Intelligence Research Specialist

Full Job Description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of U.S.

Border Patrol, Sector Intelligence Unit located in Del Rio, TX. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 50 applications have been received, whichever happens first.

It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration.

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: Applying (and modifying, if necessary) established intelligence practices to specific problems which involve many variables.

Accurately documenting incident reports and preparing investigative reports; evaluating incoming intelligence reports and information; assessing threats and creating lookouts and developing and disseminating tactical information and intelligence.

Arranging for and participating in the briefing/debriefing of attaches and others returning from, or undertaking, foreign travel, assuring that all interested parties are represented and that all essential points are covered.

Making agreements and commitments at meetings and conferences on intelligence matters in accordance with previously received instructions; and performing intelligence liaison functions with other organizations, including effectively presenting the organization's needs and establishing harmonious working relations with counterparts.

Experience: 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: Ensuring all intelligence activities and products comply with applicable policies, directives, and guidelines, including those issued by the CBP IE Key Intelligence Official (KIO).

Independently researching, reviewing, and evaluating a high volume of classified, sensitive, and open-source intelligence to identify threats and provide situational awareness for CBP operations.

Applying advanced critical thinking and structured analytic techniques to address complex, ambiguous, or emerging threats to border security.

Providing expert guidance, mentoring, and technical assistance to junior analysts on analytic methods, production standards, and intelligence tradecraft.

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 03/30/2026.

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. Major Duties:

This position starts at a salary of $89,508.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10).

The Intelligence Research Specialist provides operational stakeholders with intelligence products that inform and enhance their ability to make strategic, operational, or tactical decisions in support of operations directed at threats to border security.

Duties and responsibilities include: Developing intelligence collection plans which support specific programs and activities, including the most complex and most difficult assignment.

Reviewing, processing, and evaluating intelligence information from a variety of sources, using creative methodology for unusual problems which do not appear to be susceptible to treatment by accepted methods.

Collecting and analyzing intelligence data from a variety of sources to develop trends, patterns profiles, estimates and studies.

Preparing preliminary and finished intelligence products and disseminating the products to the appropriate officials.

Participating in liaison activities and short term/long term or broad-scope projects as required.