MILITARY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
U.S. Northern Command
Posted: March 16, 2026 (0 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary
$143,913 - $187,093
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Management & Supervision jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $104,604 - $135,987
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading efforts to prepare for and manage emergencies and incidents at U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, including creating plans, coordinating with partners, and using tools to improve response during crises.
It's ideal for someone with experience in emergency planning and operations who thrives in high-stakes, collaborative environments within government agencies.
The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to handle sensitive information securely.
Organizational Location: This Program Manager position is in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Operations Support (OS), CBP Watch, Preparedness Division, Incident Management Branch, located in Washington, DC.
Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Experience: You qualify for the GS14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Coordinating emergency management and continuity projects to ensure successful completion of objectives and deliverables.
Developing and implementing strategic and operational plans for incident management and preparedness programs.
Conducting analysis and preparing reports to support decision-making during emergency situations and special events.
Collaborating with internal and external partners to facilitate information sharing and effective response efforts.
Utilizing emergency management platforms and tools to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
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 03/20/2026.
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.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible.
View information about CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.
To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. Major Duties:
As a Program Manager, you will serve in a coordinating and response capacity for effecting agency-wide emergency and incident management, continuity programs, in addition to serving as a strategic and operational planner.
You will provide expert advice and services on controversial and sensitive matters related to the CBP's emergency and incident management.
This position starts at a salary of $143,913.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS-14, Step 10).
In this position, you will become a key member of the Office of Operations Support (OS) performing the below typical work assignments: Leading CBP's coordination efforts during national emergencies and special events by facilitating deployment of operational personnel and resources.
Overseeing the development and delivery of training on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) for CBP staff.
Managing special projects and initiatives that require direct support to senior CBP and DHS leadership, including participation in National Special Security Events (NSSE) and Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events.
Analyzing and reviewing technical reports, policies, and operational plans submitted by CBP and interagency partners to inform preparedness decisions.
Representing CBP at interagency meetings, conferences, and working groups to address and resolve major issues affecting incident management and preparedness.
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.
Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes