Air Interdiction Agent

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled pilots interested in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission to protect America. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career with excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move : become an Air Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively recruiting for these full-time security-based opportunities with a streamlined application process. Notably, seasoned pilots and those with military training are in demand. Apply today!

Duty locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by AMO. You must be willing to work at any duty location within the region you select to include but not limited to the following :

• Southeast Region : Homestead, FL and CAMB : Aguadilla, PR
• Southwest Region : Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX
• NASOC UAS locations : Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX

Duties and responsibilities as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) include :

Salary and benefits for an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) range from $106,000 to $127,000 per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location and overtime pay, up to 25% of your salary. Your starting salary will include Special Salary Rate (SSR); Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP); Recruitment Incentive; and Retention Incentive. This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval).

Examples of annual compensation for the first three years at new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP :

Air Interdiction Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Qualifications for the GS-11 grade level include one (1) year of specialized professional aviation experience performing duties such as :

Hiring minimums include a current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with one of the following ratings :

Flight hour requirements include a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, with waivers available for up to 500 hours. Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours at their own expense before attending the 3-part flight assessment. Applicants must still meet 250 Pilot-in-Command, 75 instrument, and 75 night hours (100 flight hours in the last 12 months). This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 5, 2025.

Other requirements include :

There are three ways to apply to become an Air Interdiction Agent :

Stay updated by opting into CBP's talent repository (highly recommended) by selecting the Contact a Recruiter button. For Position of Interest select Air and Marine Operations, Air Interdiction Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions. You'll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with AMO and CBP.