Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

About the role

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring immediate entry-level positions in federal law enforcement. 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.
• 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 successful completion of a full four-year course of study.
• 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 field of study related to law enforcement.

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, ranging from $51,632 to $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.

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.

Pay

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, ranging from $51,632 to $92,912 per year. A fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Benefits

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

Application

To apply, click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent and complete the pre-screening questions. You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application.