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 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 using infrared scopes.
• 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 such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Requirements

• GL-5: One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; or 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.
• GL-7: 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 and tactful manner; or analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions.
• GL-9 and GS-11: Previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience.

Qualifications

• 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, detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months of intensive instruction.

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 include 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.

Pay

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs 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.