Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, Trade Remedy and Law Enforcement Directorate. Located in the following locations: Washington, DC Chicago, IL New York, NY Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Preparing complex case materials and thorough legal research. Assisting in case preparation; and to ensure that information is lawfully released or withheld. Analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Making recommendations to supervisor to cancel cases in which it is his/her determination that no violation exists. Reviewing and evaluating investigative reports and case records. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Analyzing complex cases, apply agency rules and regulations in order to prepare a clear and concise statement in order to provide a sound judgment and decision. Receiving, examining and evaluating complex supplemental petitions filed by individuals, corporations or attorneys seeking relief from seizures, penalties or liquidated damages Developing and evaluates all evidence, facts and circumstances relating to cases. Reviewing and evaluating investigative complex reports and case records. Analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, CBP Policies and procedures in order to provide authoritative advice to their supervisors. Receiving, examining, and evaluating complex supplemental petitions filed by individuals,corporations, or attorneys seeking relief from seizures, penalties, or liquidated damages. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 05/16/2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
This position works in the Office of Trade, Trade Remedy Law Enforcement Directorate (TRLED), providing all aspects of paralegal support in the wide variety of administrative matters handled by the office. This position starts at a salary of $88,621.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $137,000.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $137,000 (GS-13 Step 10). Major Duties: Performing legal and analytical work applying legal principles and concept of CBP and general law. Receiving, examining, and evaluating complex supplemental petitions filed by individuals, corporations, or attorneys seeking relief from seizures, penalties, or liquidated damages. Preparing and recommending decisions on cases within the jurisdiction of the supervisor. Recommending the issuance of guidance to CBP field personnel when issues of noncompliance or non-uniformity are identified. Providing technical guidance on complex issues and resolving differences of opinion among CBP Headquarters and/or field personnel, and members of the trade community. Reviewing and making recommendations as to acceptability of evidence in penalty cases, seizure cases and in any case of unusual complexity.