Role and Responsibilities
Investigative Program Specialists, commonly known as Polygraph Examiners, play a critical role in the hiring process at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They coordinate, plan, and administer polygraph examinations to applicants for positions that require polygraph testing. This ensures that CBP hires individuals who meet the highest standards of integrity and reliability.
Pay and Benefits
Polygraph Examiners are competitively rewarded for their service. In addition to a base salary, they may receive locality pay, overtime pay, and other benefits. Below is a breakdown of the compensation structure based on the fiscal year 2022 pay scale for GS Step 1 positions:
| Grade | Base Salary | Average FY 22 Locality, Overtime, and Premium Pay | Total Compensation* |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-12 | $68,299 | $19,676 | $87,975 |
| GS-13 | $81,216 | $23,397 | $104,613 |
*Total compensation includes average locality, overtime, and shift differential pay, which varies by location.
Additional Pay Opportunities
- Special Salary Rate: Federally certified Polygraph Examiners within the Department of Homeland Security receive special salary rates. These rates are detailed in the Special Rates Tables Search, which can be filtered by agency, occupation, and geographic location.
- Overtime Pay: Examiners can earn up to 25% of their salary for working beyond the 40-hour workweek.
- Premium Pay: Eligible for work on Sundays, holidays, and night shifts.
- Cash Awards: Outstanding performers may receive cash awards for superior efforts, subject to funding availability.
Career Progression
Polygraph Examiners start at a GS-12, Step 1, with the potential to advance to GS-13, Step 10. Career progression includes:
- Entry Level: Starting positions at GS-12.
- Journeyman: Positions with more responsibility and higher performance standards.
- Expert and Supervisory Roles: Involves leadership and increased responsibilities.
- Executive Level: Senior Executive Service (SES) positions, which are responsible for high-level decisions, CBP’s vision, and interactions with external stakeholders and Congress.
Leave and Training Benefits
CBP offers substantial leave benefits and training opportunities:
- Annual Leave: 13 to 26 days per year.
- Federal Holidays: 11 holidays per year.
- Military Reserve: 15 days per year.
- Sick Leave: 13 days per year.
- Paid Training: Opportunities for professional development.