Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent

Entry‑Level Border Patrol Agent – $20,000 Sign‑On Bonus

Posted on:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Garden City,

Description:

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! The U.S. Border Patrol is hiring immediate full‑time entry‑level law enforcement officers. Duty assignments may include the Southwest Border and are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with first‑choice preferences. Relocation may be required. Incentives include a $20,000 recruitment incentive paid in two parts (first $10,000 upon completion of the Border Patrol Academy and the remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location), and up to $40,000 in additional retention incentives distributed over the first four years.

Salary ranges from $49,739 to $89,518 per year (GL‑5/GL‑7) with locality pay adjustments; a fully trained BPA may earn up to an additional 25% of base pay. The career ladder progresses through GL‑5, GL‑7, GL‑9, GS‑11, and GS‑12. Eligible agents receive federal benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including using infrared scopes during night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off‑road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission

• GL‑5 Grade Level: One (1) year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; or a bachelor’s degree; or a combination of experience and education.
• GL‑7 Grade Level: One year of specialized work experience showing skills necessary to make sound judgments in the use of firearms, deal effectively with people in a courteous manner, analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA ≥ 3.0, honor society membership, or one full year of graduate‑level education in a related field);
  
  or a combination of experience and education. Previous or current law‑enforcement or military law‑enforcement experience may qualify for GL‑9 and/or GS‑11.
• U.S. Citizen; primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years; age restriction of 40 years per Public Law 100‑238 (with exceptions for veterans and current/former federal civilian law‑enforcement employees).
• Veterans’ Preference may qualify for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal training:
  Detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months.
• Ability to speak and read Spanish and English; proficiency in Spanish will be developed during Academy training.

Click the Apply button to be directed to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent and complete the pre‑screening questions. You will then receive links to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS to complete your application. Submit all required materials (resume, transcripts, supporting documents) and complete the BPA Entrance Exam. For questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page: cbp.gov/s/usbp.