Marine Interdiction Agent

New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives Available!

Company: Air and Marine Operations (AMO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

About the Opportunity

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers those with Merchant Mariner Credentials an exceptional opportunity for a career in law enforcement. Join an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission protecting America. If you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding job that provides great pay, benefits, and job stability, become a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA).

AMO is actively seeking applicants to fill full-time security-based positions within the nation's largest law enforcement organization, charged with maintaining the security of our national borders while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

Salary and Benefits

Begin your career as a Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA) and earn up to $76,745–$142,199 per year, based on qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location.

Recruitment Incentive: Eligible new hires may receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC), with a 1-year service agreement. This incentive is for new Federal employees only and eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.

Example Annual Compensation (First Three Years):

• CAMB and Subordinates New-Hire Locations (RUS + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service):
• GS-11 1st year: $105,931
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year: $137,977
• GS-13 3rd year: $164,075
• Key West, Key Largo, and Marathon, FL New-Hire Locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP):
• GS-11 1st year: $112,168
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year: $146,946
• GS-13 3rd year: $174,739
• Long Beach, CA New-Hire Locations (Locality Salary Table + LEAP + 25% Retention Incentive after one year of service):
• GS-11 1st year: $121,840
• GS-12 2nd or 3rd year: $160,859
• GS-13 3rd year: $191,284

This is a career ladder position with grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. Promotion to the next higher grade level may be automatic (without re-applying) upon completion of 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval) and any additional training, licensing, and certification requirements.

Federal Employment Benefits: Agents are eligible for a comprehensive array of federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (a retirement plan similar to a traditional and Roth 401(k)).

Incentives:

• LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay (25% for all).
• RI (Retention Incentive): 25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) Locations, Key Largo, FL, Key West, FL, Marathon, FL, and Long Beach, CA. Contingent on eligibility determined by Human Resources.

Duty Locations

A duty location will be offered after successful completion of the pre-employment process. Possible duty locations include:

• Southeast Region: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Marathon, FL.
• CAMB: Fajardo, Mayaguez, Ponce, and San Juan PR; and Saint Thomas, VI.
• Northern Region: Bellingham, WA.

Note: Flexibility to enter duty at priority locations can increase your opportunity for final selection.

Limited Duty Locations (as of 12/1/2025): Applying to this JOA does not guarantee availability. Locations are offered based on current needs.

• Northern Region: Port Huron, MI
• Southeast Region: Houma, LA
• Southwest Region: San Diego, CA

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Marine Interdiction Agent, you will perform marine-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties may include:

• Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
• Interpreting radar data to calculate appropriate intercept while tracking vessels and people to a successful interdiction.
• Searching persons, vessels, baggage, and cargo for contraband or weapons incidental to detention or arrest.
• Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.

Qualifications

GS-11 Grade Level Minimum Qualification:

• Selective Factor: Must possess a qualifying Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). See qualifying capacities below.

Specialized Experience (GS-11): One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Independently applying advanced skill in controlling/commanding law enforcement scenes, including conducting searches, making arrests, processing arrests, and seizing evidence and property.
• Conducting investigative inquiries using various techniques, examining files and records, physical and documentary evidence to identify logical conclusions.
• Utilizing cameras and other electronic high-tech surveillance equipment to gather evidence, collect, evaluate, and preserve physical and documentary evidence.
• Writing comprehensive arrest, criminal, and incident reports.
• Assisting government or state attorneys in preparing for court cases or grand juries; testifying as a law enforcement officer in court proceedings and administrative forums.
• Applying arrest authorities and constitutional law in various alleged criminal situations, or knowledge and experience of CBP laws, regulations, policies, and legal precedent.

OR Education Substitution (GS-11): A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M.

OR Combining Experience and Education (GS-11): A combination of successfully completed post-bachelor's education and experience.

AND U.S. Coast Guard Issued Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC):

• A valid, legible copy of your MMC must be submitted at the time of application, including expiration and capacity pages.
• Qualifying Capacities: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV), Mate of 200 gross tons or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans), Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Third Mate Unlimited Oceans, or Master of 25 GRT or greater (Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans).
• OR An Accepted MMLD Application: Proof of an accepted MMLD application for a MMC with a qualifying capacity, and a credential status in positive standing. The application cannot be pending additional information. You must have your Official MMC in hand at the time of scheduling and at the assessment appointment.

Note: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement; otherwise, you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional resume requirements.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.
• Residency: Primary U.S. residency (including protectorates) for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Requirement: Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday, in accordance with Public Law 100-238 and Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. Age restrictions may not apply if currently serving or previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). Age waivers may apply for creditable law enforcement officer service or veterans' preference eligibility.
• Training: Required training must be successfully completed as a condition of employment.
• Travel: May be expected to travel based on operational needs.

How to Apply

Click the "Apply" button on this site to be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select "Air and Marine Operations (Marine Interdiction Agent (MIA))" for "Position of Interest" and complete the pre-screening questions. You will then receive a link(s) to the MIA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to complete your application. Review all details of the JOA and follow all instructions.

Application Instruction: Please mention the word AMIABLE and tag RMTM3LjE3NS45NS4yOQ== when applying.