Job Summary

Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. CBP employees protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade.

Major Duties

Qualifications

Basic Qualification Requirement for All Grades (GS-5/7/9): The CBP Agriculture Specialist position has a basic education requirement. All applicants must meet the basic education requirement in order to be considered for this position. Education must be from an accredited college or university. More information on this requirement can be found in the CBP Agricultural Specialist Qualification Aid. All applicants must meet one of the following:

1. Degree: A bachelor's degree or a full four-year course of study in one of the following fields of study:

Qualifying Fields of Study: Agronomy, botany, cell biology, crop science, ecology, entomology, forestry, horticulture, microbiology, mycology, nematology, pest management, plant pathology, plant physiology, plant science, soil science or weed science, biological science, biology, agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, environmental resource management, chemistry, physics, fisheries, zoology and food science.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience: Completed at least 24 semester hours in a qualifying field of study, as shown above, PLUS qualifying experience or additional education. To determine if you meet the combination, you must divide the months of qualifying experience by 48; next, divide the number of undergraduate semester hours by 120 (or 180 for undergraduate quarter hours) and the two percentages must total at least 100%. You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you meet the basic requirement detailed below: Education: A bachelor's degree or full four-year course of study (at least 120 semester credits) at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree that includes a major in a qualifying field of study; OR A pending bachelor's degree that includes a major in a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university to be completed within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. The transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom training and on-the-job instruction; maintain logs and gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records AND undergraduate level education which includes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a qualifying field of study. You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you meet the basic requirement above AND if you possess one of the following: Education: One full year of graduate level education (equivalent to 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree that includes a major in a qualifying field of study; OR A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale), which is based on one of the following: class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership from an accredited college or university that includes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a qualifying field of study; OR Will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0 scale) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of the job announcement, which includes at least 24 semester hours in a major in a qualifying field of study OR will complete one full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of the job announcement in a qualifying field of study. The transcripts must show you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR Experience: One year of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the ability to deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with agricultural matters; research information for reports and provide information to others; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate action enforcing regulations when inspecting vessels, vehicles, aircraft and/or baggage for the presence of restricted plant materials, pests or diseases and reviewing/analyzing passengers and/or commodity documents to assess the agricultural risk of their entry into the United States; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of graduate level education which includes a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience listed above. See CBP Agricultural Specialist Qualification Aid for more information. Note: If you are qualifying based on your graduate level education, you must submit your graduate transcripts. You must also submit your undergraduate transcripts to verify you meet the Basic Requirement. You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you meet the basic requirement above AND if you possess one of the following: Education: A master's degree from an accredited college or university that includes a major in a qualifying field of study; OR A pending master's degree that includes a major in a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. The transcripts must show that you are on track to graduate within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; OR Experience: One year of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the ability to coordinate, plan and execute inspection assignments, investigate violations, prepare investigative reports and provide testimony, compile data, logs and prepare reports of work accomplishments and inspection operations, coordinate and assist with school or media events and plan, conduct and oversee treatments such as disinfection, sterilization and decontamination treatments; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of graduate level education in a qualifying field of study from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience listed above. See CBP Agricultural Specialist Qualification Aid for more information. Note: If you are qualifying based on your graduate level education, you must submit your graduate transcripts. You must also submit your undergraduate transcripts to verify you meet the Basic Requirement. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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, and 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. Political Appointees: 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 Resource office.

Pay Range

$34,916.00 - $68,777.00

More information...