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 roles are designed for those with prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Deterring illicit activity and ensuring compliance with immigration and customs laws.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations to prevent and apprehend undocumented individuals and smugglers.
• Interpreting and analyzing tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Participating in various patrol activities, including farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrolling the international border and coastal waterways using a variety of 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 a full year of graduate-level education in a related field.
• GL-9 and GS-11: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience.

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 reaching 40th birthday.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: Required to attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Exceptional benefits package 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 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

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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k).

Application

To apply, click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent and 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.