Border Patrol Agent - Experienced; GL​/GS

Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GL9 / GS11) US Customs and Border Protection
• Four Lakes, WA, United States

• Location:
  
  Four Lakes, WA, United States
• Grade: GL‑9 / GS‑11
• Role:
  Border Patrol Agent (BPA)

• Base Salary: GL‑9/GS‑11 $ 63,148 – $120,145 per year
• Locality Pay: varies by duty location
• Overtime Pay: up to 25%
• Additional up to 25% of base pay (BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014)
• Career ladder: GL‑9 → GS‑11 → GS‑12 (promotion after 52 weeks without re‑application)
• Benefits: health & insurance, annual & sick leave, Thrift Savings Plan (retirement)

• Recruitment Incentive: up to $20,000 (first $10,000 after Academy, remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location)
• Retention Incentive: up to $40,000 over first four years

As a BPA, you will be part of a 60,000‑strong workforce that protects the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity. Typical assignments include:

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Preventing and apprehending aliens and smugglers 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.

You qualify for the GL‑9 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Performing physical searches of detained individuals, their vehicles, and their immediate surroundings for weapons, contraband, currency, and other evidence.
• Apprehending, physically restraining, or working with law enforcement officials to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws.
• Proficient in the use of firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, etc.), and gathering evidence for criminal cases prosecuted through the court system.

You qualify for the GS‑11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes, performing primary duties in an official law enforcement capacity such as:

• Utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or contraband.
• Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns.
• Apprehending violators of state, federal, or immigration laws using complex technology including surveillance, detection, and communication equipment.
• Making arrests and exercising sound judgment in the use of firearms.
• Dealing effectively with people in a courteous manner and analyzing information rapidly to make prompt decisions.

• Citizenship:
  Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Residency:
  Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction:
  Must be referred for selection before the 40th birthday (unless exempted for Veterans’ Preference or active federal civilian law enforcement positions).
• Veterans’ Preference:
  Eligible for excepted service Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training:
  Six (6) months of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.
• Language:
  Ability to speak and read Spanish and English; training provided to become proficient in Spanish.

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, and then complete the pre‑screening questions. You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to complete your application. Review all details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items such as resume and transcripts.

You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.