About the position
Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled pilots interested in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals. The camaraderie, pride, and purpose of the AMO team are hallmarks of their daily mission to protect America. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA). AMO is actively recruiting for these full-time security-based opportunities with a streamlined application process. Notably, seasoned pilots with military training are in high demand, and the qualification requirement of "100 flight hours in the last 12 months" is waived through August 1, 2024. As an Air Interdiction Agent, you will begin your career with a salary ranging from $104,000 to $125,000 per year based on your GS-11 grade level qualifications, plus location and overtime pay. This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level with supervisor approval. Agents receive a comprehensive package of federal employment benefits, including health and insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional 401(k) offering. Duty locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by AMO. The duty location listed in a final offer letter may include any geographic location within the Southeast Border Region, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB), Southwest Border Region, and National Air Security Operation Centers (NASOC) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) locations. You must be willing to work at any duty location within that region, including but not limited to the following: Southeast Region: Homestead, FL; CAMB: Aguadilla, PR; Southwest Region: Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX; NASOC UAS locations: Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX. AMO is currently seeking multi-engine pilots for locations such as Jacksonville, FL; Conroe and Corpus Christi, TX; Hammond, LA; Aguadilla, PR. You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Responsibilities
- Perform aviation-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband.
- Conduct air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
- Monitor behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
- Collect, refine, and analyze strategic and tactical intelligence.
- Search persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
Requirements
- One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight.
- Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations.
- Developing strategies and coordinating aircraft and ground assets.
- Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files, and disseminate information.
- Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours).
- A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with specific ratings (Dual Rated, Airplane Rated, Helicopter Rated).
- 250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours; 100 Flight hours in the last 12 months (temporarily waived through August 1, 2024).
- FAA Class I medical required for assessment dated within the last 12 calendar months.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience operating UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours.
Benefits
- Health and insurance plans
- Generous annual and sick leave program
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k))
- Potential reimbursement of relocation expenses
