workforce that strives to protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity. This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations.Being a Marine Interdiction Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.Select this site’s Apply link to join CBP’s Talent Network, you will be immediately provided with a link to view the official GL-9 MIA announcement that appears on USAJobs, the Federal Government’s official employment site, where you will need to apply on-line.See the How to Apply section below for more information.If hired you will serve as a Marine Interdiction Agent performing Marine Law Enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States.Your duties will include:Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction.Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.Duty Locations: Offers are made based on operational needs and requirements and are determined by the U.S. Border Patrol. Current locations include:Long Beach and San Diego, CAFort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Key Largo, Key West, Marathon, and Miami, FLPort Aransas, TXMayaguez and Ponce, PRSaint Thomas, VISalaryYou will begin your career as a GL-9 grade level MIA and make $55,214 to $71,243 per year depending upon exact location and work schedule, including overtime. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and locality pay adjustments will further increase actual salary levels.Travel RequiredOvernight travel may be required based on operation needs.Conditions of EmploymentQualifying Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) dated within the last 5 years, or a MMLD with an accepted application statusYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this positionMales born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective ServicePrimary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (see qualifications section)You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraphCBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing proceduresYou may be required to pass an agency fitness examinationAppointed (enter on duty) to MIA position prior to age 40; *Possible waiver for veterans, or current/previous federal law enforcement officers. See Required DocumentsAs required by Executive order 14043 Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law.Firearm Proficiency: You will be required to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment.Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, for 16 weeks of Air and Marine Basic Training (AMBT). The training is comprised of formalized courses of basic technical instruction necessary to perform the duties of the position, including a swim/water survival course. the U.S. Border patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately 6 months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and Border Patrol-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. You will also be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language and will be tested on your language abilities.Driver’s License: You must possess a valid driver’s license.Qualifications for the MIA GL-9 Grade LevelThis MIA position has a selective factor that must be met to meet minimum qualifications:As a minimum qualification requirement all candidates must have the one of the following Merchant Mariner Credentials: OUPV, Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, near Coastal or Oceans) will be considered at this time, or an MMLD with an accepted application status that has been submitted for one of the above MMC Credentials (must have Official MMC Credential in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment).In addition to the above mandatory requirement, you qualify for the MIA GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower MIA grade level, performing duties such as:Enforcing laws, effecting arrests and conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses and suspectsPerforming surveillance, writing reports detailing activities and observationsCollecting and securing evidence and providing expert testimony in courtOREducation: A master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of graduate education in a qualifying progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or LL.B., in a qualifying field (e.g., criminal justice, intelligence, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, and corrections and rehabilitation);ORCombining Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed post-bachelors education(above) and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. If education is used for your qualification, official transcript will be required upon selection.ANDU.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): You must submit a valid, legible copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential at time of application. Your copies must include the expiration and capacity pages of your MMC. (Must be current within the last 5 years), or a MMLD with an accepted application status that has been submitted for one of the above MMC Credentials (must have Official MMC Credential in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment).Qualifying Capacities: OUPV, Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans, or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans) showing the, expiration date and capacity pages of the license.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.Additional RequirementsBackground Investigation: 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.Polygraph Examination: The Marine Interdiction Agent position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process.Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Laws 93-350 and 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the MIA position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. NOTE: The Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into a Marine Interdiction Agent position. 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). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans’ Preference eligible.Fitness: You must be able to meet job-related fitness standards.Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations.Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: You will be detailed to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) in Glynco, GA, for 16 weeks of Air and Marine Basic Training (AMBT). The training is comprised of formalized courses of basic technical instruction necessary to perform the duties of the position, including a swim/water survival course. After successfully completing AMBTP, and the Marine Law Enforcement Training Program (MLETP) at FLETC, MIAs will complete additional training at the National Marine Training Center (NMTC) in St. Augustine, FL and at their new duty station. Marine Interdiction Agents may also be enrolled into the Rosetta Stone Spanish Training Program.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use the online assessment questionnaire that you will complete to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training:Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF’s and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:Ability to interpret and apply law enforcement and criminal justice theories, techniques, practices and procedures.Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, standards and procedures that pertain to surveillance techniques and strategies.Skilled in operating tracking radars, satellite navigation systems, chart plotters, GPS, DGPS, depth finder and compass on vessels.Ability to establish contacts and cooperate with persons in the general marine communities and other law enforcement agencies to gather/share intelligence information.Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on grade levels. Veterans with 5-point preference or 10-point non-compensable preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify.NOTE: Once you meet the minimum qualifications and pass the polygraph examination, you will be evaluated through the use of three (3) qualification assessments: written examination, vessel practical and structured interview. Assessments are pass/fail and applicants must pass all three assessments to receive consideration. Scores on passed assessments are valid for 12 months, except in cases when the applicant declines a position with AMO. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with transport to and from a location to later be determined, as well as lodging and all other personal expenses incurred.Reasonable Accommodation Requests: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement.Required DocumentsResume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week.Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution.Veterans’ Preference Documents: If you claim Veterans’ Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214 Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge) showing your Character of Service. Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility.Statement of Service (Certification Letter): If you are still on active duty, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces showing when you will be discharged or released from active duty.U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials: You must submit a legible and current copy of your Merchant Mariner Credentials: OUPV, Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, near Coastal or Oceans), or an MMLD with an accepted application status that has been submitted for one of the capacities listed above (MUST have Official MMC in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment).Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for the position of MIA.SF-50: If you are a current/former Federal employee it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 “Notification of Personnel Action” form.Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:a copy of your agency notice,a copy of your most recent performance rating, anda copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty locationAre you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee, you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information:Position titleType of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)AgencyBeginning and ending dates of appointmentHow to ApplyClick on this site’s “APPLY” link/button. You will be taken to CBP’s Talent Network, immediately upon registration you will receive a link to the official CBP Marine Interdiction Agent GL-9 announcement on USAJobs, the Federal Government’s official employment site.To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Once you are at the Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction Agent GL-9 grade level announcement, click Apply and follow the online prompts to fill out the online assessment questionnaire and submit your application.Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Document section for additional information. All application materials must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. See official announcement for Alternate Application process. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, and any supporting documents at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.Next Steps in the Application ProcessThe open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJobs account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.