Customs Officer – Level 4 [ 25 vacant posts] [20 – Kingston Operations] & [ 5 posts] Western & Montego Bay Operations

Customs Officer – Level 4 [ 25 vacant posts] [20 – Kingston Operations] & [ 5 posts] Western & Montego Bay Operations salary $4,266,270 annually

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, the Customs Officer is responsible for executing all customs activities in compliance with relevant policies, the Customs Act, and associated regulations. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting administrative and border security functions related to the import and export of goods via parcel post.
• Facilitating trade and optimizing revenue through effective oversight of the public bonded warehouse system using a risk-based control approach.
• Detecting and seizing illegally imported goods to safeguard Jamaican society.
• Preventing customs offences through enforcement and deterrent measures that ensure accurate declaration and collection of duties and taxes.
• Utilizing available systems and procedures to ensure the correct application and payment of duties and taxes on imported and exported items.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

The officer is responsible for ensuring accurate examination, documentation, and clearance of cargo and parcel post items entering or exiting the island. This includes:

• Supervising the unloading and proper storage of incoming cargo.
• Verifying cargo against the manifest and reviewing reports on short-landed and damaged goods (Form C14).
• Ensuring goods in transit are stored appropriately based on their nature.
• Documenting and reporting any discrepancies or breaches identified during examination.
• Reviewing customs entries for completeness and accuracy before authorizing release.
• Verifying required signatures, stamps, and consistency between the Bill of Lading, entry forms, and invoices.
• Conducting physical examinations of goods to confirm declared information.
• Checking tariff classifications and duty rates and ensuring correct duties are collected.
• Reporting any discrepancies or suspected fraud to senior officers.
• Enforcing import regulations by issuing Detention or Seizure Notices for non-compliant goods.
• Releasing goods only after all conditions are met, including proper documentation and noting any short landings.
• Coordinating Customs Escort for goods in transit under special entries (Transshipment Bill, Transit Entry, Removal Note).
• Overseeing the opening of mailbags and examining contents for Customs compliance.
• Assessing duties on dutiable parcels and marking each package with the appropriate action codes.
• Recognizing exemptions (e.g., diplomatic immunity) and applying them as appropriate.
• Reviewing and processing re-importation documents (C43) and export documents for local goods (C82), signing and retaining copies when all requirements are satisfied.

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements;
• Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design;
• Ensures critical success factors are identified and meets expectations;
• Prepares quarterly and/or annually Customer Service reports in accordance with established standards.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Strong judgment and analytical skills
• Well-developed IT skills, including the capacity to use ICT-based analytical tools.

Technical

• Expert knowledge and understanding of Customs and tax laws and their impact on business, trade and economics.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Customs Operations.
• Good understanding and technical knowledge of Classification and Valuation procedures
• Sound knowledge in the detection and handling of hazardous substances.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• First degree in Management Studies or equivalent qualification in the Social Sciences.
• At least one (1) years of experience in an operational position, including experience in the application of the Customs Act and related legislation.
• Line Officers’ Training.
• Good knowledge of Customs Administration and Operations.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Work will be conducted in an office equipped with standard equipment and specialized software.
• The environment is fast paced, with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines, which will result in high degrees of pressure on occasions.
• Normal office environment.
• Irregular and unscheduled working hours, on-call twenty-four (24) hours.
• Exposure to heat, dust, dirt, hazardous substances and inclement weather conditions.
• Exposure to disagreeable and hazardous conditions.
• Frequent outdoor excursions required.

Applications, including résumés, should be submitted no later than Friday, June 13th, 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HRMD

Email us at helpdesk@jca.gov.jm, if you have any technical difficulties.