Marine Interdiction Agent

Join to apply for the Marine Interdiction Agent role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Base pay range

$73,939.00/yr - $96,116.00/yr

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those with Merchant Mariner Credentials the opportunity of a career in law enforcement with an elite team dedicated to protecting America.

Salary and benefits: Begin your career as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) and earn up to $73,939–$96,116 per year based on qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on duty location.

Example annual compensation for the first three years at new-hire locations (Fajardo, PR, and St. Thomas, VI) (RUS + LEAP + RI):

• GS-11 1st year annual pay - $110,909
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $132,931
• GS-13 3rd year annual pay - $158,075

Example annual compensation for the first three years at new-hire locations (Key West and Marathon, FL) (Locality Salary Table + LEAP):

• GS-11 1st year annual pay - $98,431
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year annual pay - $117,979
• GS-13 3rd year annual pay - $140,293

This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12 and GS-13. Promotion to the next higher grade level may occur automatically after 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval) and completion of any additional training, licensing, and certification requirements.

Agents are eligible for federal employment benefits, including health and dental insurance, leave programs, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement).

Recruitment Incentive (RI): Upon Entrance on Duty (EOD) in Caribbean Air and Marine locations, you may be eligible to receive a Recruitment Incentive, pending budgetary approval. The Caribbean Incentive is 25% of an employee's annual salary.

Duty Locations

A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre-employment process. The duty location listed in the final offer letter may include locations within the Southwest Region, Southeast Region, or Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

Note: Final selection location is influenced by flexibility to enter on duty at priority locations.

• Current possible duty locations include: Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Marathon, FL; CAMB: Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce, and San Juan PR; Saint Thomas, VI
• Northern Region: Bellingham, WA

Limited Duty Locations as of 2/1/2025

Applying to this job does not guarantee location availability after pre-employment. Locations are offered based on service needs.

• Northern Region: Port Huron, MI
• Southeast Region: Houma, LA
• Southwest Region: Brownsville, TX

Duties And Responsibilities

As a Marine Interdiction Agent, you will perform marine-based 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. Typical duties may 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.

Qualifications

This GS-11 grade level position has a selective factor: as a minimum qualification, candidates must have a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential. See the U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) section for qualifying capacities.

Duties
You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Independently applying advanced skill in controlling/commanding law enforcement scenes to include conducting searches, making arrests, processing arrests and seizure of evidence and property.
• Conducting investigative inquiries using various techniques, examining files and records, physical and documentary evidence to identify logical conclusions.
• Utilizing cameras and other electronic high-tech surveillance equipment to gather evidence, collect, evaluate, and preserve that evidence.
• Highly skilled in writing comprehensive arrest, criminal and incident reports.
• Assisting government or state attorneys in preparation for court cases or grand juries, testifying as a law enforcement officer in court proceedings.
• Applying arrest authorities and constitutional law in various alleged criminal situations, or knowledge of CBP laws, regulations, policies, and legal precedent.

OR GS-11 Education Substitution for experience: a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of graduate education, or LL.M.

OR Combining Experience and Education: a combination of completed post-bachelor education and experience. This will be evaluated from your resume and unofficial transcripts.

AND U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): You must submit a valid copy of your MMC at time of application, including expiration and capacity pages. Qualifying Capacities include Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), Mate licenses, and other MMC capacities. If applicable, provide proof of an accepted MMLD application with a credential in good standing. Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement.

Other Requirements
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply. Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. Age: The age restriction follows applicable law enforcement retirement provisions; waivers may apply for certain prior service. Veterans' Preference eligibility: submit proof (DD-214) if applicable.

Training
This position has a training requirement. You may be required to complete training as a condition of employment.

Travel
You may be required to travel for this position based on operational needs.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest select Air and Marine Operations (Marine Interdiction Agent), then complete the pre-screening questions. You'll then receive links to the MIA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS to complete your application. Review ALL details of the job posting and follow all instructions.

As a CBP Talent Network subscriber, you'll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with AMO and CBP.

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Government Administration

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