Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander - POE)

Customs and Border Protection•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander) position with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Los Angeles Field Office, in Los Angeles, California. The position directs programs and supervises operational activities that support homeland security and the prevention of terrorists and instruments of terror from entering or exiting the United States. The salary range is $150,693 to $195,907 per year (GS-14, Steps 1–10). The Watch Commander manages reportable incidents and emergent activities within the port, oversees planning and timely execution of responses, manages significant events, and approves significant activities. The role reviews procedures and recommends improvements to operational effectiveness; performs layered enforcement activities; and directs, coordinates, and oversees work through subordinate supervisors. The role is a secondary administrative CBP Officer Special Retirement Coverage position. Employees must meet the specified prior primary-position and service conditions to qualify for special retirement coverage. The position requires firearms qualifications, the ability to operate a government vehicle, and a valid, unrestricted driver's license. It is polygraph-required, and candidates who are not current CBP law-enforcement employees may need to pass a polygraph. Selected candidates may also need to complete medical screening, a fitness test, supervisory training, and a probationary period. The position requires wearing an approved uniform, maintaining access to required data systems, and may involve shift work, rotating assignments or duty locations, and overtime. 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 protective clothing may be required.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including experience in the listed operational, supervisory, and law-enforcement activities.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Applicants not currently employed by CBP must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated waiver conditions.
Must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing Total Score.
Must meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications and be eligible to possess firearms under applicable law.
Must be able to operate a government-owned vehicle and hold a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
Must meet applicable qualification and time-in-grade requirements; current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band by November 6, 2026.
Applicants seeking secondary administrative CBP Officer Special Retirement Coverage must have permanently served in a primary CBP Officer Special Retirement Coverage position and meet applicable service conditions.
Must successfully complete required background screening; a polygraph may be required for applicants who are not current CBP law-enforcement employees.
Candidates who are not current GS-1895 employees must successfully complete medical screening and the Pre-employment Fitness Test.
Must be able to perform the essential duties safely and efficiently and meet any applicable physical and medical standards.
Must maintain access to data systems needed for duty execution.
Must wear an officially approved uniform while in duty status.
Must be readily available to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime beyond a 40-hour work week.
May be required to work shifts and on a rotational basis.
May be required to rotate assignments and duty locations.
May be required to complete an 18-month supervisory probationary period and required supervisory training.

Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, direction, and timely execution of activities associated with emergent issues.
Manage significant events and reportable incidents and approve significant activities.
Review current procedures and recommend process improvements for operational effectiveness.
Perform layered enforcement activities to prevent terrorists and instruments of terror, harmful pests and diseases, illegal drugs and contraband, illegal aliens, and unlawful importations or exportations from entering or exiting the United States.
Direct, coordinate, and oversee work through subordinate supervisors.
Direct or improve the processing of passengers, baggage, cargo, and carriers.
Supervise operational activities related to inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, anti-terrorism, and other law enforcement programs concerning the arrival and departure of people, conveyances, and merchandise.
Respond to and resolve technical and operational questions regarding supervised functions or programs.
Plan and carry out assignments, projects, studies, or investigations to resolve major operational and law enforcement problems or improve procedures.
Monitor and evaluate employee work products and implement policies intended to improve and develop employees.