Experience Needed 

Having experience in certain areas will be considered an asset. In general, this includes experience in one or more of the following areas:

 

• Measuring compliance and imposing penalties or sanctions for violations

• Gathering information in an investigative setting or pressure situation

• Obtaining information through the use of interviewing and examination techniques

• Providing advice or service to the general public

• Processing and handling import or export documentation

 

 

General Job Description

So, what is a border services officer anyway? What do they do? Well, simply put, a border services officer (known as a Customs and Border Protection Officer in the United States) is responsible for administering and enforcing the customs related laws and regulations of a country.

 

Essentially, they control the movement of people, vehicles and goods into and out of that country; they are one of the first points of contact when travelers and goods arrive in the host country.

 

Since they are the contact for visitors, they are first line of defence in preventing inadmissible people, contraband and other illegal substances from coming into the country. When necessary, BSOs carry out enforcement activities, which may include detaining individuals and groups of people, or carrying out sanctions including issuing warnings and monetary penalties, and by seizing goods and assets. 

 

 

Typical Job Duties

As a border services officer you would be responsible for performing several key duties in order to do your job effectively. These key responsibilities include:

 

• Interviewing travelers and examining their travel and identification documents

• Detaining people that are deemed to pose a threat to the country

• Removing individuals who are not admissible to the country, such as those who have been convicted of crimes

• Safeguarding against the introduction of human, animal and plant diseases into the country

• Guarding against the flow of illegal goods, such as narcotics, firearms and child pornography

• Ensuring that proper duties and taxes are collected on imported goods

• Conducting customs-related investigations

• Protecting food safety and the environment by stopping prohibited or hazardous products arriving at air, land or seaports

• Maintaining information databases

• Working closely with other BSO’s, as well as local and federal law enforcement agencies 

 

 

Average Salary Level

The salary level you could earn as a border service officer can vary, but not by a whole lot. In the beginning of your career, you would earn a trainee salary, and would likely see a higher salary once you successfully complete your training, and become a full-fledged officer. As you gain experience, and move into positions of greater responsibility, you would also move into a higher pay grade.

 

Your salary could also vary based on the region in which you will be working, the level of education you have. It’s also worth noting that since you would be employed by the federal government, you would also likely receive a great benefits package in addition to you salary. These benefits may include (but not limited to):

 

• Health benefits

• Dental benefits

• Pension package

• Disability insurance

 

CBSA Officer Salary (Canada): According to the Canada Border Services Agency, the salary range for a border services officer trainee is currently between $58,078 and $64,859 per year. The salary range for a non-trainee officer is currently between $62,697 and $70,120.

 

CBP Officer Salary (United States): According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Customs and Border Protection Officer position starts at a salary of $31,944 per year, with promotion potential to $70,192.

 

 

Key Requirements: Prerequisites

Now you should have a pretty good idea of what you’ll be doing as a BSO, or a CBPO. The first step to take if you still want to become one, is ensure that you meet (or can meet) certain basic requirements, which include:

 

Canada
 

• Must possess the Standard First Aid certification

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license

• Must successfully complete the Agency's physical abilities evaluation

• Must be willing to work various shifts, including weekends, statutory holidays, and work overtime (as required)

• Must be willing to wear and maintain a uniform

• Must be willing to operate a government vehicle

• Must be bilingual in French and English (depending on the posting)

• Must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) and pass the tests, OR simply challenge and pass both tests

 

United States
 

• You must be a U.S. citizen

• You must have resided in the U.S. for the last 3 years

• Must be younger than 37th at the time of selection (may be waived in certain circumstances)

• You must be able to successfully pass a polygraph examination

• You must be able to successfully pass a background investigation

• Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying

• You must be willing to carry a firearm

• You must have a valid driver's license

• You must be willing work regular and recurring shift work

• You must be able to meet job-related medical, fitness and drug-testing standards

• May be required to have working knowledge of Spanish