Border Patrol Agent

Turn your education and experience into a career with purpose. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking dedicated professionals to serve as Border Patrol Agents. In this role, you will build valuable skills, work alongside experienced law enforcement professionals, address real-world challenges, and help protect the American people and our Nation’s borders.

Typical assignments may include:

• Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration or customs laws.
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or identify potential violations.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near U.S. borders.
• Conducting surveillance, including nighttime operations using infrared equipment.
• Interpreting tracks, markings, and other physical evidence of unlawful entry or contraband.
• Conducting farm, building, traffic, transportation, and city patrol checks.
• Patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using government vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

Opportunities may be available in:

• Arizona: Douglas, Brian
  
  A. Terry, Three Points Substation
• California: Boulevard, Brownfield, Blythe, Campo
• Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans
• New Mexico: Deming, Lordsburg
• Vermont: Beecher Falls, Newport, Richford, Swanton
• Washington: Blaine, Bellingham, Port Angeles, Sumas
• Minnesota: International Falls, Warroad

These locations are expected to have future vacancies. If a preferred location is unavailable when a final offer is made, applicants may be offered another duty location within the United States.

Applicants may qualify at one of the following levels:

GL-5: One year of qualifying general experience; a bachelor’s degree or four-year course of study in any field; or an eligible combination of education and experience.

GL-7: One year of qualifying specialized experience in law enforcement or other responsible work; a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement; one year of qualifying graduate education or law school; or an eligible combination of specialized experience and related graduate education.

GL-9: One year of qualifying specialized experience, such as conducting searches, apprehending or restraining suspected violators, using firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders, or gathering evidence for criminal cases.

GS-11: One year of qualifying specialized law enforcement experience that includes authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes. Examples include using intelligence or technology to track criminal activity, threats, illegal operations, or contraband; leading investigations; and apprehending suspected violators.

Review the official Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) for complete qualification requirements and instructions.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must generally have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the past five years.
• Must meet initial and continuing firearm qualifications, including Lautenberg Amendment requirements.
• Candidates generally must be referred for selection before their 40th birthday because the position is covered by federal law enforcement retirement provisions.
• The age restriction does not apply to applicants who are eligible for Veterans’ Preference.
• Applicants selected at GL-5 or GL-7 must complete and pass the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam.

Selections may be made at the GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, or GS-11 level, with promotion potential to GS-12. Annual base salaries for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents range from $51,632 to $124,717
, depending on grade and other applicable factors.

Federal benefits may include health, dental, and other insurance options; annual and sick leave; and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.

• Recruitment incentive: Up to $20,000 for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents.
• Potential retention incentives: Up to an additional $30,000 distributed over three years for qualifying agents.

This is a Direct Hire Authority announcement. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed. Traditional rating and ranking and Veterans’ Preference procedures do not apply. Veterans and military spouses will be considered alongside all other candidates.