Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

About the role

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring for full-time, entry-level, career positions in federal law enforcement. These positions offer a chance to join an elite team dedicated to protecting America.

Responsibilities

• Deterring illicit activity and safeguarding borders
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways
• Performing various types of checks and inspections
• Dealing with people in a courteous and tactful manner
• Using firearms and making arrests
• Developing and maintaining contacts with informants

Requirements

• One year of general work experience or a combination of education and experience
• One year of specialized work experience or a combination of education and experience for the GL-7 grade level
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years
• Age: Must be referred for selection before reaching 40th birthday
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
• Formal Training: Required after hire, including instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement, and USBP-specific operations

Qualifications

• GL-5: Experience or combination of education and experience
• GL-7: Specialized work experience or combination of education and experience

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632- $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 recruitment and retention incentives

Pay

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

Schedule

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required. Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others.

Recruitment Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location.

Prioritized Locations

• Sierra Blanca, TX
• Presidio, TX
• Sanderson, TX
• Comstock, TX
• Lordsburg, NM
• Freer, TX
• Hebbronville, TX
• Ajo, AZ