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

Responsibilities

• Deterring illicit activity and protecting the American people by safeguarding our borders.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders.
• Maintaining surveillance from covert positions and performing night operations.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband.
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrolling the international boundary 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 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.
• A combination of general work experience and successfully completed college education.
• A combination of experience and education for the GL-7 grade level, including a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Not reach 40th birthday at the time of selection.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Age Restriction: Must not reach 40th birthday at the time of selection.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: Detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction.
• Language Proficiency: Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, as follows: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632- $92,912 per year.
• Exceptional benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, 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.

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.

Pay

• GL-5/GL-7: $51,632- $92,912 per year.
• Additional incentives: Up to $60,000 in total incentives.