Advance Your Career: Program Manager Position at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you looking to take your professional project management career to the federal level? U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently recruiting a seasoned Program Manager to support the Office of Facilities and Asset Management (OFAM) in Tucson, Arizona. This high-level GS-14 role offers the chance to lead mission-critical initiatives that directly impact our nation’s security infrastructure. If you possess the leadership skills to manage complex programs and the drive to contribute to a premier law enforcement agency, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Manager, you will operate at a high level of autonomy, directing program segments that are technical and administrative in nature. Your core responsibilities include:
- Developing strategic goals to maximize long-term program performance.
- Managing multi-year work plans, tracking costs, and ensuring proper sequencing of project events.
- Providing technical guidance on strategic issues to leadership.
- Facilitating team collaboration across various DHS and CBP components.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several strict federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Residency: Must have lived in the U.S. for three of the last five years.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent).
- Documentation: A two-page maximum resume is mandatory. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $128,162 - $166,615 per year |
| Series/Grade | 0340 / GS-14 |
| Location | Tucson, Arizona |
| Retirement | Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) |
Benefits Overview
Working for the federal government provides an unparalleled benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Beyond healthcare, you will have access to generous paid time off, federal holidays, and a robust retirement system. The agency also promotes work-life balance through flexible scheduling and employee wellness programs.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Use your two pages wisely. Focus on quantifying your achievements and clearly stating your series, grade, and salary history.
- Don't Forget the Assessment: After applying, watch your email for the link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. You typically have 48 hours to complete it.
- Quality Control: Always double-check your uploaded documents for accuracy. Ensure no files are password-protected, as the HR system cannot review them.
Serving as a Program Manager for CBP in Tucson is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to national safety. If you meet the requirements, we encourage you to prepare your application materials meticulously and apply before the August 3rd, 2026 deadline. Your skills are needed in the effort to protect our nation.
Why This Program Manager Job Matters
Shape the future of national security infrastructure with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Program Manager in Tucson.
Program Manager Job Overview
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking a dedicated Program Manager to join the Office of Facilities and Asset Management (OFAM) in Tucson, Arizona. This pivotal role involves managing complex programs and projects essential to the agency's operational success, including the planning and sustainment of facilities critical to protecting American interests. You will provide strategic leadership, manage resources, and oversee professional and technical work across the agency’s diverse landscape.
Requirements for Program Manager
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must have physically resided in the U.S. or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Must be proficient in English for all pre-employment processes.
- One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-13) or equivalent.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements for current federal employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Manager
- Proven experience in defining long-term program goals to maximize performance.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multi-year budgets, work plans, and complex project lifecycles.
- Strong technical expertise in project management methodology, business case development, and team facilitation.
- Expertise in collaborating with multi-functional departments to achieve strategic agency objectives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement plan including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Professional development and tuition reimbursement programs.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness initiatives.
💡 How to Apply Program Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Manager Job
- Prepare a resume that is no more than two pages, including your full legal name, contact info, and detailed work history.
- Apply online via the USAJobs portal and complete the required questionnaire.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within the specified timeframe after submission.
- Submit all necessary supporting documents, such as SF-50s for current/former federal employees.
- Monitor your application status and email notifications for interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience as it relates to the GS-14 level duties.
- Upload your resume as a PDF rather than a Word document to preserve formatting.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as applications exceeding this will be automatically disqualified.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessments in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.
- Verify all uploaded documents are accurate and not password-protected before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this role?
The Program Manager oversees professional and technical program segments, including planning, construction, and maintenance of facilities for the Office of Air and Marine, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Field Operations.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, however, you must meet specific residency requirements (living in the U.S. for three of the last five years) and qualify under one of the eligible hiring paths listed.
What is the 'Time-in-Grade' requirement?
Current federal employees must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level (GS-13) to be eligible for this GS-14 position.
How long does the hiring process take?
CBP typically expects to make a tentative offer within 60 days of the announcement closing.
Can I update my application after I submit it?
Yes, you can edit your application via your USAJOBS account while the job posting is still active.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the frontline agency for securing the United States borders. As a key component of the Department of Homeland Security, CBP is tasked with preventing terrorism, enforcing trade laws, and safeguarding the nation’s interests. Employees at CBP are part of a massive, diverse workforce that prides itself on the values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity. Joining the OFAM team means you are supporting the specialized needs of the U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations.