Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist)

Industry:
Public Sector
Last Updated:
September 12, 2023

Job Description Overview

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist), you play a critical role in keeping our country safe from invasive pests and diseases that can harm our agriculture industry. Your job is to inspect passengers, cargo, and mail at ports of entry and exit for any potential agricultural threats. This means you'll spend a lot of time examining food items, plants, and animals to ensure they comply with U.S. regulations.

You'll use your training to identify and mitigate potential risks to our food supply, including plant diseases, insects, and other pests. You'll also work with other agencies to enforce international trade agreements and protect our nation's agriculture industry.

To succeed in this role, you need to have a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of responsibility, and excellent communication skills. You should also be comfortable working independently and have the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

If you're passionate about protecting our country's agriculture industry and enjoy working in a challenging environment, then this Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) job description may be the perfect fit for you.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Inspect and monitor agricultural products and animals entering or leaving the country
  • Confirm that imports and exports are compliant with federal regulations and laws
  • Identify and take action against potential and existing threats to the US agricultural industry
  • Collaborate with other agencies to prevent the spread of pests and diseases
  • Use advanced screening and detection technologies to identify illegal or prohibited items
  • Train and advise colleagues on agricultural inspection procedures
  • Prepare written reports and collect data on inspection outcomes
  • Apply professional judgement to make decisions about agricultural items' eligibility to be admitted into the country
  • Exercise good customer service skills while upholding national security and protecting agriculture
  • Work rotating shifts and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) in the Public Sector industry, you'll need some education and experience. You'll need a high school diploma or GED certificate to qualify for this job. But having at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university could help you stand out from the crowd. You'll also need to be a US citizen and pass a background investigation.

Additionally, you'll need to have some experience in agriculture, biology, or another related field. This could include working on a farm, in a laboratory, or conducting research. Having experience working in a law enforcement or security-related role could be helpful too.

Overall, being a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) requires a mix of education and experience in order to effectively enforce laws, regulations and policies governing the importation or entry of agricultural commodities and livestock, into the United States.

Salary Range

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist), you can expect to earn a competitive salary in the public sector industry. In the United States, the salary range for this position is typically between $46,000 and $103,000 per year, depending on experience and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all agricultural inspectors was $44,140 as of May 2020.

In Canada, a similar position is known as an Agricultural Inspector, and the salary range falls between CAD $53,000 and CAD $96,000 per year. In Australia, an Agriculture and Fisheries Officer can earn between AUD $56,000 and AUD $95,000 per year.

It’s worth noting that salaries may vary based on factors such as education, relevant experience, and qualifications. Furthermore, public sector salaries may also be affected by budget constraints and government policies.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-science-technicians.htm#tab-5
  • Government of Canada Job Bank: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobposting/33962450
  • Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/careers/aps-careers/agriculture-and-fisheries-officer

Career Outlook

The career outlook for Customs and Border Protection Officers (Agriculture Specialist) is expected to grow over the next five years. These officers play a crucial role in protecting the United States from harmful agricultural pests and diseases, preventing them from entering into the country. As international travel and trade continue to increase, the need for these officers is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of transportation security screeners and related workers, including Customs and Border Protection Officers, is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This indicates that job opportunities for Agriculture Specialists will continue to be available in the public sector industry in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) do?

A: A Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) works at ports of entry and is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations related to the importation of agricultural products into the United States.

Q: Do I need any specific qualifications to become a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist)?

A: Yes, you need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in agriculture or a related field, and you must pass a medical examination, drug test, and background investigation.

Q: What are some of the duties and responsibilities of a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist)?

A: Customs and Border Protection Officers (Agriculture Specialists) are responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations related to the importation of agricultural products. This includes inspecting, sampling, and analyzing products to make sure they meet US regulations.

Q: Is the job of a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist) dangerous?

A: Customs and Border Protection Officers (Agriculture Specialists) work in a hazardous environment that involves exposure to both physical and psychological stressors. They must be able to work in high-pressure situations and be able to make quick decisions.

Q: What are some essential skills necessary for someone interested in becoming a Customs and Border Protection Officer (Agriculture Specialist)?

A: Customs and Border Protection Officers (Agriculture Specialists) should have excellent communication skills, be able to work well in a team, be able to handle high-pressure situations, have strong critical thinking skills, and have knowledge of agricultural products, regulations, and procedures.


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