Become a Chief of Staff: Leading Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Are you a seasoned law enforcement professional looking to make a significant impact at the highest level of federal service? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking a dedicated, strategic, and expert leader to serve as a Supervisory CBP Officer (Chief of Staff). This role, based in Washington, D.C., offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of border security, trade, and traveler facilitation.

Job Responsibilities

The Chief of Staff serves as a central hub for the Office of Field Operations (OFO). Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Advisory: Provide expert guidance to senior leadership on complex operational and policy matters.
Liaison Management: Act as the primary point of contact for the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) to internal divisions and external stakeholders.
Operational Oversight: Review work outputs to ensure they meet the rigorous quality standards required of federal law enforcement operations.
Program Tracking: Develop and manage systems to ensure that agency policies are implemented accurately and on schedule.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-15 position, candidates must meet several baseline requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
Screenings: Successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph examination, and drug screening.
Residency: Must have lived in the U.S. for three of the last five years.
Physical/Legal: Must possess a valid driver's license and meet medical/physical fitness standards.

Comparison Table: Why Choose a Career at CBP?

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$173,968 - $197,200 (GS-15)
Work Location	Washington, D.C.
Clearance	Top Secret / SCI
Travel	Occasional as required

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-15 level. The salary range reflects the high level of responsibility inherent in a Chief of Staff role, with a starting pay of $173,968 and a potential top range of $197,200 per year, inclusive of Washington, D.C. locality pay.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Homeland Security enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support their professional and personal well-being. This includes:

Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Paid leave, federal holidays, and potential for flexible scheduling.
Professional Development: Access to ongoing leadership training and tuition support.

Application Tips

Format Your Resume: Use the two-page limit to your advantage by highlighting high-impact accomplishments.
Check Your SF-50: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 is accurate and attached.
Test Preparation: Be prepared to take the General Supervisor Test Battery shortly after you apply.

Serving as the Chief of Staff for the CBP Office of Field Operations is more than just a job; it is a vital national security commitment. If you possess the leadership skills to navigate complex operational environments and the drive to protect the nation, we encourage you to apply and contribute your expertise to a mission that matters.

Why This Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff) Job Matters

Elevate your federal law enforcement career as a Chief of Staff with U.S. Customs and Border Protection—lead critical national security operations at the GS-15 level.

Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff) Job Overview

Join the Office of Field Operations (OFO) in Washington, D.C., as a Supervisory CBP Officer (Chief of Staff). This prestigious leadership role serves as a key advisor to the Executive Assistant Commissioner, overseeing complex operational, programmatic, and policy issues. You will act as the primary liaison, directing support staff and ensuring that high-level initiatives are executed with precision to secure our nation's borders.

Requirements for Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff)

U.S. Citizenship
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Must pass a rigorous background investigation and drug screening
Must complete a mandatory polygraph examination
Minimum of 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level
Must meet physical and medical fitness requirements
Possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license
Must have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff)

Demonstrated experience as a technical advisor for complex law enforcement situations
Proven track record of representing agencies to high-level federal and private sector officials
Experience developing and implementing agency-wide tracking mechanisms for policy and program compliance
Deep understanding of federal administrative processes and law enforcement operational standards

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional training opportunities
✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Cbp Officer (Chief Of Staff) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Gather and upload all required supporting documentation, including SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package by the closing date of November 4, 2026.
Complete the required online General Supervisor Test Battery.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience in months and years.
Do not exceed the two-page resume limit, or your application will be automatically rejected.
Submit your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Monitor your email for the link to the General Supervisor Test Battery (check spam folders).
Be precise in your questionnaire answers, as these determine your initial eligibility rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of this Chief of Staff role?

The role acts as a bridge between the Executive Assistant Commissioner and the various divisions within the Office of Field Operations, ensuring that operational and policy priorities are effectively communicated and implemented.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires you to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

Job from Customs And Border Protection

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the premier federal agency responsible for safeguarding America’s borders. By balancing the dual missions of facilitating legitimate international trade and travel while preventing the entry of terrorists and illegal goods, CBP operates at the front lines of national security. As a member of the Office of Field Operations, you will be part of a team committed to integrity, vigilance, and service to our country.