Air Interdiction Agent - $85270 to $110846 per YEAR

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a premier federal agency dedicated to protecting the United States' borders and enforcing customs, immigration, and agricultural laws. One of its specialized components, Air and Marine Operations (AMO), plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's air and sea frontiers by employing highly skilled pilots and agents. AMO is renowned for its elite teams of professionals committed to law enforcement operations that involve interdicting illegal activities targeting the U.S. This division acts as the aerial and maritime arm of CBP, utilizing cutting-edge technology and aircraft to ensure national security along the borders. The agency prides itself on its mission-driven culture where pride, teamwork, and dedication are paramount values. Employment with AMO offers a unique blend of aviation challenges and law enforcement duties, creating an exciting and rewarding career path. The role of an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) within AMO is a full-time, security-based law enforcement position that combines the skills of professional pilots with tactical interdiction responsibilities. Air Interdiction Agents are tasked with protecting America by detecting, preventing, and apprehending terrorists, weapon traffickers, drug smugglers, and other criminals attempting to enter the country illegally. This position is highly dynamic and requires flying missions under various flight conditions, including night flights, adverse weather, and challenging terrains. These agents conduct air patrols, pursue suspect vehicles, and perform surveillance to intercept contraband transported via land, air, or sea. Additionally, AIAs analyze intelligence, develop operational strategies, and coordinate with ground and air assets to execute their missions effectively. Candidates for this position must be prepared for duty locations across different regions such as the Southeast and Southwest, with notable sites including Homestead, Florida; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Tucson and Yuma, Arizona; and El Paso, Texas, among others. Flexibility to work at any assigned location within the selected region is mandatory. The career offers a competitive starting salary in the GS-11 federal grade, ranging from $106,000 to $127,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime and additional incentives based on location. As agents progress in tenure and experience, they become eligible for promotions up to GS-13, which can yield salaries exceeding $150,000 with access to federal benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid leave. The Air Interdiction Agent position requires extensive aviation experience and certifications. Qualified applicants must hold a current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with specific ratings or an equivalent military rating. Pilots must have logged a minimum number of flight hours, including Pilot-in-Command, instrument, and night flying hours. This role also accepts certain Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flight hours towards total flight experience requirements, a feature attractive to seasoned military or drone operators. The position demands U.S. citizenship, residency for at least three of the past five years, and compliance with DHS age restrictions, with temporary waivers available. In addition to aviation duties, AIAs undergo mandatory law enforcement training, ensuring mastery of enforcement tactics and CBP operational standards. Travel may be required based on mission needs. Prospective agents are encouraged to apply directly via expedited channels or through federal job portals, with ongoing recruitment efforts specifically targeting experienced pilots and veterans. Joining AMO as an Air Interdiction Agent means undertaking a career that challenges both flying expertise and law enforcement skills while contributing to the vital mission of homeland security.

• FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with applicable ratings
• Minimum 1500 flight hours (waivers available to reduce to 1000 hours)
• Minimum 250 pilot-in-command hours
• Minimum 75 instrument hours
• Minimum 75 night flying hours
• 100 flight hours in the last 12 months
• FAA Class 2 medical certification within last 12 months
• U.S. citizenship
• U.S. residency for at least 3 of last 5 years
• Maximum age limit of 40 years at appointment (age waivers available under certain conditions)
• Ability to complete law enforcement training
• Willingness to travel and work various duty locations
• Effective communication and decision-making skills