Border Patrol Agents - Let's speak today!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection; United States; Remote; USD 52,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is recruiting for full-time Border Patrol Agent career opportunities.

Candidates with qualifying general experience, education, public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement experience may be eligible for consideration at different grade levels. Border Patrol Agents protect immigration laws and secure our borders, with training at the academy and assignment across numerous duty locations in the United States.

Job description

Border Patrol Agents - Let's speak today!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is recruiting for full-time Border Patrol Agent career opportunities. Candidates with qualifying general experience, education, public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement experience may be eligible for consideration at different grade levels.

Duties

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

• Detecting and questioning persons 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, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Salary and Benefits

Selections may be at the GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, or GS-11 grade levels, with promotion potential to GS-12. Annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents ranges from $51,632 to $124,717, depending on grade and applicable pay. Promotions are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of CBP. Base pay does not include potential overtime, recruitment or retention incentives, or future pay adjustments. Federal employment benefits include health and dental benefits, leave, and retirement benefits.

Retention Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $30,000 in additional incentives distributed over three years.

Recruitment Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may be offered up to $20,000. The first $10,000 is paid upon successful completion of the academy; an additional $10,000 is available for qualifying prioritized locations.

Duty Locations

• Big Bend Sector Stations - Alpine, Marfa, Presidio, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca
• Blaine Sector Stations - Blaine, Bellingham, Port Angeles, Sumas
• Buffalo Sector Stations - Oswego
• Del Rio Sector Stations - Comstock
• Grand Forks Sector Stations - Bottineau, International Falls, Pembina, Portal, Warroad
• Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Houlton, Rangeley, Van Buren
• Laredo Sector Stations - Laredo West, Hebbronville, Freer
• New Orleans Sector Stations - Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans
• San Diego Sector Stations - Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo
• Swanton Sector Stations - Beecher Falls, Massena, Newport, Ogdensburg, Richford, Swanton
• Tucson Sector Stations - Douglas, Brian A Terry, Three Points Substation
• Yuma Sector Stations - Blythe, Ajo

NOTE

The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

*Additional $10K Recruitment Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who select a prioritized location will receive an additional $10,000 incentive (total of $20,000). Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.

Bargaining Unit

This position is covered under the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC).

Firearm Proficiency

This position requires you to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.

Polygraph Examination

You will be required to undergo a polygraph exam and must have favorable results in order to continue in the process. NOTE: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. Certain veterans may be eligible for a polygraph waiver.

Formal Training

You will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately 6 months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, Border Patrol-specific operations and other courses. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position.

Age Requirement

In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to this position before their 40th birthday in accordance with DHS Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' Preference eligible.

Firearm Requirement

This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.

Qualifications

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

GL-9

You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 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

GS-11

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority granted by the state or government 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 while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official
• Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official
• Apprehending violators of state, federal or immigration laws by utilizing various forms of complex technology that includes surveillance, detection, situation awareness systems, and/or communications equipment

The above experience will be applied in connection with the Border Patrol Individual Occupational Requirement: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

National Service Experience

Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background Investigation

This position is a sensitive National Security position and, upon selection, applicants will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention.

Language Proficiency

Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy.

Uniform/Grooming Standards

This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards; as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA. Updated guidance: Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head or face are not permitted. Obscene, derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.

Education

See the Qualifications Section for education substitution.

Medical Requirements

Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security.

Drug Testing Requirements

Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment.

Physical Fitness Test

You will be required to successfully pass the Fitness Test.

Interview Process

You will be required to pass a structured interview.

Rigorous Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage

This is a rigorous position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS ( 5 CFR 842.803 and 5 CFR 831.903 , Conditions for Coverage; 5 USC 8425(b) and 5 USC 8335(b) , Mandatory Separation; and 5 USC 8412(d) and 5 USC 8336(c) , Immediate Retirement). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link . For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, please see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46 (CSRS pages 12-14, and FERS pages 41-43) . If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at [phone].

Additional information

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Probationary Period

You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment.

Driver's License

You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid driver's license is required. Any legal restrictions on a driver's license are not acceptable.

Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence

The BPA position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.

Residency Requirement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
• Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university

If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to the residency requirement.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)

To be considered, you must submit the documentation listed in the Required Documents section. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

Expand additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAOs)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements are required to possess certain KSAOs to successfully perform the functions of this position. Candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to perform these KSAOs in their resume. The KSAOs are:

• Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law (e.g., non-immigrant classifications, immigrant classifications, inadmissible noncitizens, removable noncitizens, derivative citizenship, 8 USC)
• Knowledge of the Use of Force Policy (e.g., firearms, less-lethal devices and techniques, qualification requirements)
• Knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure (e.g., statutory authority)
• Skill in Using Physical Techniques (e.g., self-defense, baton, OC spray, PLS)
• Skill in Using Firearms (e.g., hand gun, shotgun, M-4)
• Skills in Basic Operation of a Motor Vehicle (e.g., everyday use of vehicles, parallel parking)

Required Documents

All applicants are required to submit a resume.

Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. If you are a current or former Federal employee you must include your grade and step information to receive credit for that work experience.

Note: Your resume must only be two pages or less and uploaded under the document type - Resume. No additional document types will be reviewed as part of your resume. Please see the Border Patrol Agent Resume Aid for specific information and examples.

Are you a current or former federal employee? If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility as appropriate to your preference type. For more information, see Veterans Preference.

• 5-point Preference (TP): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
• 10-point Preference (CP or CPS): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later showing the total percentage of the service‑connected disability. Submitting an SF‑15 with your application is encouraged.
• 10-point Preference (XP): You MUST submit a Standard Form 15 , DD-214 listing the character of service, and the required documentation stated on the SF‑15.
• Currently Serving: If you are currently serving on active duty, or in the National Guard or Reserves, you can submit a written signed statement from the Armed Forces certifying your dates of service, rank, campaign badge(s) and expeditionary medal(s) (if applicable), expected character of service, type of discharge and anticipated date of separation which must be within 120 days from the closing date of this announcement. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214. Members of the Guard and Reserve can submit the most current copy of their Retirement Points Account System (RPAS) document.

Can you claim an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference or previous Law Enforcement service? If you are over the age of 40, you will need to submit proof you are eligible for an age waiver based on either previous federal law enforcement service or veterans' preference. If you are over the maximum age and do not provide the required documentation for an age waiver, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.

• If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service, you MUST submit copies of your SF‑50s reflecting the beginning date and end date for all creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17) showing Retirement Code M or O in Block 30 of your SF‑50s.
• If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, you must submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)?

You must submit the separation notice from your agency, your most recent performance rating and your most recent SF‑50 with your current position, grade level, and duty location.