Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $88,509.00 - $189,223.00
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Life insurance
On-the-job training
Paid parental leave
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Job Description
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for safeguarding America's borders and ensuring national security. Within CBP, the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) unit plays a vital role by deploying expertly trained pilots and law enforcement officers who utilize advanced aviation and maritime capabilities to detect, prevent, and interdict threats at the United States' borders. AMO is known for its elite teams that exhibit a strong sense of camaraderie, pride, and purpose, reflecting the essential mission to protect the nation's safety and security through skilled law enforcement aviation.
The Air and Marine Operations unit offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for skilled pilots aspiring to become Air Interdiction Agents (AIA). These full-time law enforcement professionals operate sophisticated air interdiction missions. Their operations involve detecting and apprehending individuals, contraband, and terrorist threats attempting to illegally enter or harm the United States. As an AIA, you will serve as a key member of a highly trained team, conducting aviation-based law enforcement operations, including air patrols, surveillance, pursuit, and intelligence gathering. You will work in various challenging environments involving nighttime operations, adverse weather, difficult terrains, and fast-paced decision-making.
AMO recruits from various duty locations across the United States and territories. Duty stations in the Southeast Region include Homestead, Florida, and the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Southwest Region features locations such as Tucson and Yuma in Arizona, San Diego in California, as well as El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen in Texas. Additional UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operation sites are situated at Sierra Vista, Arizona, and San Angelo, Texas. These locations reflect AMO’s commitment to flexibility and operational readiness, requiring candidates to be willing to work at any assigned location within the selected region.
The compensation package for Air Interdiction Agents is competitive and designed to attract and retain top talent. Starting salaries range from approximately $88,509 to $163,996 annually at the GS-11 grade level, with the potential for promotions up to GS-13 based on performance and tenure. Extra compensation may be available according to duty location. Additionally, AMO offers a recruitment incentive, providing newly hired agents a one-time $10,000 bonus upon completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and a one-year service agreement. Retention incentives, including pay differentials of up to 25%, are also provided for key operational sites, ensuring career stability and financial rewards.
Working as an Air Interdiction Agent comes with a comprehensive federal benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, paid time off, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, which functions similarly to a 401(k) retirement plan. This stable career path also offers opportunities for promotions without the need for re-applying, subject to supervisory approval.
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet rigorous requirements, including possessing a current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with the requisite ratings or equivalent military flight experience. Flight hour minimums must be met, but certain waivers have been authorized, reflecting AMO's flexibility in recruitment standards. Additionally, candidates must meet citizenship and residency requirements, be within age limits that comply with law enforcement standards, and successfully complete required training and assessments.
Application for the Air Interdiction Agent position is streamlined, with multiple options available such as submitting a checklist via email, applying on USAJOBS, or using specialized aviation job application platforms. Interested candidates are encouraged to stay engaged with AMO through talent repositories, ensuring timely updates on recruitment, webinars, and career opportunities. This role demands dedication to law enforcement duties in demanding environments while offering an unparalleled career in aviation security and federal service.
The Air and Marine Operations unit offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for skilled pilots aspiring to become Air Interdiction Agents (AIA). These full-time law enforcement professionals operate sophisticated air interdiction missions. Their operations involve detecting and apprehending individuals, contraband, and terrorist threats attempting to illegally enter or harm the United States. As an AIA, you will serve as a key member of a highly trained team, conducting aviation-based law enforcement operations, including air patrols, surveillance, pursuit, and intelligence gathering. You will work in various challenging environments involving nighttime operations, adverse weather, difficult terrains, and fast-paced decision-making.
AMO recruits from various duty locations across the United States and territories. Duty stations in the Southeast Region include Homestead, Florida, and the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Southwest Region features locations such as Tucson and Yuma in Arizona, San Diego in California, as well as El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen in Texas. Additional UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operation sites are situated at Sierra Vista, Arizona, and San Angelo, Texas. These locations reflect AMO’s commitment to flexibility and operational readiness, requiring candidates to be willing to work at any assigned location within the selected region.
The compensation package for Air Interdiction Agents is competitive and designed to attract and retain top talent. Starting salaries range from approximately $88,509 to $163,996 annually at the GS-11 grade level, with the potential for promotions up to GS-13 based on performance and tenure. Extra compensation may be available according to duty location. Additionally, AMO offers a recruitment incentive, providing newly hired agents a one-time $10,000 bonus upon completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and a one-year service agreement. Retention incentives, including pay differentials of up to 25%, are also provided for key operational sites, ensuring career stability and financial rewards.
Working as an Air Interdiction Agent comes with a comprehensive federal benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, paid time off, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, which functions similarly to a 401(k) retirement plan. This stable career path also offers opportunities for promotions without the need for re-applying, subject to supervisory approval.
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet rigorous requirements, including possessing a current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with the requisite ratings or equivalent military flight experience. Flight hour minimums must be met, but certain waivers have been authorized, reflecting AMO's flexibility in recruitment standards. Additionally, candidates must meet citizenship and residency requirements, be within age limits that comply with law enforcement standards, and successfully complete required training and assessments.
Application for the Air Interdiction Agent position is streamlined, with multiple options available such as submitting a checklist via email, applying on USAJOBS, or using specialized aviation job application platforms. Interested candidates are encouraged to stay engaged with AMO through talent repositories, ensuring timely updates on recruitment, webinars, and career opportunities. This role demands dedication to law enforcement duties in demanding environments while offering an unparalleled career in aviation security and federal service.
Job Requirements
- Current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with appropriate ratings
- Minimum 1500 flight hours (waivers may reduce to 1000 hours)
- At least 250 pilot-in-command hours
- Minimum 75 instrument flight hours
- Minimum 75 night flight hours
- 100 flight hours in the last 12 months
- FAA Class 2 medical issued within the last 12 months
- U.S. citizenship
- Residency in the U.S. or protectorates for at least three of the last five years
- Age under 40 years at appointment (with possible waivers)
- Completion of Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy
- Ability to pass required background checks and training
- Willingness to travel and work at assigned duty locations
- Compliance with DHS hiring policies and law enforcement officer age restrictions
Job Qualifications
- One year of specialized professional aviation experience such as flying as pilot-in-command in diverse flight environments
- Experience in evaluating information rapidly and making prompt decisions during flight
- Experience developing strategies and coordinating air and ground teams
- Proficiency with information systems and databases
- Current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with instrument ratings or equivalent military rating
- Minimum 1500 flight hours including 250 pilot-in-command, 75 instrument, and 75 night flight hours
- UAS flight hours may be credited toward total flight time
- U.S. citizenship
- Residency in the U.S. or protectorates for at least three of the last five years
Job Duties
- Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels
- Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities
- Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence
- Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts
- Coordinating aircraft and ground assets during operations
- Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious in-flight decisions
- Utilizing information systems and databases to conduct information surveys and disseminate information
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
