Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

Border Patrol Agent (BPA)

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is hiring immediately for these full-time, entry-level, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities. Salary and benefits vary per grade, as follows :

GL-5 / GL-7 : $49,739 - $89,518 per year

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without reapplying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level. Border Patrol Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a BPA, you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. Being a BPA makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include :

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following :

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following :

Note : If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 and or GS-11 grade level. Please refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement.

Other Requirements

Citizenship : You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency : You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction : In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). Veterans' Preference : You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training : After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border Patrol Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the Academy.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions. You'll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page.