U.S. Customs and Border Protection
SPECIAL ASSISTANT
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided pay range
This range is provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $121,785.00/yr - $158,322.00/yr
Please see announcement on USAJOBS for available locations.
Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Mission Support Directorate, Executive Office in Washington, DC. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 75 applications have been received, whichever happens first. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Duties In this position, you will provide high‑level advice on complex, sensitive programs, manage key liaison activities, and prepare executive‑level written products. You will also oversee travel and budget activities for the Directorate to ensure resources are aligned with leadership priorities. Your work directly supports the effective planning, coordination, and execution of U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters programs, enabling CBP and DHS to accomplish their national security and border enforcement missions.
This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS‑13, Step 1) to $158,322.00 (GS‑13, Step 10). GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the “Rest of United States” pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
As a Special Assistant, you will be responsible for providing high‑level advisory support, managing complex programs and liaison activities, preparing critical written materials, and overseeing travel and budget functions for the Directorate’s senior leadership.
Providing advice and guidance on undefined issues and elements for programs essential to the agency’s mission, such as major agency programs of national scope and impact.
Recommending long‑range program plans, goals, and objectives, which serve as the basis for substantive changes in the organization and administration of programs affecting large numbers of people.
Serving as a resource person and problem solver to management and providing expert advice involving a variety of mission issues to the senior leadership within the Directorate.
Researching and writing reports or other working documents that provide guidance on complex program issues.
Booking all travel for the SES, as well as other members of the Directorate staff, and tracking all expenditures associated with the Directorate’s budget.
Requirements You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. 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 (additional details below). All pre‑employment processes will be conducted in English. You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E‑Verify, an internet‑based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS‑13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Advising senior executives on complex, sensitive program and policy issues, including developing recommendations on long‑range plans, goals, and objectives that influence organization‑wide programs;
Analyzing and interpreting legislation, regulations, and policy guidance to provide expert advice on programs of national scope and impact and to develop or refine internal policies and procedures;
Coordinating liaison activities with senior officials in other DHS/CBP/USBP offices, other federal agencies, Congress, and external stakeholders to support major programs or initiatives;
Preparing executive‑level written products (e.g., reports, briefings, memoranda, and correspondence) that provide guidance on complex program issues for senior leadership decision‑making;
Managing travel and budget activities for a senior leader or executive office, including creating and processing travel authorizations/vouchers and tracking expenditures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and budget limits.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the “Required Documents” section below for additional resume requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 01/09/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Additional Information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Additional Hiring and Special Appointing Authorities: See “THIS JOB IS OPEN TO” section above for what additional Appointing Authorities may apply. Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility before the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants with resumes up to two pages will be accepted. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios.
About CBP The Department of Homeland Security is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation’s borders.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP’s mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about
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Base pay range $121,785.00/yr - $158,322.00/yr
Please see announcement on USAJOBS for available locations.
Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Mission Support Directorate, Executive Office in Washington, DC. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 75 applications have been received, whichever happens first. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Duties In this position, you will provide high‑level advice on complex, sensitive programs, manage key liaison activities, and prepare executive‑level written products. You will also oversee travel and budget activities for the Directorate to ensure resources are aligned with leadership priorities. Your work directly supports the effective planning, coordination, and execution of U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters programs, enabling CBP and DHS to accomplish their national security and border enforcement missions.
This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS‑13, Step 1) to $158,322.00 (GS‑13, Step 10). GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the “Rest of United States” pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
As a Special Assistant, you will be responsible for providing high‑level advisory support, managing complex programs and liaison activities, preparing critical written materials, and overseeing travel and budget functions for the Directorate’s senior leadership.
Providing advice and guidance on undefined issues and elements for programs essential to the agency’s mission, such as major agency programs of national scope and impact.
Recommending long‑range program plans, goals, and objectives, which serve as the basis for substantive changes in the organization and administration of programs affecting large numbers of people.
Serving as a resource person and problem solver to management and providing expert advice involving a variety of mission issues to the senior leadership within the Directorate.
Researching and writing reports or other working documents that provide guidance on complex program issues.
Booking all travel for the SES, as well as other members of the Directorate staff, and tracking all expenditures associated with the Directorate’s budget.
Requirements You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. 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 (additional details below). All pre‑employment processes will be conducted in English. You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E‑Verify, an internet‑based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS‑13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Advising senior executives on complex, sensitive program and policy issues, including developing recommendations on long‑range plans, goals, and objectives that influence organization‑wide programs;
Analyzing and interpreting legislation, regulations, and policy guidance to provide expert advice on programs of national scope and impact and to develop or refine internal policies and procedures;
Coordinating liaison activities with senior officials in other DHS/CBP/USBP offices, other federal agencies, Congress, and external stakeholders to support major programs or initiatives;
Preparing executive‑level written products (e.g., reports, briefings, memoranda, and correspondence) that provide guidance on complex program issues for senior leadership decision‑making;
Managing travel and budget activities for a senior leader or executive office, including creating and processing travel authorizations/vouchers and tracking expenditures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and budget limits.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the “Required Documents” section below for additional resume requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 01/09/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Additional Information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Additional Hiring and Special Appointing Authorities: See “THIS JOB IS OPEN TO” section above for what additional Appointing Authorities may apply. Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility before the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants with resumes up to two pages will be accepted. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios.
About CBP The Department of Homeland Security is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation’s borders.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP’s mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about
#J-18808-Ljbffr