border patrol agent

program analyst

fire protection specialist

transportation officer

senior program specialist

US Department of Homeland Security

•	Overseeing the performance of subordinate employees in checkpoint/baggage areas. Daily tasks include setting priorities, delegating tasks; monitoring and evaluating performance, coaching and developing employee capabilities; approving leave, recommending a variety of human resources actions such as promotions, reassignments, awards, etc; preparing performance evaluations. Documenting feedback of employee performance with letters of counseling and letters of guidance. Taking or recommending corrective disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal, as appropriate. 

•	Monitoring screening checkpoints with personnel ranging from 20 to 50 Transportation Security Officers on a day-to-day basis to include equipment and rotation/reassigning of personnel. Adjusting my supervisory duties to all checkpoint layouts and flight schedules in my assigned zone as the leave relief supervisor.

•	Training and providing guidance to newly promoted Supervisory Transportation Security Officers as well as Lead Transportation Security Officers. Introducing stakeholders and points of contact to the officers in order to build an effective relationship for screening operations or customer service issues. Guiding new officers through shift paperwork completion, screening equipment maintenance and staffing needs.

•	Verifying Law Enforcement (federal and state) credentials and UFAN numbers for the appropriate agency to allow entry into the sterile area. Ensuring proper control of access into the sterile area until all forms of identification are verified.

•	Adjusting to various changes in flight schedules by scheduling screener personnel to provide efficient and effective screening of all persons, baggage, and cargo accordingly. Coordinating with various stakeholders such as airline supervisors/managers in order to plan for any potential disruptions to the screening process or causes for delays.

•	Administering shift briefings to screener personnel, including explaining new policies and sharing relevant events from other airports throughout the country. Participating in question and answer sessions with subordinates for clarification as appropriate.

•	Participating in the development of new policies and procedures, and recommending changes in policy and procedures based on observation of work. Recommending actions to superiors as the Supervisory Employee Council representative for San Diego International Airport (10/2010 - Present).

•	Supervising the development of strategic planning initiatives, workforce planning, succession planning initiatives, and other reports and documents for Transportation Security Administration Headquarters (TSA-HQ) and superiors. Inputting the results of screening actions into the Airport Information Management (AIM) system as required.

•	Developing incident information (PARIS) and reports for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and superiors. Ensuring the accuracy of all reports submitted. Submission of incident reports and gathering of official statements from all parties involved to my superior immediately following the incident.

•	Preparing and submitting various types of communications, reports, and documents. Conducting audits and maintaining                   inventory of screening equipment on a day-to-day basis. Providing the Coordination Center with all pertinent information such as equipment malfunctions or causes for delays in operations.


•	Controlling and monitoring passengers without using physical restraint, jeopardizing his/her safety or the safety of others. Managing access to checkpoint or baggage areas during security breaches or natural disasters, in compliance with all breach and/or evacuation procedures.

Executive Assistant/ Facility Officer

•	Oversee human resources related to injuries, training , law enforcement investigations, and related agency documentation integral for legal proceedings, transcription, interviews, time and attendance, awards, advancement, etc.; search and extract legal references in libraries and computer data-banks;
•	Prepare briefs, reports, training manuals, appendices, correspondence, and intermittent policy for distribution; generate the presentation of charts and other visual aids;
•	Implement, and update Facility Security Plans/Occupant Emergency Plans (i.e. emergency preparedness, response, and contingency planning) as appropriate;
•	Plan, organize, and/or lead efforts to evaluate plans and proposals of projects involving broad areas of work processes, operational practices, and integration between functional areas;
•	Gather information, identify and analyze complex issues, and develops recommendations to resolve problems of effectiveness and efficiency of work operations;
•	Track documents through various approval processes within the agency, as it relates to procurement, acquisitions, and policies and procedures;
•	Maintain master division and executive, calendars; schedule meetings, ensure operation of audio/visual capability, conference rooms and conferences; cancel and/or reschedule commitments as required, by higher priority demands or special commitments;
•	Attend various meetings, provide a comprehensive report, and/or prepare meeting minutes as directed by the Division Director, Deputy Director, and Deputy Assistant Director;
•	Administer the notification, tracking, accuracy verification, and submission of division taskings as it relates to the Office of Under Secretary (OUS), Deputy Under Secretary, Freedom of Information (FOIA), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) requests, and the like;
•	Maintain national databases for national training programs, program rosters, completion, and status reports, fleet management, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), (i.e. gear issuance and credentialing);
•	Ensure the telecommunication and security equipment is properly maintained, operated, tested and calibrated;
•	Direct the operation of facility housing large numbers of occupants, involved in the specialized operations of more than one agencies consisting of approximately 70,000 square feet used for classroom instruction, operations, law enforcement physical, and qualification training courses;
•	Evaluate and manage preventative maintenance and contract requirements, schedules, placement and delivery of centralized equipment systems such as large heating, air conditioning, electrical, and other technically complex systems required for facility operation;
•	Ensure that space and building service needs are being met, respond to complaints, resolve competing requests for services, evaluate and monitor the use of available space by occupants’ needs as related to their mission within the limitations of available space and budget resources; advise parental agencies of space utilization and plan major space changes, as necessary for specialized improvements to facility layouts;
•	Establish and maintain collaborative effective working relationships with the inter-agency officials, consultants, contractors, developers, vendors, employees, media representatives and the public;
•	Develop annual budget analyses, justifications, and recommendations for acquisition and execution of mission essential requirements.

Overall I've had a wonderful experience and plenty of growth here. Coming to the agency was my first job in the medical field, but the amount of knowledge I have gained and learned in this field has been an amazing experience. This has been an opportunity to advance in the medical field. Although I love what I do here and the amount of people I work alongside from Assistants to Directors, Medical Professionals and Attorneys, working this job through a contract company is hard when this area can be a new field for most companies. A typical day consist of me coming in checking emails first for new medical documentation on employees and new-hire applicants, creating share-point files and hard copy files for new applicants. I then will work on pullings cases that have been closed for over a year and packaging them to send to National Records. Next, I may work on New-hire applications screening medical information to send to our outside Contractors, the in-house medical physician or the Program Coordinator. Afterwards, I will work on Medical cases of employees who are going through the Program, creating files for their cases, sending out letters, contacting medical facilities, scheduling medical exams, taking in phone calls from employees, attorneys and medical professionals, working on the medical case summary tracking each step in each employees medical process, as well as edit documents or create templates for the Physician, Program Manager, Specialists, and Attorneys.  When funding is available I will assist the Drug Program in traveling to off-sites conducting Random Urinalysis or I may help the telework Program Manager in the Feds Feed Family mission. As far as my management with the Agency I can definitely say that the leadership is great. The team within the Agency works well together and everyone assist to ensure each team member is familiar with the others program. The hardest part of the job is being a contractor with the amount of work that I have. Knowing I am in a position where if I was a permanent employee the pay would be hire for the amount of work being done. I am grateful for the job that I have but there is no room to grow or move up, no raises are offered, and mass commuting cost is not compensated. I love to learn and I love what I do, but I am always open to learn more and move up.

The job itself is fun and easy.  I have been doing basically the same job for over 12 years and it has changed a lot in the last 5 years.  Newer technology that is looked at as both good and bad.  The work times are diverse and I have worked every schedule there is.  I prefer the early morning because the time goes by faster since it has the highest passenger load, and I get home before the kids get home from school.  There are more wonderful people I get to meet and work with then bad, but the bad are very loud, so its hard to remember they are the few.  There is a lot of micro managing, which can cause diverse personal views, and not always the correct one wins.  My co-workers are the best.  They are a fun group of hard working individuals that love to spend time away from work with each other because of how close we get.  The hardest part of this job is that because it is in the government, there is a lot of politics that go with it.  Now I have had many superiors over the years, and it all depends on their personal goals.  I would suggest that anyone looking to work here should plan to transfer to another federal agency now that you have the foot in the door and I know many who have gone on to other agencies and are incredible pleased with their choice.  The other group that might enjoy this job are those that are a couple years away from retirement and want to finish out their time.  Since their is not major training required, no special schooling, and it is not incredibly physically demanding.  The evening shifts are a lot easier for those looking for the quiet time.  My favorite part of the job are the caring people I get to work with every day who genuinely care about you.  I have learned to ask others for help, and have found that they will give it.  We don't have to struggle alone.  Whether learning a skill, a shoulder to cry on, or advise on how to deal with a difficult situation, there is always someone there to help.

-A typical day working in FEMA Public Assistance involves 2 major tasks. The first task revolves around meetings. There could be anywhere from 5 to 30 different applicants to meet with and be in regular contact with on any given deployment. Most meetings are informational, and to keep the public assistance process 'on-track'. The second major task is paperwork. Each deployment has a large, though limited amount of paperwork to complete (so that applicants can be reimbursed for disaster costs). Information must be requested from applicants and put together into reimbursement packages.
-I've learned a lot about emergency management and office environments working for FEMA. I've also been able to vastly improve my organizational skills, and ability to prioritize tasks.
-Management is great. Management staff is always closeby and a great resource for information. They are also generally very friendly. The nature of the work requires and expects self-motivation. Therefore, management does not 'babysit' in any way.
-Co-workers are generally very friendly and also helpful to each-other. FEMA is a team environment with people from all over the country deployed and working together
-The hardest part of the job is presentation and organization. Helping applicants to understand paperwork needs, completion timeframes, and eligibility criteria requires strong, confident presentation skills. Organization comes in when you have 30 different applicants, several with multiple projects with their associated paperwork at one desk with one computer. Recolection of what stage of the process you are at with any given project requires significant note-taking. Beyond that, deployments last for months at a time living in hotels. Many employees rarely see their homes or families.
-There are several enjoyable parts of the job. The people are great and the work is varied. Meeting different applicants allows for travelling throughout large areas of (or sometimes entire) states.

Update and consolidate spreadsheets including task lists, budget, project, and purchase request information. Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and follow through on issues in a timely manner. Arrange travel schedule and reservations for executive management as needed. Prepare office correspondence such as form letters, reports, tables, spreadsheets and other printed material; editing and reformatting correspondence. Establish and maintain computer based records/files (e.g., document logs, office expenditures, etc.). Operate a computer, typewriter, calculator or other input device. The contractor must be capable of using the MS Office automation suite of programs (MS Office, Excel, Outlook, Visio and PowerPoint).Pick up, deliver and control mail distribution. Fulfill receptionist duties inclusive of responding to routine telephone calls and providing information to the TSA General Manager, CISO and senior Staff. Manage time and attendance related office records such as leave requests, timesheets, overtime and comp time, including inputting time and attendance reports into the webTA (time and attendance) database. Maintain all schedule management activities and maintaining the office calendar inclusive of scheduling appointments and meetings. This includes scheduling meetings, making conference room arrangements, and providing meeting support. Maintain office telephone rosters, recall rosters, email distribution lists, and organizational charts. Manages call lists and visitors, and escorts visitors to appropriate representative when necessary. Organize and maintain office supplies for the General Manager and CISO. Takes and transcribes accurate meeting minutes of committee and internal staff meetings and keep records of the proceedings as assigned. Follows up on deadline-driven tasks, issues and action items. Track task progress and deadlines and report status as required through periodic activity reports. Assist with information management tasks including management of paper and electronic files and documentation.

I provide technical and administrative support to the Human Resource Specialist and I serve as the Diversity Awareness Chairperson for the Special Emphasis Program/Diversity Awareness Committee. I process a wide range of human resource transactions and provide technical assistance in executing actions related to employee relations, employee benefits, recruitment and placement, classification, and the compensation program. I advise and assist on the processes and procedures of benefit programs, performance management, incentive awards and other productivity and improvement measures. I provide advisory services to employees regarding health benefits, thrift savings plan, federal employee group life insurance, and retirement. I advise management on potential leave usage or similar program abuses. I advise and assist management with sensitive, serious, or controversial issues which required special treatment due to potential embarrassment to the organization. I provide advice and process disciplinary actions and non-disciplinary removals. I counsel employees and provide information on employee rights, obligations and benefits. I counsel and assist current employees with their returned SF 86s (background investigations) and assist them in obtaining the necessary information. I also ensure their paperwork is accurately completed. I coordinate the TSA phase II hiring process by ensuring that each candidate has passed through each section of the phase. I coordinate up to 350 interviews per week and track their progress through the phase until the job offer is made. As the Diversity Awareness Chairperson, I am responsible for coordinating and publicizing the federally designated special observances each month. I assist the EEO/HR office and management in the identification of EEO issues; distribute program information/coordinate training and promote support for the Special Emphasis Program/ Diversity Awareness Committee.

A typical day is receiving 20 - 30 plus calls from customers worldwide
seeking travel information to or from the US or seeking assistance to file appropriate papers to become US citizens or assist/sponsor   others to come to the US to visit or marriage.  
I have learned the importance of planning well in advance of travel times by making sure all travel documents are current and securely stored during travel.
Qualified and skilled supervisors were a thing of the past.  Often 
times an operator would volunteer to sit in the position but had no real skills or qualifications to serve.
Due to conditions of the office that looked like the aftermath of a tornado with broken and ragged blinds hanging by one side.  There was no extra space to sit or lounge around after ones shift ended or take a break or eat lunch.  We were moved to a newly renovated space with the same set up, having to share desk, a hotel room size fridge and one must eat at the work desk.  The relationships were just casual come and go, no pass down of information from one operator to the other that I was accustomed to.  
The hardest part of the job was getting the callers to accept the information given as a response to their inquiries.  They would often ask repeatedly "what if"  questions until they would realized that it didn't change.
The most enjoyable part of the job is to have a caller thank me for my time and help and tell me what a good job I am doing and that I need a raise.  I have one caller who calls back periodically asking if I got a raise yet and that I need to be given a raise.  I will go online to look up information to help the caller if need be.  I feel good knowing that the caller has been satisfied as best I know how.

Me, personally, not my cup of tea.  If I had been a few years younger, more unexperienced and naive, then I rpobably would've stayed longer.  I was a Paramedic and in the military reserves for several years.  Then I figured I'd give DHS a shot, because of the pay and benefits, which are good (in most areas).  I very much enjoyed the work as a Border Patrol Agent, although it was short lived (less than a year).  I did not like living on the U.S./Mexican border, at all!  I am a big citym tropical kind of guy, you know, sea level, beaches, women, partying whenever I wanted.  U.S./Mexican border didn't have anything like that, but the work as a BP Agent was pretty cool.  Then I accepted a job back home as a CBP Officer in a major international airport.  This, I imagined, would be much better than what it was.  In keeping OPSEC in mind, I'll say this much; the airport I worked at had a very jaded view of "protecting the homeland" and where I worked management was quite horendous!  I literally mean, the worst management I have ever worked uder, out of about 20 jobs I've worked in my life.  The concept of protecting the homeland and the delivery are two very totally different things.  On the U.S./Mexican border, Homeland Security is most definetly prominent, needed and working out pretty good, in my opinion.  But, in international airports, the merger of INS and Customs in 2003 (making up CBP) has affected a once seperated focus to a very poorly oiled machine.  Many people I know in similar shoes as myself agree with me, some don't, but this is just my perspective.  Horrible work hours, treated like an insubordinate child for no reason, terrible shift rotations and unreasonable expectations from the agency and it's leadership (they think they should come before everything!-including your health, welfare, fitness and family).

Having been fortunate enough to have entered into the Border Patrol during the Clinton Administration and retired under the Biden Administration, I was able to see the extreme levels of diversity available to agents; all depending on political atmosphere.  Albeit that this is a uniformed law enforcement job that requires firearms and physical conditioning proficiency, the individual can eventually find their place in this agency after completely the 3-year career conditional and 5-year career stages.  This is particularly true if the individual is fortunate enough to begin their career in a busy station, which is not predictable and dependent on smuggling trends.  The career agent can remain in the field for their entire career, exploring some of the vastest deserts in America, or find their way to the northern border, where they can explore wilderness, mountainous terrain, or even the artic-like conditions of the Maine winters.  Or, the agent can seek management positions, office work, like asset forfeiture, intelligence, prosecution casework, or become a training instructor, at the station level or at the academy.  No agent has the same experience but teamwork and getting along with your peers is paramount.  The position is highly steered by political environment; therefore, an agent may experience times when job description, mission, and daily workload changes vastly.  I, personally, have had days, more than one, where I've arrested over 100 people all by myself hours from back-up in the most remote desert locations, and other times when I spent a week trying to get just one particular individual.  I have also spent months staring at miles and miles of snow, enjoying the wildlife and calm of the northern border.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Border patrol agent 58 salaries reported	$89,770 per year
Program analyst 4 salaries reported	$84,252 per year
Fire protection specialist 8 salaries reported	$75,680 per year
Transportation officer 1 salary reported	$35,000 per year
Senior program specialist 3 salaries reported	$76,045 per year

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