Supervisory CBP Agriculture Specialist (2nd Line)

Customs and Border Protection • Los Angeles, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a second-line supervisory position with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations, Los Angeles Field Office, in Los Angeles, California. The role provides leadership and program direction to staff and partner components responsible for border security and agricultural inspection and compliance programs.

The supervisor develops and drafts policies, procedures, and guidelines; develops and implements operational program activities or enhancements; contributes to program goals and objectives and operational plans; monitors performance measures; and reports on program activities. The position also provides technical and administrative supervision to the unit.

The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Outdoor work may occur in severe weather or remote areas. Work may involve toxic chemicals, pesticides, and fumigants, and may require protective clothing. The selectee must maintain pesticide certification, maintain access to necessary data systems, hold a valid state driver's license at appointment, and wear an approved uniform while on duty. Mission needs may require rotation of assignments and duty locations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• For males born after December 31, 1959, Selective Service registration.
• For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical U.S. or protectorate residency for at least three of the last five years, subject to possible waiver conditions.
• Complete pre-employment processes in English.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a bachelor's degree or higher in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, animal science, plant science, pest management, or a related appropriate discipline; alternatively, 24 semester hours in a qualifying field plus qualifying experience or additional education under the stated formula.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including relevant agricultural inspection or compliance supervision, application of laws and policies, technical guidance, employee work planning and evaluation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by 11/02/2026; current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band.
• Pass required background and medical screening processes and obtain and maintain a Secret-level national security clearance.
• A polygraph may be required; the posting also identifies the position as polygraph-required for applicants who are not current CBP law-enforcement employees, subject to the stated conditions and possible reciprocity or waiver.
• Maintain current pesticide certification.
• Possess a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Newly appointed second-level supervisors must complete mandatory leadership training within the first 90 days, including four weeks of in-residence ASLT training in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, unless previously completed or waived.
• May be required to serve an 18-month supervisory probationary period; new federal employees must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Adhere to applicable federal and CBP ethics rules, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activities.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm newly hired employees' eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall program guidance and leadership to staff and other components.
• Develop and draft policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet general or specialized border security needs.
• Develop and implement new operational program activities or enhancements.
• Participate in establishing or recommending goals and objectives for CBP agriculture inspection and compliance programs.
• Develop overall operational plans.
• Institute and monitor performance measures and other performance evaluation metrics, and report on program activities.
• Provide technical and administrative supervision to the unit.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with benefits for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior