Intelligence Analyst Intern (Pathways Program)

Job Description

Job Overview: Pathways Internship Program

This position is an exciting opportunity through the Pathways Internship Program, designed to provide students with valuable work experience in a federal agency. Participants can explore federal careers, gain practical skills while still in school, and earn a salary. Successful completion of the program may lead to eligibility for conversion to a permanent civil service position.

Organizational Location

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center, Counter Network Divisions in Sterling, VA. Please note that available locations may vary; refer to the USAJOBS announcement for details.

Salary and Promotion Potential

The position offers a starting salary range from $46,610.00 (GS-05, Step 1) to $91,815.00 (GS-09, Step 10). While positions may have known promotion potential, promotion is not guaranteed and is determined by qualifications and management’s discretion. If converted to a permanent position, it will likely be a GS-0132-07/09/11/12/13.

Duties

As a Pathways Intern, typical duties may include:

• Conducting routine planning, direction, and collection tasks, making preliminary analyses and recommending collection sources.
• Contributing to planning, researching, and analyzing threats to border security.
• Assisting with intelligence plans, conducting research and analysis, and developing standard intelligence planning documents.
• Assisting in collecting intelligence across CBP capabilities and disciplines.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following core requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. Residency: You must have maintained primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• English Proficiency: All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
• Background Investigation: You will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
• Drug Testing: CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Proof of Student Status: Must be submitted with your application.
• Ethics Compliance: Adherence to government ethics standards is mandatory. This includes obtaining approval for outside employment to prevent conflicts of interest.

Qualifications

You must be a student currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment on a full or half-time basis in one of the federally administered, organized educational programs or accredited educational institutions listed below:

• Public or private high school
• State-approved home school
• Technical or vocational school
• Two (2) year or four (4) year college or university
• Graduate or professional school
• A registered apprenticeship program, job corps, or postsecondary home school curriculum.

For specific eligibility information, refer to the Pathways Interns guidance.

In addition to student status, you must meet the academic qualifications for the specific GS level you are applying for:

• GS-05: Completed 4 full academic years of post-high school study leading to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Four years of full-time academic study is defined as 120 semester hours, 180 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university.
• GS-07:
  • Completed 1 full academic year of graduate-level education; OR
  • Successfully completed all the requirements for a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and claim eligibility for Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on:
    1. Class standing (upper one-third of graduating class), OR
    2. Grade-point average (i.e., GPA 3.0 or higher of a possible 4.0, excluding pass/fail credits. Pass/fail credits cannot be more than 10% of total credits), OR
    3. Honor society membership.

    Review Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) to see if you qualify.

• GS-09: Completed 2 academic years of graduate-level education, or a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree.

Graduate Education: This education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary for the position. A course of study in business administration, public administration, or related fields is qualifying. Check with your school for credit hour definitions for a year of graduate education; if unavailable, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, subject to verification at any stage by February 27, 2026.

Background Investigation & Residency

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency. All applicants must undergo a thorough background investigation focusing on integrity, vigilance, and service. This process includes questions regarding felony criminal convictions or charges, illegal drug use (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and non-prescribed controlled substance use (including experimentation, possession, sale, etc.). For more information, visit Applicant Resources | CBP Careers.

Residency Requirement: A residency requirement applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. You must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. Exceptions may be considered for those physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years if you meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or military member.
• A dependent authorized to accompany a federal civilian or military member 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.

Schedules and Trial Period

• Positions can be filled on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time schedules are typically 16 to 32 hours per administrative workweek, prearranged on a scheduled tour of duty.
• The first two years served under the Internship Program count as the participant’s trial period.

Pathways Program Specifics

• A Pathways Participant Agreement will be required upon selection and must be signed prior to your entrance on duty.
• Students are required to maintain enrollment requirements and remain in good academic standing for the full duration of their appointment.
• Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: Pathways students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate or lower programs, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for master’s or higher programs.
• Conversions: Interns may be non-competitively converted from the internship program to a term or permanent position in the competitive service within 180 days following successful completion of all educational requirements, provided an available position exists. However, conversion is not mandatory or guaranteed. If converted, this position will likely fill a GS-0132-07/09/11/12/13 position.

Mandatory Training

This position has mandatory training requirements. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete paid training courses, which currently include (but are not limited to) the Intelligence Foundations Course, Systems Exploitation Training, and the CBP Intelligence Support to Operations Course. The training location will be determined later. Failure to successfully complete required training in accordance with CBP standards will result in placement into a former or different position, demotion, or separation.

About U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP is the sole organization responsible for securing the nation’s borders, preventing terrorism, and protecting American interests. At CBP, employees:

• Secure and enforce trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.
• Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country.
• Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, agricultural products, and prohibited goods.
• Prevent unauthorized entry into the country.
• Rescue individuals in dangerous conditions along the border.

CBP employees demonstrate the highest commitment to protect and serve the United States, embodying the core values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity. Learn more about CBP’s mission, core values, and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about.

Watch the video “Protecting America 24/7” to learn more about CBP’s Office of Field Operations.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess unique talents and experiences valuable to the DHS mission and may be eligible for non-competitive appointment. Contact the Servicing Human Resources Office for details.

Additional Information

• Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
• E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
• Political Appointees: Current or former political appointees must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Find CBP on social media: @CBP and @CBPJobs on X (formerly Twitter), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on LinkedIn.