Public Sevice

How To Get A Job As A Customs Inspector

Customs Inspectors are interested in anybody and anything that enters, or leaves, the country by land, sea, or air.  They work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of all citizens and the country as a whole.  If you get a job as a Customs Inspector, you will be working as a vital part of Homeland Security.  This is an extremely important and interesting job.  Due to the rising problems with both drugs, and terrorism, skilled Customs Inspectors are in demand.

Successful Customs Inspectors must have good judgment,  excellent decision making skills, good communication skills,  and be able to work well as part of a team.  They must be physically fit, curious, observant, confident, honest, reliable, resourceful, polite, firm, and responsible.  A good memory, and an interest in meeting a variety of people are also beneficial for those who want jobs as Customs Inspectors.  It is an asset to be a skilled interviewer.

Customs Inspectors usually work eight hours a day but, as their services are needed twenty-four hours a day, they are required to work shifts, which may vary.

Customs Inspectors may work in airports, ports, and on any highway or road that enters or leaves the country.  Their job is to identify, investigate, and eliminate any potential or real threat to the nation’s safety.  If you get a job as a Customs Inspector, you may have a variety of duties depending on your education and experience.  You may conduct body searches and searches of clothing, as well as personal luggage, vehicles, or cargo.  You may inspect permits and documentation relating to passengers or freight.

You may supervise the loading and unloading of cargo, weigh and measure to check misleading records, seal storage holds, write reports, and keep records.  You may check passenger and crew lists, explain laws and regulations to passengers, question anyone who appears suspicious, and seize undeclared merchandise or items illegally entering or leaving the country, including plants and animals. You may , implement legal action for infractions, and testify in court.

Education

To get a job as a Customs Inspector you need at least a high school diploma or GED for entry level positions.  Competition is keen for this job, so it will pay to get a college degree if at all possible.  A college degree will also make you more apt to be promoted.

Military experience or experience in law enforcement are assets.

In some areas, a second language is essential.

To become a Customs Inspector, you must be a citizen of the United States.  You will need to pass a drug test and have a clean criminal record.  You will be required to pass a physical fitness test.

Some Customs Inspectors are armed. These Inspectors must be trained and proficient in the use of firearms.  Some Customs Inspectors use dogs specially trained to seek and find illegal items.  If you are interested in this specialty, get some experience with dogs and their training.

To get a job as a Customs Inspector, you will be required to take a test to determine your suitability for the job.  If you pass this test, you will undergo a period of training, both formal and on-the-job.  Customs Inspectors with sufficient education and experience, can advance to positions as supervisors and managers.