attmt__4F_Aviation_Enforcement_Agent_(AEA)_Position_Description.pdf

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19. Employee Review-This is an accurate description of the major duties and responsibilities of my position.

ISignature of Employee (optional)

20. Supervisory Certificafion.- I certify that- this IS an accurate statement of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and its organizational relationships, and that the position is necessary to carry out Government functions for which I am

- ...!..esI2Qnsible--This certification is made with the knowledgp""!hEll...

a. Typed Nameand Titleof ImmediateSupervisor

Michael C. Kostelnik

Assistant Commisioner, CBP Air & Marine

Signature- - - - - - - - - - - - [Date- -iSignature - - - - - - - - - - - -I Date-this information is to be used for statutory purposes' relating to appointment and payment of public funds, and that false or misleading statements may constitute violations of such statutes or thelf implementing regulations.

ib.TypedName and Title ofHigher-Level SupervisolOr Manager (optional) - - -

22. Position Classification Standards Used in ClassifyinglGrading Position

[Date-

'5J~'1101

Information for Employees. The standards, and information on their application, are available in the personnel office. The classification of the position may be reviewed and corrected by the agency or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Information on classificationljob grading appeals, and complaints on exemption from FLSA, is available from the personnel office or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

HR Specialist

2~. Date Initials Date Initials Date Initials Date b.Supervisor

c. Classifier

24. Remarks 2ndClass Medical required Coverage under 58 USC 8336 @ and 8412 (d) required.

25. Description ot Major Duties and Responsibilities (See Attached)

NSN 7540-00-634-4265 Previous Edition Usable 5008-' 06

AUO approved for this position on 11/13/98.FPL-GS-12

OF 8 (Rev. 1-85) U.S. Office of Personnel Management FPM Chapter 295

1. AgencyPositionNo.

POSITION DESCRIPTION (Please Read Instructions on the Back) A04428 '!. Reason for Submission tJService

4. Employing Office Location 5. Duty Station 6. OPMCertificationNo.

9 Redescription 8 New HdqtrsJ!ZJ Field Washington DC Various

Reestablishment Other 7. FairLaborStandardsAct 8. FinancialStatementsRequired g. Subjectto IAAction

:xplanation(Show any positionsreplaced) :JExempt IIINonexempt 0 Executive Personnel hlIEmployment and Yes DNaFinancialDisclosure Financial Interest

34428 replaces GS-1811-12, Crimin.al .,

10. PosItion Status 11. Position Is 12. ::>ensltivlty 13. Competitive Level Code vestigator PD previously used for Air Interdiction Competitive r- d 1--Non- 0 3--Critical ,. Supervisory

Sensitive fficers. PD#70023D. 14. Agency Use '23/07 Title changed/PD updated F=

Excepted (Specify in Remarks) fZ

Managerial

SES (Gen.) 0 SES (CR) DI 2--Noncritical D 4--Special 8888== Neither Sensitive Sensitive

15. Classified/Gradedby Official Title of Position Pay Plan OccupationalCode Grade Initials Date

a. Officeof Per-sonnel Management b.Department.

Agency or

Aviation Enforcement Agent GS 1801 12Establishment

c. Second Level Review

d. Firstlevel Review

e. Recommendedby Supervisoror Initiating Office

16. OrganizationalTitleof Position(if differentfrom offiicaltitle) 17. Nameof Employee(if vacant,specify)

18. Department,Agency,or Establishment c. ThirdSubdivision

Department of Homeland Security

a. First Subdivision d. FourthSubdivision Customs and Border Protection

b. Second Subdivision e. FifthSubdivision CBP Air and Marine

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Aviation EnforcementAqent

GS-1801-12

PD # A04428

1. Introduction

This position reports to an aviation group supervisor and works in an aviation branch within CBP Air and Marine. The mission of CBP Air and Marine (CBP A&M) is to protect the American people and critical infrastructure by using an integrated and coordinated air and marine force to detect, interdict and prevent acts of terrorism arising from unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband moving toward or crossing the borders of the United States.

II. Principal Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

A. Law Enforcement Duties

Serves as the primary law enforcement officer on Air and Marine interdiction aircraft. Initiates and controls law enforcement activities at the scene when s/he is the arresting/seizing officer until the suspects and/or property can be turned over to the appropriate enforcement representative. Collects and processes evidence and interviews violators and witnesses to collect additional information and/or evidence that may lead to additional arrests/seizures or that may assist investigators in the development of the case against those arrested or others with whom they are collaborating.

Generates information utilizing a range of techniques including interviewing, examining physical evidence like aircraft structural modifications and damage, reviewing documentary evidence such as repair and charge card bills, consulting law enforcement computer databases, analyzing flight plans and ownership records, using technical aids such as aviation transponders.

Establishes, maintains, and improves productive relationships with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel. May lead or participate in coordinated activities such as specific area searches, warrant serving, and raids into areas where smuggling organizations are known to be operating, vessel boarding, and search activities.

Prepares concise, in-depth narrative reports regarding the actions and judgments made prior to, during, and after an apprehension/seizure is made so as to assist government prosecutors in the development of civil and criminal cases against suspected violators of U.S. law and customs regulations.

B. Aircrew Duties

Responsible for directing an apprehension team consisting of law enforcement officers at varying grade levels, and assuring proper performance of the assigned team members to successfully accomplish the mission. The incumbent will also be responsible for the safety of non-crew member personnel on board uses aircraft during tactical operations. Successfully performing as a tactical team leader requires the ability to effectively utilize skills in coordinating, coaching, facilitating, consensus-building, planning and directing techniques.

Performs all duties of the aerial interdiction/surveillance coordinator when an aerial interdiction occurs or during a surveillance operation. The incumbent operates, VHF, UHF, and satellite communications equipment to direct additional U.S. or foreign, law enforcement and military personnel and assets, such as vehicles, aircraft, and marine vessels, to a point where an effective interdiction action can be made against a suspected smuggler. During surveillance operations, the incumbent continually advises those same assets as to the movements and actions of the suspected smugglers and directs the other law enforcement/military assets to points where they can observe the smuggler's actions themselves or effect an apprehension.

As a crew member of a helicopter, propeller, or jet aircraft, visually and with the assistance of sophisticated radar and forward looking infrared systems detects, monitors, and records the movements of aircraft, marine vessels, and vehicles that are suspected of being engaged in smuggling contraband or controlled substances into or out of the United States.

May perform duties for periods of one month or longer, at another aviation branch or in a foreign country. While working in a foreign' country, the incumbent works closely with host nation military and civilian officials who ride in the aircraft as crew members during missions. May train the foreign officials on the operation of the aircraft's sensor equipment or work with them to effect an interdiction or to gather information on a suspected smuggler's activities. Key capabilities for success include strong communication and training skills to ensure that host nation and other agency personnel can effectively achieve the mission in this joint/cooperative environment.

The incumbent may serve as a sensor instructor and may provide both formal and informal training of junior personnel in a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to, the operation and maintenance of the sensor and communications equipment onboard each type of aircraft; apprehension team tactics and weapons used in an apprehension effort; operational intelligence collection methodology; and general program and administrative requirements.

Provides technical ground and in-flight instruction and examination for duties involving the use of complex target acquisition and forward looking infrared radar systems. Performs administrative functions dealing with the branch training program. Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinate the preparation, presentation and communication of work related information to the supervisor.

C. Advisorv Duties

Provides authoritative technical support to and assists in developing strategies and fostering cooperation with federal, state, local. and foreign law enforcement agencies regarding matters related to aviation enforcement agencies, activities, represents DHS or the: branch on interagency projects or task forces requiring a cooperative, integrate enforcement initiative and in support of DHS or other agencies enforcement program efforts. This includes support to multi agency task forces in various locations throughout the United States, state and local law enforcement agencies, legal and judiciary officials, and contacts with public or private sector experts in fields related to the program's enforcement responsibilities.

Works individually or as a team or group coordinator to study problems or issues that affect the work of the AEA's at the air branch. Alone or as part of a team/group, the incumbent defines the issue(s) to be studied, the method of investigation, develops and supports recommendations, and presents these recommendations to management in briefings and written reports.

D. Intelliqence Operations Development Duties

For an assigned area of responsibility, the incumbent coordinates, establishment in the methodology and long- range planning for actual and potential problem areas. He/She further produces /directs finished intelligence reports and presents his/her findings to senior level policy-makers. The incumbent is also responsible for providing recommendations regarding asset employment in response to the trends and patterns developed relative to smuggling and illegal importation or exportation of contraband.

Independently develops and projects data in order to prepare forecasts of smuggling activities and contraband movements and recommends actions to counteract and apprehend suspected violators.

Provides expert advice on routes and means of transport, latest developments in smuggler methods, trafficking in contraband, and other intelligence information to be used in the development of specific targeting efforts.

III. Factors

1. Knowledqe Required bv the Position (Level 1-7, 1250 points)

Knowledge and expertise in law enforcement methods to properly interrogate, search, seize, arrest, exercise appropriate self-defense measures, serve warrants, and prepare evidence, testimony, and other information for use in prosecution of Federal court cases. The incumbent must also know how to use the basic functions of the The Enforcement Communication System.

Extensive knowledge of customs and related laws, statutes, precedents, court and administrative decisions, and current instructions concerning imports and exports, various types of contraband and smuggling activities, the rights of U.S.

citizens and alien entrants, the relationship between these laws and statutes and those of other agencies with which DHS cooperates in law enforcement. This knowledge is used to determine whether a person has committed a violation and whether the violation is one over which DHS has enforcement authority.

Knowledge of the basic performance characteristics of various types of civilian aircraft, basic aerial navigation, basic aerodynamics, basic meteorology, standard air traffic control radio communications procedures and language, and familiarity with the unique technical vocabulary used in the aviation community.

Skill in directing aerial intercepts by radio of suspect aircraft under extremely stressful conditions for extended periods of time so as to be able to direct other law enforcement or military aircraft and vehicles to intercept aircraft and vehicles suspected of smuggling contraband into or out of the United States.

Knowledge of a wide range of analytical and evaluative methods plus a thorough understanding of CBP Air and Marine Division and air branch goals and programs in order to select and apply appropriate evaluation and measurement techniques to meet project needs, or to examine the content of new or modified legislation, Air and Marine and branch policies and predict its impact on the operation of the branch and the work of the AEAs

Broad knowledge of current management and organizational principles and practices along with a comprehensive knowledge of planning, programming, and management techniques, strategies, and tools, in order to examine and improve branch operations, and appraise the utilization of resources in branch operations.

Ability to carry out and lead complex studies by applying advanced analytical and statistical methods and techniques, in order to recommend improvements to branch operations and the work processes carried out by the AEAs.

Outstanding ability to communicate orally and in writing so as to be able to direct, explain, guide, counsel, question, and respond regarding complex and complicated concepts and situations to a wide variety of people with varying technical expertise, educational backgrounds, organizational knowledge, and, often, strongly held points of view; and to explain complicated new statutory or executed actions in such a manner that they are clearly understood and will withstand scrutiny from non-Air & Marine reviewers.

Skill in operating onboard sensors, infrared detection systems, and aerial communications equipment so as to be able to detect and record the movements and actions of aircraft, vehicles, and marine vessels suspected of smuggling contraband into or out of the United States.

Ability to teach employees the operation of radar, communications, and infrared detection systems. The incumbent must also be able to instruct others regarding the tactics and weapons unique to the apprehension of persons inside or near an aircraft.

Skill in developing training and instructional materials so as to be able to develop and evaluate proposed training for AEAs in weapons, tactics, law enforcement techniques unique to the work of the AEA and the aircraft- mounted detection systems used by AEAs to perform their work.

2. Supervisory Controls (Level 2-4, 450 points)

The air branch manager assigns specific projects in terms of issues, organizations, functions, or work processes to be studied and sets deadlines for completing the work. Where two or more projects are involved, the air branch manager may assign priorities among the various projects as well as deadlines for the attainment of specific milestones within a project. The air branch manager provides assistance on controversial issues or on the application of qualitative or quantitative analytical methods to the study of subjects or problems for which precedent studies are not available.

The incumbent plans, coordinates, and carries out the successive steps in fact finding and analysis of issues necessary to complete each phase of assigned projects. Work problems are normally resolved by the incumbent without reference to the supervisor, in accordance with the body of accepted office policies, applicable precedents, organizational concepts, management theory, and occupational training.

Work is reviewed for conformance with overall requirements as well as contribution to the objectives of the study. Completed work products such as evaluation reports and staff studies are also reviewed for consistency of facts and figures, choice of appropriate analytical methods, and practicality of recommendations. Findings and recommendations developed by the employee are reviewed prior to release, publication, or discussion with outside management officials.

3. Guidelines (Level 3-4, 450 points)

Guidelines consist of general administrative policies and management and organizational theories which require considerable adaptation and/or interpretation for application to issues and problems studied. At this level, administrative policies and precedent studies provide a basic outline of the results desired, but do not go into detail as to the methods used to accomplish the project.

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Administrative guidelines usually cover program goals and objectives of the employing organization, such as agency or Air Division controls on the size of the workforce, productivity targets, and similar objectives. Within the context of broad regulatory and Air Interdiction Division guidelines the employee may refine or develop more specific guidelines such as implementing regulations, air branch policies, or procedures for the measurement and improvement of effectiveness and productivity in the administration of operating programs.

4. Complexitv (Level 4-4, 225 points)

The work involves gathering information, identifying and analyzing issues, and developing recommendations to resolve substantive problems of effectiveness and efficiency of work operations in the air branch. This is in addition to improving conditions of procedural nature which relate to the efficiency of organizations and AEAs.

Subjects and projects assigned at this level usually consist of issues, problems, or concepts which are not always susceptible to direct observation and analysis.

Difficulty is encountered in measuring effectiveness and productivity due to variations in the nature of administrative processes studied. Information about the subject is often conflicting or incomplete, cannot readily be obtained by direct means, or is otherwise difficult to document.

5. Scope and Effect (Level 5-4, 225 points)

The purpose of the work is to advise on and assess the productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of the work of the AEA. The incumbent analyzes the impact of new guidelines, regulations, and policies on the work of the AEA. The incumbent also reviews the work of the AEAs and air branch work processes to determine whether or not additional training is needed, or whether changes in operating procedures are needed to improve work productivity, ensure compliance with existing guidelines, or to encourage safety and/or conserve resources.

The work contributes to the improvement of productivity, encourages safety within the air branch, and increases the effectiveness of the air branch interdiction effort.

6. Personal Contacts (Level 2C, 145 points)

Contacts are made with employees, supervisors, and managers of Air and Marine. Also, personal contacts are with the general public, including U.S.

citizens and alien entrants, suspected violators, officials of other Federal agencies; e.g., the DEA, the Departments of Justice, Defense, Transportation, and the Interior, the U.S. Coast Guard, representatives of State and local governments, personnel from other Federal and non-federal law enforcement activities, and attorneys and court officials. Contacts are established on a non-routine and routine basis.

7. Purpose of Contacts (See 6 above)

Often the contacts are to influence managers or other officials to accept and implement findings and recommendations on organizational improvement or program effectiveness. May encounter resistance due to such issues as organizational conflict, competing objectives, or resource problems.

8. Phvsical Demands (Level 8-3, 50 points, CPO standard)

The work requires periods of strenuous physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, crawling, and running over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain;

and protracted periods of time in the cramped confines of an aircraft that can be buffeted by bad weather. Also, the incumbent must be prepared to defend her/himself and others against physical and armed attack, resorting to the use of firearms only as a last resort.

9. Work Environment (Level 9-3, 50 points, CPO standard)

The incumbent performs periods of work that involve hazardous and critical situations where the possibility of serious injury or death exists. The incumbent participates frequently in hazardous aerial flights over inhospitable terrain, in darkness and during adverse weather conditions while in close proximity to an unlighted suspect aircraft.

May perform duties at great distances from assigned post, to the extent of having to rotate through foreign assignments. The incumbent may have to work long and irregular hours on weekends and at night away from coworkers and under minimal supervision. Assignments are subject to change without advance notice.

Other Siqnificant Factors

1. The incumbent must have prior experience in a position approved for coverage under Title 5, Section 8336 (c) since the position'includes responsibilities directly related to the administration of programs involving law enforcement activities such as the apprehension, detention, and investigation of suspected violators of federal law.

2. The incumbent is frequently required to perform long periods of administratively uncontrollable overtime, generally without supervision. The incumbent is also required to recognize those instances.