Marine Interdiction Agent

Company: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Location: Merrimack
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

Duties Summary As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America's borders and enable legitimate trade and travel. Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority. Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities. This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Category rating, Veterans' Preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice. Responsibilities Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period. Further questions regarding the Marine Interdiction Agent position can be sent to the AMO Recruiters at Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-9, GS-11 & GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52-weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval). Marine Interdiction Agents (MIA) locality pay table for Rest of the United States (RUS) are posted on OPM's site. To see the RUS salary rates please visit this link. Compensation acronyms used below: * LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay (25%)
* RI: Recruitment Incentive (25%)
Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (Long Beach, CA)(Locality Salary Table + LEAP) GL-09, 1st year annual pay - $78,815 GS-11, 2nd year annual pay - $92,284 GS-12, 3rd year annual pay - $110,610 Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (San Diego, CA)(Locality Salary Table + LEAP) GL-09, 1st year annual pay - $77,244 GS-11, 2nd year annual pay - $90,444 GS-12, 3rd year annual pay - $108,405 Example annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations (Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce and San Juan, PR; St. Thomas, VI)(RUS + LEAP + RI) GL-09, 1st year annual pay - $82,822 GS-11, 2nd year annual pay - $96,973 GS-12, 3rd year annual pay - $116,232 Serve as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) 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.
Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position. Supervisory status No Promotion Potential 12 Requirements Conditions of Employment * Qualifying Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (dated within the last 5 years) or MMLD with an accepted application status
* 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)
* You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
* Must meet job related medical, fitness and drug testing standards
* You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
* Referred for selection prior to age 40; waiver for vets
* CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
* You must meet the OPM Qualification Standard for the GS-1801 series
* 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. Qualifications This position has a selective factor, as a minimum qualification requirement all candidates must have the one of the following Merchant Mariner Credential: 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 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.) You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess at least one year of specialized experience that demonstrates the ability to: * Enforcing laws, effecting arrests and conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses and suspects
* Performing surveillance, writing reports detailing activities and observations
* Collecting and securing evidence and providing expert testimony in court OR Education: The education listed below must be 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). Qualifying education is a masters', 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. OR Combining 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. AND U.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, dated 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, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate or Master showing the, expiration date and capacity pages of the license. Don't have a MMC? See what it takes to get one visit this link. 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 by 02/28/2021. 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 more information visit this link. 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. Please see Polygraph Examination. 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. 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 wavier 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. Additional information Fitness/Medical Standards: You must be able to meet job-related medical and fitness standards. Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position. Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for Marine Interdiction Agents and is part of the training provided. Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license. COVID-19 pandemic, scheduling for any required training may be delayed. 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. Learn more here. Marine Interdiction Agents: After successfully completing AMBTP 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. Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis. Mobility: You are required to sign a mobility agreement and be willing to relocate as necessary. Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status. Shift Work: This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations. Overtime: Employees must be fully trained to be eligible for overtime. Positions may be filled at any AMO duty station within the regions listed below. Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit. You must be willing to work at any duty location that falls within that region. Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB): Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce and San Juan, PR; St. Thomas, VI Southwest Region: San Diego and Long Beach, CA *Tax Law Impact: Federal Travel Regulation GSA Bulletin FTR 18-05 - On December 22, 2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective January 1, 2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made certain reimbursements and other payments taxable, including, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of household goods and shipment of household goods. For more information please see Federal Travel Regulation GSA Bulletin FTR 18-05 This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Category Rating, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice. This notice may be used to fill any vacancy throughout the Southern Border (SB) & CAMB Duty Locations. In-order to meet agency mission-critical needs, your final duty location offer may include one of the duty locations within the SB and CAMB. Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied. Read more How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This position is being filled under a Direct Hire Authority. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. All applicants who meet minimum qualifications and any basic requirements applicable to this position, will be forwarded to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. In accordance with the Direct Hire Authority, rating and ranking questions will not be used. 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: Veterans preference does not apply to selections made using the Direct Hire Authority. Veteran candidates will be considered along with all other applicants who apply. Veterans' documents may be required if selected from this announcement. 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 24 months. Written Examination: This examination covers the following areas - Rules of the Road, Navigation General, and Deck General. To prepare for the examination, you should refer to study aides for preparing for the USCG MMC - Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vehicles (OUPV) license. You should also review and practice chart plotting. Chart plotting tools will be provided. Vessel Evaluation: You will be required to demonstrate your vessel handling proficiency on an approximately 30' twin engine vessel. You will be evaluated on your knowledge of safety equipment and nomenclature, Marine VHF, vessel handling and practical demonstration of navigation and docking in various conditions. Structured Oral Interview: You must be able to answer scenario-based interview questions to demonstrate your knowledge of core competencies needed for this position. Applicants are responsible for all expenses associated with their travel to and from the assessment. You will be responsible for all expenses associated with travel, and lodging to, and from an assessment location. The exact location will be determined at a later date. Read more Background checks and security clearance Security clearance Secret Drug test required Yes Required Documents Your resume: A resume in English describing your job-related qualifications is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, work history including a detailed description of your duties, dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). NOTE: Resumes stored on USAJOBS will not automatically carry over to this announcement. You must upload your resume & any other applicable supporting documentation. Your responses to the job questionnaire: U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential: You must submit a legible copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential showing, the expiration date and capacity pages. 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) ora MMLD with an accepted application status that has been submitted for one of the capacities listed above (MUST have Official MMC Credential in hand at the time of scheduling and at assessment appointment). Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies see Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for this position. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service; you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date of creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M or O. If you do not meet the age requirement and are unable to provide this required documentation, you will not receive consideration under this announcement. Veterans' Preference Eligibles, see below. Age Waiver Documents: Applicants who do not meet the age requirement but are entitled to veterans' preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C - 3312 must submit the following documents to verify their claim: * DD 214 (Member Copy 4) and
* If you are a veteran with a service connected disability; A VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later
* If you are currently serving on active duty: A statement of service from your unit identifying the branch of service, period(s) of service, type of discharge, campaign badges or expeditionary medals earned, and the date you will be separated or on approved terminal leave. If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon separation from the military. Active Duty Applicants: Statement of Service (Certification letter): If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Services showing you will be discharged or released from active duty. This certification should be on letterhead of your military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals earned; and (3) the character of service. View more about Veterans' Preference. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 upon separation from the military. For more information about veterans' preference visit this link Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: * Position Title
* Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
* Agency
* Beginning and ending dates of appointment If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Benefits 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. Learn 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. How to Apply If you have questions regarding the documentation that is required for this announcement please contact an AMO recruiter at or the CBP Hiring Center at To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an Alternate Application process. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 02/28/2021. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other." DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View common definitions of terms in this announcement. 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. Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder 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.

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