Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

About the role

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring immediate entry-level positions for federal law enforcement careers. Candidates with prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Deterring and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations using infrared scopes.
• 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 the international border and coastal waterways using various government assets.

Requirements

• GL-5: One year of general work experience or a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• GL-7: One year of specialized work experience or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, or one full year of graduate-level education in a related field.

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 before turning 40.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: Detailed at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Exceptional benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, generous leave programs, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.
• Up to $60,000 in additional incentives, including $20,000 for completing the Border Patrol Academy and $40,000 in retention incentives over four years.

Schedule

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required.

Pay

• Annual Base Salary ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Up to 25% additional pay due to the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Skills

• Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.
• Proficiency with firearms and rapid decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical fitness and stamina for patrol work.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.