Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent

About the Role

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security, is hiring full-time, entry and mid-level Border Patrol Agents (BPAs). BPAs play a critical role in protecting the United States by preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the country, while also facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

Key Responsibilities

• Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near the borders.
• Maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including using infrared scopes for night operations.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using various government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Salary and Incentives

• Base Salary: Ranges from $51,632 - $124,717 per year, depending on grade level (GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11) with promotion potential to GS-12.
• Recruitment Incentive: Up to $20,000 paid upon successful completion of the academy and acceptance of a prioritized location.
• Retention Incentive: Up to $30,000 distributed over three years for newly appointed agents.

Duty Locations

Selected locations include but are not limited to:

• Big Bend Sector Stations (Alpine, Marfa, Presidio, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca)
• Blaine Sector Stations (Blaine, Bellingham, Port Angeles, Sumas)
• Buffalo Sector Stations (Oswego)
• Del Rio Sector Stations (Comstock)
• El Paso Sector Stations (Deming, Lordsburg)
• Grand Forks Sector Stations (Bottineau, International Falls, Pembina, Portal, Warroad)
• Havre Sector Stations (Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, Sweetgrass)
• Houlton Sector Stations (Calais, Houlton, Rangeley, Van Buren)
• Laredo Sector Stations (Laredo West, Hebbronville, Freer)
• New Orleans Sector Stations (Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans)
• San Diego Sector Stations (Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo)
• Swanton Sector Stations (Beecher Falls, Massena, Newport, Ogdensburg, Richford, Swanton)
• Tucson Sector Stations (Douglas, Brian A Terry, Three Points Substation)
• Yuma Sector Stations (Blythe, Ajo)

Note: Prioritized locations for additional recruitment incentive include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. Duty locations may vary based on availability.

Qualifications

GL-5 Grade Level

• Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating ability to take charge, make sound decisions, maintain composure in stressful situations, learn through training, and gather information.
• Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Combination of Experience and Education: A mix of general work experience and college education.

GL-7 Grade Level

• Experience: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating skills in making sound judgments with firearms, dealing effectively and tactfully with people in law enforcement matters, rapid information analysis, and prompt decision-making.
• Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (GPA of 3.0 or higher, class standing, or honor society membership) or one full year of graduate-level education in a law enforcement-related field.
• Combination of Experience and Education: A mix of specialized work experience and college education.

GL-9 Grade Level

• Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as physical searches of detained individuals, apprehending violators, proficiency in firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders, and gathering evidence.

Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify.

GS-11 Grade Level

• Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, with authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes in an official law enforcement capacity. This includes utilizing intelligence, leading investigations, and apprehending violators using complex technology.

Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAOs) for GL-9/GS-11

• Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law.
• Knowledge of the Use of Force Policy.
• Knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure.
• Skill in Using Physical Techniques (self-defense, baton, OC spray, etc.).
• Skill in Using Firearms (handgun, shotgun, M-4).
• Skills in Basic Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Residency: Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Candidates must be referred before their 40th birthday (exceptions may apply for certain federal civilian law enforcement or veterans' preference eligible).
• Veterans’ Preference: May be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: Approximately six months of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.
• Language: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Training in Spanish will be provided at the Academy.

How to Apply

• Click the "Apply" button to be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page.
• Select "Border Patrol Agent" for Position of Interest and complete pre-screening questions.
• You will receive a link to the official BPA Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) on USAJOBS to complete your application.
• Submit your resume and supporting documents. Applicants for GL-5 or GL-7 levels must also pass the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam.