Air Interdiction Agent

Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is a specialized component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), dedicated to aviation-based law enforcement operations. AMO operates a highly skilled and elite team of aviation professionals, including pilots and Air Interdiction Agents, committed to protecting the United States by preventing illegal entry and intercepting contraband. As part of its elite law enforcement team, AMO offers a uniquely rewarding and challenging career path for pilots interested in combining their aviation skills with national security and public safety missions. The organization is recognized for its camaraderie, pride, teamwork, and a shared mission of safeguarding American borders and territories.

AMO is actively recruiting full-time Air Interdiction Agents (AIAs) to join its ranks. This role offers both stability and competitive federal compensation, including salaries ranging from $88,509 to $189,223 annually depending on grade level, duty location, and added incentives such as the Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), Recruitment Incentives, and Retention Incentives. AIAs serve in various duty locations, including Southeast and Southwest regions, and specialized NASOC UAS sites. The position offers an exciting career opportunity for seasoned pilots, including military-trained aviators, who want to leverage their flying expertise into impactful law enforcement duties.

As an Air Interdiction Agent, you will perform critical aviation law enforcement missions designed to detect, prevent, and apprehend individuals involved in terrorist activities, smuggling, and various illegal operations on land, sea, and air. Duties involve flying as a pilot in challenging conditions such as night, adverse weather, unfavorable terrain, and low altitudes. AIAs conduct air patrols, surveillance, and pursuits, supporting interdiction operations aimed at intercepting illicit contraband, illegal border crossings, and other threats to national security. These professionals utilize advanced information systems for tactical intelligence analysis, assist with search and rescue operations, and enforce federal laws across America's borders.

The role offers career progression opportunities through a federal grade ladder from GS-11 to GS-13. Promotions are performance and tenure-based, allowing for advancement without needing re-application. This progression is complemented by generous federal benefits covering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid parental and annual leave, on-the-job training, and retirement plans through the Thrift Savings Plan. AMO emphasizes workforce stability and offers substantial incentives to recruit and retain top-tier law enforcement aviation professionals.

Duty locations are strategically distributed to meet operational priorities and encompass a wide array of environments, from Florida and Puerto Rico in the Southeast Region to Arizona, California, and Texas in the Southwest Region, as well as specialized UAS sites used for unmanned aircraft system operations. This geographic variety requires flexibility and readiness to serve wherever needed within the regions selected by applicants.

The position demands high levels of skill and experience. Applicants must hold an FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification or an equivalent military rating, and meet specific flight hour requirements including a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours (with some waivers allowed), 250 Pilot-in-Command hours, 75 instrument hours, and 75 night flying hours. Extensive aviation experience in challenging flight environments is mandatory. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet residency and age requirements, and be willing to complete rigorous federal training to uphold CBP operational standards.

This opportunity offers enhanced federal law enforcement experience to pilots eager to make significant contributions to national security and public safety through aviation. With strong recruitment and retention benefits, a clear path for career advancement, and a vital public service mission, becoming an Air Interdiction Agent with AMO is an exceptional career choice for those committed to law enforcement aviation.