Launch Your Legal Career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you seeking a career that combines legal expertise with a vital national security mission? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is looking for a motivated Paralegal Specialist to join the Office of Field Operations in Otay, California. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the enforcement of U.S. trade, travel, and immigration laws.
Job Responsibilities
As a Paralegal Specialist, your primary duties involve managing the legal and administrative aspects of seizures, penalties, and liquidated damages. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and evaluating original petitions and appeals.
- Preparing case documentation for the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F) office.
- Analyzing legal arguments to resolve complex problems.
- Coordinating with law enforcement officers to ensure due process.
Comparison: GS-9 vs GS-11 Qualifications
| Level | Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-9 | 1 year specialized experience OR Master’s/Equivalent degree |
| GS-11 | 1 year specialized experience at GS-9 level OR Ph.D./Equivalent degree |
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet strict residency requirements. You must be prepared to undergo a comprehensive background check and drug screening. Additionally, successful completion of a 3-week basic training course in Charleston, SC, is mandatory.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $70,507 to $110,905, with potential promotion paths up to $132,923 based on performance and grade level advancement.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Federal retirement and Thrift Savings Plan
- Paid leave and federal holidays
- Flexible work schedules
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is precisely two pages long and submitted as a PDF. Clearly outline your work history, including hours per week, to demonstrate your qualifying experience.
If you have a background in paralegal work and a commitment to public service, this role at CBP is an excellent path to a long-term federal career. Apply before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
Why This Paralegal Specialist Job Matters
Are you ready to play a critical role in national security? Join the U.S. Customs and Border Protection team as a Paralegal Specialist and help safeguard our borders through precise legal support.
Paralegal Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking a dedicated Paralegal Specialist to join the Office of Field Operations in Otay, California. This role is integral to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F) division, where you will manage complex legal documentation and support enforcement actions. Successful candidates will perform critical paralegal work related to seizures and penalties, ensuring all operations align with federal law and regulatory standards.
Requirements for Paralegal Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
- Must meet U.S. residency requirements (physically resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years).
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must register with the Selective Service.
- Must be proficient in English.
- Must complete 3 weeks of Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture Basic training.
- Subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Paralegal Specialist
- Master’s degree, J.D., or LL.M. for advanced placement.
- Previous experience in federal law enforcement or administrative law.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal cases and analyze evidence.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in high-pressure environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Federal retirement plan including a Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Paralegal Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Paralegal Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment after initial submission.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties.
- Upload documents as PDFs rather than Word files for better compatibility.
- Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting.
- Use the 'Track my application' feature to stay updated on your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of this role?
You will be responsible for reviewing and finalizing claims, analyzing legal petitions related to seizures and fines, and supporting the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FP&F) unit.
Is a background check required?
Yes, as a federal law enforcement agency, all candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation and drug testing.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP are responsible for protecting the nation’s borders. From screening travelers to seizing illegal goods, the work done by the Office of Field Operations is critical to keeping the country safe. Joining this team means becoming part of a professional workforce dedicated to vigilance, service, and integrity.