Border Patrol Agent

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive up to $20,000

Retention incentives up to $30,000

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seeks dedicated professionals to serve as Border Patrol Agents. You will protect the Nation’s borders, work with seasoned law enforcement, and address real-world challenges while developing valuable skills and serving the American people.

Positions may be filled at GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, or GS-11 levels with salaries ranging from $51,632 to $124,717. Recruitment and retention incentives may be offered to qualifying candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a four-year course of study in any field.
• Graduate education or law school may satisfy qualification requirements.
• One year of qualifying specialized experience is required at higher levels.

Responsibilities

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration or customs laws.
• Inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or identify potential violations.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near U.S. borders.
• Conduct surveillance, including nighttime operations using infrared equipment.
• Interpret tracks, markings and other evidence of unlawful entry or contraband.
• Patrol borders and coastal waterways using government vehicles and equipment.

Education

Bachelor's degree or four-year course of study

Graduate education or law school (high achievement)

Job description

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.

Duties

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.

Anticipated Duty Locations

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.

Qualifications

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.

Additional Requirements

• 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.

Salary, Benefits, and Incentives

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.