Air Interdiction Agent

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is a specialized law enforcement division dedicated to safeguarding America’s borders from a variety of threats. AMO utilizes advanced aviation and marine assets to detect, prevent, and interdict illegal activities such as smuggling of contraband, terrorism, and unauthorized entry into the United States. Serving within AMO means becoming part of a highly skilled and elite team of professionals who operate with a strong sense of pride, purpose, and camaraderie. The organization is committed to employing individuals who are not only experts in their aviation and law enforcement fields but also deeply motivated to protect the nation.\n\nThe role of an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) within the AMO offers a unique blend of aviation skills and law enforcement responsibilities. This full-time federal position offers competitive salary packages ranging from $88,509 to $163,996 annually based on qualifications and grade levels. The pay scale includes special salary rates, law enforcement availability pay, as well as both recruitment and retention incentives designed to attract and retain high-caliber aviators and law enforcement professionals. In addition to excellent compensation, this role provides exceptional federal employment benefits such as health, dental, and other insurance plans, an attractive leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. These benefits contribute to a stable and rewarding career path.\n\nAs an Air Interdiction Agent, you will be responsible for performing complex aviation-based law enforcement operations aimed at detecting, preventing, and interdicting terrorists, terrorist weapons, contraband, and illegal entrants. This involves conducting aerial patrols, surveillance, and pursuits targeting smuggling activities by land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels. You will need to monitor suspicious behavior patterns and activities, gather and analyze strategic intelligence, and support search and rescue and humanitarian missions. This multi-faceted role requires someone who thrives in a dynamic operational environment, where rapid decision-making and skilled aviation expertise are critical.\n\nThe work locations for AMO Air Interdiction Agents are geographically diverse and include key regions such as the Southeast Region with duty stations in Homestead, FL, and Aguadilla, PR; the Southwest Region covering Tucson, Yuma, San Diego, El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen; as well as specialized UAS sites in Sierra Vista, AZ, and San Angelo, TX. Candidates must be flexible and willing to serve at any duty location within their selected region.\n\nCareer progression within AMO is clearly defined, providing advancement opportunities from GS-11 to GS-13 grade levels, with automatic promotions possible upon meeting service requirements and supervisor approval. Candidates participate in a rigorous training academy and federal law enforcement training, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet mission demands and operational standards. The agency actively recruits seasoned pilots and veterans, providing special consideration and incentives to those with relevant aviation and military backgrounds. Overall, the Air Interdiction Agent position offers not only a robust federal career with competitive pay and benefits but also the pride of serving on the frontline in America’s border protection efforts.