Immediate Opening in Knoxville,TN,USA for a Air Interdiction
Posted on October 24, 2025
Position in Knoxville, TN, USA, TN
Primary Details
- Status: New Knoxville, TN, USA listing (actively interviewing).
- Hiring Organization: Customs and Border Protection
- Pay: $85.3k-$110.8k/Year (approx. $47/Hour)
- Job Title: Air Interdiction Agent - Quick Hire!
- Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is included.
- Worksite: Knoxville, TN, USA, TN
- This role centers on your professional skills within the a dynamic space in Knoxville, TN, USA.
- Clear growth pathways at our Knoxville, TN, USA office.
- This Knoxville, TN, USA-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our Customs and Border Protection team in Knoxville, TN, USA, TN is growing.
- Benefit from working in Knoxville, TN, USA, a key hub for the a dynamic industry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a vital federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to safeguarding America's borders and enhancing national security. Within CBP, the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) component serves as the agency's elite aviation and maritime law enforcement wing. AMO is responsible for a wide range of missions including the prevention, detection, and interdiction of terrorist threats, illegal contraband, and human trafficking across U.S. borders. The organization boasts a highly skilled team of professionals who operate advanced air and marine craft to support these critical law enforcement objectives. The commitment to duty, professionalism, and teamwork makes AMO a distinguished unit for individuals seeking to serve their country while working in a challenging and rewarding environment.
The Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) role within AMO offers an exceptional full-time career opportunity primarily suited for skilled pilots interested in law enforcement. The position integrates aviation expertise with frontline enforcement duties to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and potential terrorist attacks. Air Interdiction Agents conduct aerial patrols, surveillance, and pursuits to detect and interdict threats on land and water. Because of the critical nature of the responsibilities, seasoned pilots, particularly those with military aviation backgrounds, are highly sought after. The role provides an exciting mix of aviation proficiency and law enforcement action, fostering strong camaraderie among peers committed to protecting the nation.
Selected applicants for this career can expect a comprehensive federal employee benefits package, outstanding job stability, and competitive pay. Salaries for the position range around $106,000 to $182,000 annually depending on grade level, experience, and duty location, with additional overtime pay and recruitment or retention incentives available in certain regions. Agents progress through a well-defined career ladder (GS-11 through GS-13), with opportunities for automatic promotions based on satisfactory service. Furthermore, extensive training and development support ensure agents are fully equipped to meet their mission responsibilities.
Duty locations for Air Interdiction Agents are strategically placed to cover significant operational areas, including the Southeast Region (Homestead, FL; Aguadilla, PR), Southwest Region (Tucson, Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, TX), and NASOC UAS locations (Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX). Agents must be flexible and willing to relocate within these regions based on operational requirements. The position demands readiness to travel and perform in varying environments, including night operations, adverse weather, and challenging terrain.
Overall, the Air Interdiction Agent position is a unique blend of high-level aviation skill integrated with critical law enforcement functions. It is ideal for pilots who aspire to apply their flying expertise in service of national security and learn and grow within a prestigious federal law enforcement agency. With exceptional pay, benefits, and job stability, this role encourages candidates passionate about aviation and public service to apply and join an elite team committed to protecting the United States.
- U.S. citizen
- primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years
- maximum age for original appointment is 40 years with potential age waiver
- veteran's preference eligibility with submission of proof
- successful completion of required training
- willingness to travel as operational needs dictate
- minimum flight hours including 1500 total flight hours (with waiver options), 250 pilot-in-command hours, 75 instrument hours, and 75 night hours
- FAA Class 2 medical certification dated within last 12 months or equivalent
- FAA commercial or ATP pilot certification with ratings
- military equivalent ratings accepted with documentation
- must meet residency and age requirements