Supervisory CBP Officer (Watch Commander)

Customs and Border Protection•Sterling, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a first-line supervisory position with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center, located in Sterling, Virginia. The incumbent directs programs and personnel supporting homeland security efforts to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering or exiting the United States. The position starts at $147,899 (GS-14, Step 1) and ranges to $192,275 (GS-14, Step 10). The Watch Commander provides guidance to CBP field locations and coordinates the identification of targets, controls, passengers, and cargo leaving the United States. The role supports export compliance and the interdiction of terrorists and instruments of terror; monitors current and emerging threats using automated databases, open-source reporting, and intelligence communication networks; and guides CBP locations and other law enforcement agencies conducting investigations. The incumbent also oversees behavioral and cultural pattern analysis for risk assessment and advises employees about performance requirements and progress. The position requires firearms qualifications, the ability to operate a government vehicle, a valid non-restricted driver's license, and readiness to work shifts and overtime. The role may require a Top Secret clearance and involves wearing an approved uniform. The work environment may include offices, aircraft operations, passenger and cargo areas, marine docks, and outdoor work in varied or remote conditions.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including relevant supervisory, coordination, risk assessment, and CBP-related law enforcement or inspection duties.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
For 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 possible exceptions or waiver.
Must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and earned a passing Total Score.
Must meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications; statutory disqualifiers apply.
Must be able to operate a government-owned vehicle and possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
Must meet all applicable qualification and time-in-grade requirements by October 27, 2026; current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band.
For eligibility under secondary CBPO special retirement coverage, must have permanently served in a primary CBPO special-retirement-covered position; the stated coverage conditions also include direct movement from a primary to a secondary position without a break in service and three years of service in a primary position.
Must successfully complete applicable pre-employment screening, including a background investigation and drug testing; a polygraph may be required for applicants who are not current CBP law-enforcement employees.
If not a current GS-1895 employee, must successfully complete required medical screening and the Pre-employment Fitness Test.
Must maintain access to data systems necessary for duty execution.
Must be readily available to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime beyond the 40-hour work week.
Must wear an officially approved uniform while in duty status.
May be required to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
May be required to serve an 18-month supervisory probationary period; first-line supervisors who have never completed a supervisory probationary period must complete the Essential Supervisory Skills course during that period.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, coordinate, assign, organize, and evaluate work activities of CBP Officers and professional, technical, and administrative staff engaged in inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities.
Provide direction and guidance to CBP field locations and coordinate identification of targets, controls, passengers, and cargo leaving the United States.
Ensure compliance with export requirements and support the interdiction of terrorists and instruments of terror.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging threats using automated databases, open-source reporting, and communication networks containing actionable intelligence.
Provide direction and guidance to CBP field locations and other law enforcement agencies conducting investigations into individuals and businesses suspected or convicted of violations of laws, regulations, trade agreements, and treaties enforced by CBP.
Oversee analysis of behavioral and cultural patterns and trends to perform risk assessments.
Provide technical advice on import and export of cargo, merchandise, and articles accompanying people; international mail compliance; and the arrival or departure of vessels, aircraft, and vehicles involved in international trade.
Identify systemic problems and recommend corrective action to avoid recurrence.
Advise employees of their performance requirements and keep them informed of their progress.