U.S. Customs And Border Protection seeks Air Interdiction Agent-Now

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a vital component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is the premier aviation and maritime law enforcement branch within the Department of Homeland Security. AMO offers skilled pilots a unique and rewarding opportunity to combine their aviation expertise with law enforcement duties as part of an elite team devoted to protecting America's borders and security. As part of CBP, this agency plays a critical role in safeguarding the United States by detecting, preventing, interdicting, and apprehending terrorists, terrorist weapons, illegal contraband, and persons attempting to unlawfully enter or threaten the nation. With a focus on teamwork, pride, and service, AMO provides pilots with an exceptional career path characterized by excellent federal pay scales, comprehensive benefits, stability, and opportunities for advancement. The Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) position within AMO is designed specifically for seasoned pilots and those with military flight backgrounds seeking a law enforcement aviation career. Successful candidates will join a full-time, security-based workforce engaged in aviation operations across various U.S. regions including the Southeast, Southwest, and National Air Security Operations Center (NASOC) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) locations. Duty stations include Homestead, FL; Aguadilla, PR; Tucson, AZ; Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, TX; Laredo, TX; McAllen, TX; Sierra Vista, AZ; and San Angelo, TX, among others. Employees must be willing to serve at any location within the chosen region, reflecting the operational needs and critical mission requirements of the agency. As an Air Interdiction Agent, you will perform aviation-based law enforcement operations employing various aircraft to carry out surveillance, air patrol, and pursuit activities focused on interdicting smuggled contraband transported via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels. Your role includes monitoring suspect behaviors, collecting and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence, and supporting vital search and rescue or humanitarian missions. This career path merges high-level flying skills with rigorous law enforcement responsibilities, contributing to national security and border safety. Compensation for Air Interdiction Agents starts competitively, with GS-11 base salaries ranging from approximately $106,000 to $127,000 annually depending on qualifications and duty locations, further enhanced by special salary rates, law enforcement availability pay, recruitment and retention incentives, and up to 25% overtime pay. Agents progress through a clear career ladder from GS-11 to GS-13 with opportunities for automatic promotion upon successful completion of 52 weeks at each grade level. The federal employment benefits package is comprehensive, including health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous leave program, and retirement benefits through the Thrift Savings Plan, comparable to traditional and Roth 401(k) plans. This role requires specialized aviation experience, certifications, and rigorous flight hours to ensure operational readiness. Candidates are expected to hold current FAA Commercial or ATP pilot certifications with instrument ratings for airplane and/or rotorcraft or possess equivalent military pilot ratings. Required flight experience emphasizes flying in diverse and challenging environmental conditions—day and night, under poor weather and over difficult terrain. Flight hours minimums include at least 1500 flight hours (with possible waiver to 1000), including 250 pilot-in-command hours, 75 instrument hours, and 75 night hours, plus 100 hours flown in the past 12 months. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) flight hours are credited towards total flight hours but not specific categories. Medical fitness standards as defined by FAA Class 1 or 2 medical certificates are indispensable. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, meet residency requirements, and fall within the established age limits for law enforcement officers, with some allowances for veterans and former federal law enforcement officers. Robust background checks, training requirements, willingness to travel, and readiness to comply with CBP operational demands are all essential elements of this challenging yet prestigious career. AMO values diversity, integrity, and excellence, encouraging pilots motivated by public service and national security to join its ranks and make a meaningful difference.

• U.S. citizenship
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years
• Maximum age of 40 for original appointment with certain waivers available
• FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with required instrument ratings
• Minimum of 1500 total flight hours with specified pilot-in-command, instrument, night, and recent flight hours
• FAA Class 2 medical certificate or higher within the last twelve months
• Ability to complete required law enforcement training
• Willingness to travel based on operational needs
• Proof of veterans' preference if applicable
• Meeting residency and age restrictions as per federal law