Border Patrol Agent

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring immediately to fill full-time, entry-level, career positions in federal law enforcement. USBP is offering up to $60,000 in additional incentives. Annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies per grade, as follows:

GL-5/GL-7 $51,632- $92,912 per year

Border Patrol Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location. Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations. Duty locations may require relocation. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12.

As a BPA, you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect 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 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 to include 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.

Qualifications for the GL-5 grade level include one (1) year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree or combination of experience and education may qualify.

Qualifications for the GL-7 grade level include one year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms, deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters, and analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or combination of experience and education may qualify.

Other requirements include U.S. citizenship, primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years, and an age restriction in accordance with Public Law 100-238. Formal training will be provided at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico.

Job Description