Advance Your Career: Intelligence Research Specialist Joint Duty Assignment

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invites high-performing federal professionals to join the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Intelligence. This Intelligence Research Specialist role is a unique, one-year, non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) designed for those looking to expand their expertise through inter-agency collaboration and high-level national security analysis. If you are a current federal employee with a passion for protecting American interests, this could be the career-defining move you have been waiting for.

Job Responsibilities

As an Intelligence Research Specialist, you will serve within the Northeast Regional Intelligence Center. Key responsibilities include:

All-Source Analysis: Conducting complex tactical and strategic analysis of classified and unclassified reports.
Strategic Collaboration: Partnering with federal counterparts to develop finished intelligence products that inform mission-critical decisions.
Threat Assessment: Systematic research into adversarial capabilities and trends to assist in the formulation of mitigation strategies.
Policy Alignment: Ensuring all analytical workflows adhere to strict CBP legal authorities and intelligence enterprise standards.

Comparison of Assignment Locations

Location	Agency Focus	Focus Area
Boston, MA	Regional Security	Maritime & Border
Baltimore, MD	Operational Analysis	Port & Transportation
New York, NY	Strategic Intelligence	All-Threats
Albany, NY	Threat Prioritization	Internal Coordination

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a current, full-time federal employee (GS-13 to GS-15 equivalent preferred).
Maintain an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Provide a signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application.
Include a valid SF-50 demonstrating federal tenure and grade.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $91,430 to $161,448 per year, commensurate with your current GS grade level and federal pay structure.

Benefits

While the JDA does not provide additional benefits beyond your current federal package, it offers immense intangible value. Participants gain invaluable networking opportunities across the Department of Homeland Security, develop a deeper understanding of intelligence inter-dependencies, and refine their leadership and analytical capabilities in a high-stakes environment.

Application Tips

Be Specific: In your resume, list your specific duties, not just your job title. Include the name of your agency and supervisor contact info.
Documentation: Do not upload draft SF-50s. Ensure you provide the final, signed version that clearly outlines your grade and step.
Formatting: Remove all PII (Social Security numbers, home addresses, etc.) from your application materials to remain compliant with security guidelines.

This Joint Duty Assignment is an excellent path for growth for dedicated public servants. By contributing your expertise to the Northeast Regional Intelligence Center, you support the broader mission of DHS while gaining rare insights into cross-component operations. Ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline to secure your chance at this prestigious assignment.

Why This Intelligence Research Specialist Job Matters

Elevate your federal career with a high-impact Joint Duty Assignment at the Department of Homeland Security's Northeast Regional Intelligence Center.

Intelligence Research Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking experienced federal employees for a one-year, non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment as an Intelligence Research Specialist. This unique opportunity allows current GS-12 to GS-15 federal professionals to serve within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Intelligence. You will contribute to tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence efforts, playing a critical role in threat mitigation and cross-component collaboration across multiple Northeast locations.

Requirements for Intelligence Research Specialist

Must be a current, full-time federal employee.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required.
Must possess relevant experience commensurate with GS-12/13 grade levels.
Completion of a signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application form.
Must be able to provide an official SF-50 documenting federal service, tenure, and grade.
Must be able to successfully complete the DHS onboarding and training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Intelligence Research Specialist

Experience in all-source intelligence analysis at tactical, operational, or strategic levels.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external intelligence partners.
Knowledge of intelligence processes, methodologies, and threat prioritization strategies.
Expertise in evaluating adversarial capabilities and mission impacts.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Opportunities for inter-departmental career development.
✓Direct involvement in high-level national security operations.
✓Maintenance of existing federal employee benefits packages.
✓Professional growth through cross-component collaboration.

💡 How to Apply Intelligence Research Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Intelligence Research Specialist Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the vacancy announcement.
Prepare your federal resume without personally identifiable information (PII).
Obtain your supervisor's signature on the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application form.
Gather your most recent SF-50 showing your current federal appointment.
Complete the online questionnaire and upload all required documents.
Submit your application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically details your federal job series and grade level.
Be explicit in your duty descriptions; do not assume the hiring manager knows your daily tasks.
Check your USAJOBS application status page frequently for updates and document verification.
Double-check that your SF-50 is the official copy, not a text version, to avoid disqualification.
Submit early to ensure all files clear the system virus scan before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a one-year, non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignment with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

No, this opportunity is strictly limited to current, full-time federal employees.

Does this assignment provide a temporary promotion?

No, Joint Duty Assignments under this program do not offer temporary promotions.

What is a non-reimbursable assignment?

It means your home office continues to cover your salary and benefits throughout the duration of your assignment.

Can I apply for an extension?

The assignment is for one year, with an option to extend for an additional year based on operational needs.

Job from Department Of Homeland Security - Agency Wide

The Department of Homeland Security stands at the forefront of the nation's efforts to prevent terrorism, secure borders, and ensure resilience against disasters. The DHS Joint Duty Program (JDP) was established to foster unity of effort, allowing civilian personnel to rotate between components and agencies to gain multi-faceted operational experience. This program is essential for building a workforce that is agile, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable about the complexities of the federal security landscape.