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 ensuring the safety of 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 using infrared scopes.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• 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 bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership.
• A full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university.
• A combination of experience and education.

Qualifications

• GL-5: One year of general work experience or a combination of education and experience.
• GL-7: One year of specialized work experience or a combination of education and experience, plus a bachelor's degree or superior academic achievement.
• GL-9 and GS-11: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary ranging from $51,632 to $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.

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

Benefits

• Formal training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months.
• Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.

How to Apply

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. 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.