Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

About the role

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring immediate entry-level career positions in federal law enforcement. These positions are open to those with prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Deterring illicit activity and protecting the American people by safeguarding borders.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations to apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using various government assets.

Requirements

• One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year of specialized work experience showing skills necessary for making sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms, dealing effectively with people in a courteous manner, and analyzing information rapidly.
• One full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university.
• One year of law enforcement or military law enforcement experience qualifying for the GL-9 and/or GS-11 grade level.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Residency: Must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: After being hired, detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months of intensive instruction.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies per grade, as follows: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632- $92,912 per year.
• Exceptional benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.
• Up to $60,000 in additional incentives including a $20,000 recruitment incentive and up to $40,000 in retention incentives over the first four years.

Pay

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies per grade, as follows: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632- $92,912 per year.

Schedule

• Duty locations may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations.
• Relocation may be required.