Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

About the role

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring immediate entry-level positions for federal law enforcement careers. Ideal candidates should have prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented non-citizens and smugglers of non-citizens at or near the borders.
• Maintain surveillance from covert positions, including using infrared scopes during night operations.
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways using various government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Requirements

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records.
• 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.

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• 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 in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
• A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, based on class standing, grade-point average (GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or honor society membership.
• A combination of experience and education.

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, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months of intensive instruction.
• Language Proficiency: Ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies per grade, ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Eligible for an array of federal employment 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 Border Patrol Agents varies per grade, ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.

Schedule

Border Patrol Agents are eligible for a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level without reapplying once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.