33-3051.04

Customs & Border Protection Officers

Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Protective Service
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

IBM WebSphere MQMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
  • Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
  • Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
  • Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
  • Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
  • Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
  • Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
  • Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
  • Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
  • Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
  • Investigate applications for duty refunds and petition for remission or mitigation of penalties when warranted.

Skills

Speaking
75%
Active Listening
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Writing
66%
Monitoring
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Coordination
60%
Active Learning
60%
Persuasion
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Negotiation
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Time Management
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Instructing
44%
Systems Analysis
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Operations Monitoring
35%
Systems Evaluation
35%
Mathematics
31%
Operation and Control
31%
Quality Control Analysis
28%
Science
22%
Troubleshooting
19%
Management of Material Resources
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Operations Analysis
13%
Programming
13%
Technology Design
13%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Law and Government
87%
Public Safety and Security
83%
English Language
73%
Customer and Personal Service
64%
Psychology
61%
Administrative
55%
Computers and Electronics
55%
Geography
54%
Sociology and Anthropology
52%
Education and Training
52%
Foreign Language
51%
Transportation
46%
Administration and Management
43%
Telecommunications
38%
Philosophy and Theology
36%
Mathematics
35%
Communications and Media
34%
Personnel and Human Resources
33%
History and Archeology
32%
Chemistry
27%
Economics and Accounting
25%
Biology
24%
Production and Processing
23%
Therapy and Counseling
23%
Mechanical
18%
Medicine and Dentistry
18%
Physics
17%
Engineering and Technology
15%
Design
12%
Building and Construction
11%
Fine Arts
7%
Sales and Marketing
7%
Food Production
6%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Near Vision
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Speech Clarity
72%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Written Comprehension
72%
Speech Recognition
69%
Written Expression
66%
Flexibility of Closure
60%
Information Ordering
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Far Vision
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Time Sharing
50%
Category Flexibility
47%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Finger Dexterity
47%
Memorization
44%
Visual Color Discrimination
44%
Auditory Attention
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Manual Dexterity
44%
Originality
41%
Visualization
38%
Reaction Time
38%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
38%
Static Strength
38%
Control Precision
38%
Mathematical Reasoning
35%
Trunk Strength
35%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Response Orientation
31%
Number Facility
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Stamina
28%
Explosive Strength
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Rate Control
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Sound Localization
22%
Night Vision
22%
Peripheral Vision
22%
Spatial Orientation
22%
Dynamic Strength
22%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
91%
Working with Computers
90%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
89%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
87%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
86%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
85%
Processing Information
85%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
85%
Analyzing Data or Information
82%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
81%
Documenting/Recording Information
81%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
73%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
71%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
69%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
67%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
64%
Performing Administrative Activities
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
61%
Performing General Physical Activities
60%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
60%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
58%
Training and Teaching Others
58%
Coaching and Developing Others
54%
Scheduling Work and Activities
52%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
52%
Developing and Building Teams
51%
Thinking Creatively
50%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
49%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
49%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
48%
Controlling Machines and Processes
47%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
45%
Assisting and Caring for Others
45%
Handling and Moving Objects
44%
Staffing Organizational Units
32%
Selling or Influencing Others
28%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
28%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
24%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
24%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

96%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

95%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

93%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

93%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

91%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

91%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

89%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

89%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

83%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

83%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

82%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

81%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

80%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

80%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

78%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

78%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

75%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

74%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

73%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

72%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

71%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

68%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

67%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

66%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

65%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

64%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

63%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

63%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

63%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

62%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

61%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

61%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

60%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

58%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

58%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

57%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

56%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

56%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

54%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

51%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

49%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

49%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

48%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

40%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

38%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

36%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

34%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

29%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

25%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

21%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

18%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

14%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

12%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

10%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

39%

Bachelor's degree

27%

Some college, no degree

14%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

71

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

55

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

40

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

27

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

27

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Integrity
98%
Attention to Detail
88%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
86%
Stress Tolerance
85%
Self-Control
83%
Perseverance
68%
Self-Confidence
61%
Adaptability
58%
Achievement Orientation
57%
Leadership Orientation
55%
Social Orientation
40%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
40%
Initiative
34%
Intellectual Curiosity
27%
Cooperation
26%
Empathy
21%
Sincerity
19%
Optimism
15%

Work Values

Support
78%
Working Conditions
70%
Independence
50%
Relationships
45%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
39%

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