Become a Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent: A Career in Maritime Leadership

Are you a seasoned maritime professional with a passion for law enforcement and national security? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are currently seeking dedicated, high-caliber leaders to join the ranks of the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) division. As a Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent (SMIA), you will stand on the front lines of our nation's defense, ensuring the safety of our coastal waters while commanding elite law enforcement teams.

Job Responsibilities

As an SMIA, your daily impact is significant. You will be responsible for:

Commanding Maritime Units: Directing the tactical operations of interdiction vessels in varied, often hazardous, maritime environments.
Leadership and Mentorship: Evaluating personnel, providing essential marine training, and fostering an environment of operational excellence.
Strategic Coordination: Collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to streamline intelligence and enforcement efforts.
Mission Execution: Rapidly assessing tactical situations and making decisions that protect the public and the agents under your command.

Comparison: Standard vs. Supervisory Marine Agent

Feature	Marine Interdiction Agent	Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent
Focus	Execution of missions	Command & Oversight
Salary Level	GS-12/13	GS-14
Personnel Management	None	Direct Supervision
Strategic Role	Tactical support	Strategic Planning & Liaison

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, candidates must meet rigorous standards:

USCG Certification: You must hold or have previously held a valid USCG Masters Certificate (e.g., Mate of 200 gross tons or Master of 25 GRT).
Specialized Experience: One full year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in maritime law enforcement command.
Legal Standing: Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to undergo a comprehensive background check and polygraph examination.
Fitness: Must be able to pass physical fitness standards and maintain firearm proficiency.

Salary and Benefits

Successful candidates will be compensated at the GS-14 level, with a starting range of $129,258 to $168,040 per year, depending on qualifications and locality. Beyond the competitive base salary, agents enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Enrollment in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for off-hours availability.
Access to professional training, uniform allowances, and wellness programs.

Application Tips

Securing a role with CBP requires a polished, professional approach. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and focuses on your command experience and specific marine certifications. Use the USAJOBS portal to track your application status and ensure all questionnaires are completed accurately.

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to utilize your maritime expertise to protect American interests. If you possess the leadership skills and operational experience required, submit your application to the CBP Air and Marine Operations team today.

Why This Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent Job Matters

Take command of the seas: Serve as a Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent and lead high-stakes maritime enforcement missions for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent Job Overview

As a Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent (SMIA) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, you will lead elite teams in protecting our nation's maritime borders. This critical leadership role involves overseeing complex interdiction activities, managing vessel operations, and coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to combat smuggling and criminal activity. You will be instrumental in ensuring maritime safety and national security while supervising personnel and executing tactical strategies across the beautiful, strategic waters of Puerto Rico.

Requirements for Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must hold or have previously held a valid USCG Masters Certificate (specific capacities required).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent).
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation and polygraph examination.
Must meet physical and medical fitness standards for law enforcement duty.
Must be able to carry a firearm and maintain proficiency under federal regulations.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Residency requirement: 3 of the last 5 years in the U.S. or its protectorates.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent

Expertise in operating high-horsepower vessels under hazardous conditions.
Demonstrated history of commanding maritime interdiction tactics.
Proven experience in managing personnel and providing law enforcement training.
Strong ability to coordinate multi-agency operations and intelligence analysis.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay potential.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) including Thrift Savings Plan (401k match).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave accrual.
✓Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP).
✓Tuition reimbursement and extensive professional development opportunities.
✓Uniform allowances and wellness program access.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific eligibility requirements and collect your USCG credentials.
Prepare a concise resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing your supervisory and maritime experience.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked to the job announcement.
Upload all required supporting documents, including SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
Submit your application before the closing date of July 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Upload your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and document quality.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
Highlight specific maritime command experience, including dates, hours worked, and vessel types operated.
Double-check that all USCG certification documents are legible and uploaded in the correct category.
Sign up for email alerts on USAJOBS to track your application status throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent?

SMIA professionals lead marine units in interdiction and law enforcement activities, manage vessel operations, and oversee the training and performance of junior agents to secure U.S. maritime borders.

Is a polygraph exam required for this position?

Yes, this position requires a polygraph examination. However, certain federal employees may be eligible for reciprocity, and some veterans may qualify for a waiver.

What locations are available?

Currently, positions are located in San Juan, Mayaguez, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Yes, relocation incentives may be available for qualified candidates.

Do I need to be a current federal employee?

This position is open to qualified applicants; however, specific hiring paths are outlined on the USAJOBS posting.

Job from Customs And Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection is the primary federal agency charged with securing the United States' borders. The Air and Marine Operations (AMO) division specializes in the use of high-tech vessels and tactical coordination to prevent the smuggling of narcotics, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. By joining CBP, you become part of a professional workforce dedicated to the core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.