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. These roles require prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented non-citizens and smugglers near the borders.
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrol the international border and coastal waterways using various government assets.

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 for making sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms, dealing effectively with people in a courteous manner, analyzing information rapidly, and making prompt decisions.
• 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.
• A combination of general work experience and education, or a combination of experience and education, as calculated using the resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with the application.

Qualifications

• GL-5: Experience or education as outlined above.
• GL-7: Experience or education as outlined above, plus superior academic achievement or graduate-level education in a field related to law enforcement.
• GL-9 and GS-11: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

Pay

• Annual Base Salary varying per grade level, GL-5/GL-7 ranges from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.

Schedule

• Full-time positions available.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Relocation

• Relocation may be required.
• Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others.

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).

How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button on this site. Select Border Patrol Agent on the CBP Talent Network registration page and complete the pre-screening questions. You'll then receive a link to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, to complete your application. Be sure to review all details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including submitting your resume, transcripts, etc.