Job Description
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations, is hiring a Supervisory CBP Officer (Canine) to lead canine enforcement teams at Los Angeles International Airport.
This first-line supervisory role is critical to detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States.
You will direct inspection, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement activities related to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances, and merchandise at the Port of Entry.
Qualification
To qualify for the GS-13 grade, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. This experience must include developing tactical operations, conducting inspections using non-intrusive technology, monitoring canine training, and mentoring other officers. Your resume must explicitly describe how you meet this requirement.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including: developing and participating in tactical operations (e.g., pre-primary blitzes, intensive boardings, roving); conducting visual and physical inspection of cargo, baggage, conveyances, and people using non-intrusive technology; monitoring daily task-related training and reviewing monthly training records of assigned CBPO (Canine) to identify remedial …
- Must be a current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employee in a permanent competitive service position.
- Must have a current, valid CBP Officer Promotional Assessment score by 07/13/2026 (unless you have permanently held GS-13 or higher).
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or polygraph examination.
- Must meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications under the Gun Control Act.
- Must possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license and ability to operate a government vehicle.
- Must complete an 18-month supervisory probationary period and mandatory leadership training (3 weeks in residence at Harpers Ferry, WV) within 90 days of appointment.
Role Responsibilities
Direct, coordinate, assign, organize, and evaluate inspection, intelligence analysis, examination, and law enforcement activities related to the arrival and departure of persons, conveyances, and merchandise at Ports of Entry.
- Train canine officers in field training to maintain detection proficiency and update knowledge of new or improved detector dog employment procedures.
- Implement remedial proficiency training for canine teams as needed.
- Develop, plan, and participate in tactical operations such as pre-primary blitzes, intensive boardings, and roving patrols.
- Conduct visual and physical inspection of cargo, baggage, conveyances, packing materials, and people using non-intrusive technology.
- Monitor daily task-related training and review monthly training records of assigned CBPO (Canine) to identify remedial training needs.
- Serve as coach and mentor to other CBP Officers on a regular and recurring basis.
- Respond to and resolve technical and operational questions regarding the functioning of the canine program.
- Interpret and apply CBP laws, regulations, and precedents as well as CBPO processes and law enforcement procedures.
- Oversee day-to-day canine operations and develop plans to further operational effectiveness in the enforcement environment.
Conditions & Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
- You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph.
- CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
- You must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing Total Score.
- Firearm Requirement: Must meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996.
- You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle and have a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
- This position is subject to mandatory retirement under special retirement provisions for CBP Officers (secondary position).
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)).
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
- Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
- Possible flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
- Disabled veteran leave available for eligible veterans hired on or after November 5, 2016.
Additional Information
This position is open only to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in a permanent competitive service position.
- The duty location is Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA.
- Telework is not eligible; this is an onsite position.
- This is a secondary CBP Officer position subject to mandatory retirement under special retirement provisions.
- New supervisors must complete 3 weeks of in-residence leadership training at Harpers Ferry, WV within 90 days of appointment.
- Polygraph examination may be required for non-current CBP law enforcement employees; reciprocity or waiver may be available.
- DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
- The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits requesting criminal history before a conditional offer; certain exemptions apply.
- For inquiries, contact the CBP Hiring Center at 855-500-3722 or [email protected].
- Additional selections may be made from this announcement for other divisions or units within the duty location.
About Company
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is to safeguard America's borders, facilitating lawful trade and travel while preventing terrorists and contraband from entering the country. CBP employs over 45,000 officers and agents at ports of entry and between ports. The Office of Field Operations (OFO) is responsible for securing the nation's borders at 328 ports of entry.
FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a CBP employee?
No, this position is only open to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are working in a permanent competitive service position. Other federal employees or external applicants are not eligible.
What is the CBP Officer Promotional Assessment and do I need to take it?
The Promotional Assessment is a test required for promotion to GS-13. You must have a current, valid score by July 13, 2026, unless you have permanently held a GS-13 or higher position. Your score will be used to rank candidates.
Is telework available for this position?
No, telework is not eligible for this position. The Supervisory CBP Officer (Canine) is an onsite role located at Los Angeles International Airport.
What training is required for new supervisors?
All newly appointed first-time CBP Supervisors must complete mandatory leadership training within 90 days of appointment. This includes 3 weeks of in-residence training at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The training may be waived if previously completed.
What documents are required to apply?
You must submit a resume (two-page limit), complete the online assessment questionnaire, and provide your most recent SF-50 showing competitive status. Additional documents may be required for CTAP eligibility or if you are a former political appointee.
How long does the hiring process take?
CBP expects to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the announcement closes. The process includes application review, assessment scoring, referral, interviews, and a background investigation.
What is the special retirement coverage for this position?
This is a secondary CBP Officer position subject to mandatory retirement under special provisions. You must have moved directly from a primary position without a break in service and complete 3 years in a primary position. Contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180 for details.