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 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.
• One full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university.
• One year of specialized work experience in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Qualifications

• GL-5: Experience or education as outlined above.
• GL-7: Experience or education as outlined above, plus specialized work experience in law enforcement or military law enforcement.

Skills

Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Proficiency with the Spanish language will be provided at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, 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 over the first four years.

Pay

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.

Schedule

Work schedule is flexible and may vary depending on the specific location and assignment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and other insurance plans.
• A generous annual and sick leave program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Location

Duty locations include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations such as Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. Relocation may be required.

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).