Air Interdiction Agent

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is an elite law enforcement aviation unit within the Department of Homeland Security, committed to securing America's borders and safeguarding the nation from threats. AMO offers a unique, rewarding career opportunity as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) for skilled pilots interested in combining their aviation expertise with law enforcement duties. This career provides the chance to work alongside a highly trained team of professionals dedicated to protecting the United States from illegal activities, including terrorism, weapons trafficking, and other contraband. Employment with AMO provides excellent pay, outstanding federal benefits, and job stability, making it an attractive choice for experienced aviators seeking a meaningful public service role.

As an Air Interdiction Agent operating under AMO, candidates will engage in aviation-based law enforcement missions that include detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, illicit weapons, and unauthorized persons attempting to enter or attack the United States. These officers perform critical duties involving air patrols, surveillance, pursuit, and operational coordination across various challenging environments such as night flights, adverse weather, and difficult terrain. This role requires a combination of exceptional flying skills and tactical decision-making abilities to support homeland security objectives. AMO’s mission emphasis fosters a spirit of camaraderie, pride, and purpose among team members.

Selected duty locations for Air Interdiction Agents cover several strategic regions reflecting operational needs, including the Southeast Region (Homestead, Florida and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico), the Southwest Region (Tucson and Yuma, Arizona; San Diego, California; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, Texas), and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) sites such as Sierra Vista, Arizona and San Angelo, Texas. Working at any assigned location within the selected region is mandatory, and agents must be prepared to meet mission demands with flexibility.

Starting salaries for Air Interdiction Agents range from $88,509 to $163,996 per year at the GS-11 grade level, with additional pay factors including Special Salary Rates, Law Enforcement Availability Pay, and recruitment and retention incentives based on duty location. New hires may be eligible to receive a one-time recruitment incentive payment of $10,000 upon successful completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy, contingent on a service agreement. The career ladder allows progression through GS-11 to GS-13 grades with opportunities for automatic promotion after fulfilling time-in-grade and performance criteria.

AMO offers an exceptional benefits package that includes health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous leave program, retirement savings options similar to 401(k) plans, and a comprehensive federal employee benefits program. Air Interdiction Agents are entitled to select from a wide array of federal employment benefits designed to support long-term financial security and work-life balance.

Candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship, residency history, and maximum age limits (with allowances and waivers under certain conditions). Required qualifications demand a current FAA commercial or ATP pilot certification or equivalent military rating, a minimum of 1,500 flight hours (with some waivers possible), including Pilot-in-Command, instrument, and night flight experience. Experience flying as a pilot in various environments with rapid decision-making and tactical coordination is essential.

The Air Interdiction Agent position at AMO is an exceptional opportunity for aviators with a passion for national security and law enforcement. It combines advanced aviation skills with law enforcement responsibilities, offering a dynamic career path with competitive pay, benefits, and the opportunity to serve and protect the homeland. Candidates seeking to apply can do so via multiple channels including submitting an applicant checklist with resume to the AMO recruiter email, applying through USAJOBS or airline applications, and opting into CBP's talent repository to receive updates and information about recruitment events and future opportunities. This role challenges professionals to advance law enforcement aviation missions and uphold national security with the support of an elite federal operational team.