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 excellent base pay, exceptional benefits, and job stability, along with up to $60,000 in additional incentives.

Responsibilities

• Deterring illicit activity and enhancing national economic prosperity
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry
• Patrolling the international border and coastal waterways

Requirements

• One year of general work experience or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement
• Specialized work experience for the GL-7 grade level
• Citizenship and U.S. residency requirements
• Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English

Qualifications

• GL-5 grade level: Experience or education
• GL-7 grade level: Experience or education, plus superior academic achievement
• GL-9 and GS-11 grade levels: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience

Skills

Must have the ability to make sound judgments and decisions, maintain composure in stressful situations, and gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records.

Benefits

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

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

• Up to $60,000 in additional incentives
• Up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over the first four years

Relocation

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others.

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.

Veterans’ Preference

You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

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.