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 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
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers
• Maintaining surveillance and conducting night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence
• Performing various types of checks and patrols
• Using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles

Requirements

• One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations
• One year of specialized work experience showing skills necessary to make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms, deal effectively with people in a courteous manner, and analyze information rapidly
• 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 full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university
• A combination of general work experience and education

Qualifications

• GL-5: One year of general work experience or a bachelor's degree
• 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
• GL-9 and GS-11: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience

Benefits

• Up to $60,000 in additional incentives
• Excellent base pay
• Generous annual and sick leave program
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan
• Up to an additional 25% of base pay due to the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014

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. U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs.

Benefits

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

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.

Retention Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Other Requirements

• 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, 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.