The United States Border Patrol determines duty assignments at time of offer based on operational needs which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required.
These hard-to-fill locations—Serra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, and Hebbronville, Texas; Lordsburg, New Mexico; and Ajo, Arizona—are eligible for a $10K recruitment incentive. A three-year service agreement is a requirement to be eligible for this reward.
The opportunity to work with a top-tier group of highly skilled professionals whose pride, purpose, and camaraderie are hallmarks of their daily mission protecting America is provided by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) to those who are interested in a career in law enforcement.
If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding job that also provides excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits and job stability, now is the time to make your move. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time career opportunities.
PREVIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT: Candidates having experience in law enforcement, either present or past, are eligible to go on duty at higher grade levels (GL 9–GS 11). Details are provided below.
RECEIVE RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES OF UP TO $30,000—A $20,000 recruitment bonus will be made available to recently hired Border Patrol agents. Following successful completion of training at the US Border Patrol Academy, the first $10,000 will be paid, and the remaining amount will be reimbursed at the conclusion of a three-year service contract. New agents will also be eligible for an extra $10,000 if they accept a duty area that is remote or difficult to fill.
Salary and Benefits
Newly hired Border Patrol agents make between $48,809 and $87,838 (GL 5–7) and $61,965 and $117,896 (GL 9–GS 11), depending on their grade level, duty location, and work schedule, which includes optional overtime. According to the 2014 BPA Pay Reform Act, a fully qualified Border Patrol Agent may be entitled to up to an extra 25% of base pay. The grade levels for this career ladder role are GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. After you successfully finish 52 weeks in each grade level, you will be entitled to advance to the next higher grade level (without having to reapply).
A wide range of federal work benefits are available to all Border Patrol agents, including health and insurance programs, a substantial yearly and sick leave program and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to traditional and ROTH 401(k) offerings.
Duties and Responsibilities
You will join our 60,000+ employees as a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), who fight to protect the American people by securing our borders, discouraging illegal activities, and boosting the country’s economic growth. You are an important member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) community if you are a Border Patrol Agent.
Typical activities include:
- Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the land borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions.
- Responding to electronic sensor alarms; interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence; using infrared scopes during night operations.
- Responding to aircraft sighting and other anti-smuggling activities and performing farm and ranch checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
- Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways and using a variety of Government assets for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission. These assets may include, but are not limited to motor vehicles, horses, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.
- Occasional travel may be required based on operational needs.
Qualifications for Border Patrol Agent (BPA)
GL-5 Grade Level Requirements:
- Experience: At least one year of general work experience showing the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, remain calm under pressure, learn regulations and techniques through training, and gather information accurately by observation and examination; OR
- Education: A bachelor’s degree (or expected completion within nine months) from an accredited college or university, with submission of official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date; OR
- Combination of Experience and Education: A mix of relevant work experience and college education, evaluated through your resume and transcripts.
GL-7 Grade Level Requirements:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience demonstrating skills in judgment, effective communication, and quick decision-making in a law enforcement role, including areas like compliance, corrections, security, or emergency response; OR
- Education: A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, honor society membership, or class standing showing superior academic achievement, or one full year of graduate study in a law enforcement-related field (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security); OR
- Combination of Experience and Education: Calculated using your resume and transcripts.
If you have prior law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify for GL-9 or GS-11 level positions.
GL-9 Grade Level Requirements:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in activities like:
- Conducting searches of individuals, vehicles, and areas.
- Apprehending or physically restraining law violators.
- Preparing reports, serving court orders, and collecting evidence for criminal cases.
GS-11 Grade Level Requirements:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in duties such as:
- Utilizing intelligence information for tracking illegal activities.
- Leading investigations to uncover illegal operations.
- Using advanced technology for surveillance and detection.
- Training peers in law enforcement techniques and working with other agencies for law enforcement activities.
Note: There are no education substitutions for the GL-9 and GS-11 positions.
Additional Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required.
- Residency: Primary U.S. residency for three of the last five years.
- Age Restriction: Must be referred for selection before age 40, with some exceptions for certain law enforcement and Veterans’ Preference eligibility.
- Formal Training: Selected candidates will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM, for six months of comprehensive training.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click “Apply” on this site to visit the U.S. Border Patrol careers page. Here, you can:
- Apply Now: Review open announcements and begin your application.
- Stay Updated: Join CBP’s talent pool for updates on future opportunities.
- Contact a Recruiter: Submit a request to speak with a recruiter for any questions.
For other career opportunities with CBP, visit careers.cbp.gov and check the CBP events calendar for upcoming events.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $48,809 – $117,896 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule: 8-hour shifts
Work Location: Various