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 are open to 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.
• Conducting 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 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: 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, with a bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement, or a combination of experience and education.
• 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.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits under law enforcement provisions.
• Age restriction applies until the candidate reaches their 40th birthday.
• Veterans' preference eligibility.

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.
• Formal Training: After being hired, detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction.
• Language Proficiency: Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.