Department of Homeland Security

CBP OFFICER (CONTAINER SECURITY-TEAM LEAD)

Lisbon, Portugal Full time

CBP OFFICER (CONTAINER SECURITY-TEAM LEAD)

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Lisbon, Portugal

Salary Range: $90025 - $117034 Per Year

Job Summary: Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, International Operations and Advisory Directorate (IOAD), International Field Office, Container Security Initiative Division, currently located in *Sines, Portugal.

Major Duties:

  • *Please note: While this position is currently stationed in Sines, Portugal, it may be moved to Lisbon, Portugal within a year of the posting of this announcement. You will be notified of this change before you enter on duty It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration as this announcement will close on 11/07/2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET or on the day we receive 200 applicants (whichever comes first.) Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to manage one or more national programs in order to help to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to direct programs that strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security. This position starts at a salary of $90,025.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to$117,034.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $117,034.00 GS-13Step 10). Salary above excludes COLA. Please see here for specific COLA Rates. In this GS-13 position you will become a key member of a team of homeland security professionals responsible for detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. Typical work assignments include: Reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing carriers` and exporters` records, manifests, licenses, and similar documents to determine risk levels and threats to national security and to ensure compliance with import/export laws and regulations. Identifying, planning and coordinating necessary actions, providing assignments to team members as appropriate, writing or coordinating reports, and determining the depth of examination requested of host Customs to perform. Conducting physical inspections at ports abroad using a wide range of technical devices and machines and utilizing information obtained from the Automated Manifest System, the Automated Targeting System and other databases to assess the risk of containerized shipments. Analyzing information and prepares clear, concise written reports to CBP management. Planning and carrying out special assignments, studies or investigations, resolving major or complex problems in operations; and developing or implementing improved or new procedures. Conduct Responsibilities on Overseas Assignment: Employee will be subject to the laws of the United States while posted overseas to include those specifically applicable to Federal employees including the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees in the Executive Branch and the DHS Ethics/Standards of Conduct. While posted overseas, the employee will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects honorably on the United States of America and which is consistent with any applicable diplomatic agreements between the United States and the host country. This includes, but is not limited to: Excessive consumption of alcohol, or if the country forbids consumption of alcohol, the consumption of alcohol. Recreational use of controlled substances such as marijuana, whether prescribed or not, even if legal in the geographic location. Using the services of a commercial sex provider, even if legal in the geographic location. Any conduct that could disgrace, embarrass, or discredit the Department of Homeland Security or the United States of America. Failure to adhere to the above may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including removal, the loss of security clearance, and the immediate expulsion from the host country. If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service. For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.

Qualifications: Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Performing the job duties that equipped you with the skills of a Journeyman level CBP Officer. Performing a wide range of complex analytical, research, and advisory responsibilities and other specialized assignments involving work in enforcement and administration of laws governing the importation of containerized cargo to the United States. Supervising Customs and Border Protection related work activities is preferred NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. 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, 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. Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. § 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 11/07/2025 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 Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Polygraph Examination: The CBP OFFICER (CONTAINER SECURITY-TEAM LEAD) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination. Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package. Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package. Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Tour of Duty: Employees will serve a two (2) year initial tour, with the potential opportunity to apply for additional tours subject to the duration as defined by the host country and Department of State, and at the discretion of management. At the end of the assignment or at the discretion of management, you will be returned to a position at the same level as this Container Security Initiative Division position. Employees who have not served two (2) years at a domestic duty station, subsequent to their initial overseas tour of duty, will not be considered for a second tour of duty in any foreign assignment. Return Rights: No more than one hundred and fifty (150) calendar days before the end of tour, but not less than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the end of the initial tour, as well as the conclusion of any extensions, employees are expected to formally request, through a fully completed Notice of Intent (NOI), express intent to return to the United States. Please refer to Article 40 Section 6 of the National Collective Bargaining Agreement for additional information with regards to Extension Request and Return Procedures. Annual Leave Accumulation: When you are selected for a Container Security Initiative (CSI) position, you will earn annual leave at the same rate as stateside. The maximum accumulation of annual leave at a CSI station increases to 45 days (360 hours). Home Leave: In addition to annual leave, you will earn five, ten, or fifteen days home leave per year on each two year assignment depending on your foreign post assignment and the post differential rate. This leave is granted to you when you have your CSI assignment extended for another tour and is to be used between tours. The government pays your per diem and transportation expenses from your post of duty in a CSI station to your former official residence in the United States. In addition, it also pays for the transportation expenses of your dependents that accompany you on home leave to your residence in the United States.

How to Apply: To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11/07/2025. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. Visit, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits.' Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-07