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 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 noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders.
• 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 border and coastal waterways using various government assets.

Requirements

• GL-5: One year of general work experience or a bachelor's degree with education substitution.
• GL-7: One year of specialized work experience or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, or one full year of graduate-level education in a related field, or 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 before turning 40.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: Detailed instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement, USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Exceptional benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, generous leave programs, 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.

Schedule

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required.

Pay

• Salary varies per grade, with GL-5/GL-7 ranges from $51,632 to $92,912 per year.
• Additional incentives available, up to $60,000 total.