Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Division Chief)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Florida

On-site

USD 138,000 - 179,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Relocation expenses paid

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the United States is seeking a senior supervisory Border Patrol official (Division Chief) to direct division programs and oversee enforcement operations.

You will allocate resources, set priorities, and coordinate with sector leadership and external partners to advance operational objectives. The role requires seasoned leadership in law enforcement, strong planning skills, and the ability to manage staff across complex operations.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GS-14 grade level with 1 year of specialized experience in directing complex law enforcement operations.
Experience applying immigration laws and related regulations to support enforcement and border security.
Ability to lead and develop staff, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Direct division programs, set priorities, allocate resources, and align with sector strategy.
Plan and oversee assignments enforcing criminal, immigration, and related laws.
Develop operating plans to prevent unlawful entries and enforce laws.
Lead activities through subordinate supervisors, manage schedules, and evaluate performance.
Coordinate with sector leadership and external law enforcement, government and community partners.

Skills

Leadership in law enforcement

Program planning

Resource allocation

Interagency coordination

Job description

Duties

Relocation Authorized Position: All relocations will be placed on hold at the time of selection, as USBP awaits to receive funding. As soon as funding becomes available, you will be contacted by the CBP Hiring Center to coordinate an enter on duty (EOD) date and complete the necessary relocation forms.

Relocation expenses have been authorized for this position. See the Relocation Expenses Reimbursed section of this announcement and for additional details.

This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of aliens into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws; and seek out and apprehend smugglers or aliens who are in the United States illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.

This position starts at a salary of $137,660.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $178,963.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

As a second line Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Division Chief), you will serve as a secondary-administrative law enforcement officer (under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 8412 (d)) and be responsible for:

Directing division programs, setting priorities, allocating resources, and recommending budget submissions aligned with the Sector strategic plan.

Planning and overseeing assignments involving enforcement of criminal, immigration, and other laws and regulations related to Border Patrol operations.

Developing and recommending operating plans that support the prevention of unlawful entries and the enforcement of immigration and criminal laws.

Leading division activities through subordinate supervisors by establishing work schedules, evaluating performance, developing employees, and taking appropriate personnel actions.

Coordinating with Sector leadership and external law enforcement, government, and community stakeholders to advance Border Patrol operational objectives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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

Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service

Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)

All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English

You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph

CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures

You must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards

Qualifications

You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Providing technical and administrative direction for complex law enforcement operations, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating operational activities;

Applying law enforcement theory, methods, procedures, and criminal investigative techniques to resolve complex enforcement issues and support operational decisions;

Interpreting and enforcing immigration laws, regulations, and related criminal provisions in support of border security and enforcement operations;

Conducting or overseeing investigations using knowledge of criminal procedures, rules of evidence, judicial precedent, and the rights of suspects;

Leading subordinate personnel or operational units by assigning work, evaluating performance, developing staff, and addressing employee relations matters.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage

This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS , , , , and . Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days.

Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position

This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS). Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

Language Requirement

Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).

Firearms 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.

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.

Experience

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.

You must:

Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and

Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 11/03/2026.

OPM Background

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

Polygraph Examination

This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process.

Polygraph Reciprocity

CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.

Polygraph Waiver

Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position.

Motor Vehicle Operation

You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Shift Work/Overtime

This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations. You could be required to work overtime on a daily basis and will be compensated up to an additional 25% of your base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Travel

Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.

Uniform/Grooming Standards

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

Security Clearance

You will be required to obtain a TS/SCI clearance for this position.

Supervisory Probationary Period

You may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within 90 days of assignment to this position.

Leadership Training

All newly appointed, second level supervisors and managers are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 4 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.

Financial Disclosure

Financial Disclosure is required.

Disability Statement

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707., / , and possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

Candidate Commitment

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 10/21/2026 if you have not held the GS-14 on a permanent basis, or if you have been demoted due to performance or conduct reasons. You do not need to have a current, valid test score if you have permanently held a position at the GS-14 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

Competencies

Knowledge of law enforcement theory, methods, procedures, criminal procedures, investigative techniques, rules of evidence, and judicial precedent.

Knowledge of immigration and nationality laws, related regulations, and criminal enforcement authorities applicable to Border Patrol operations.

Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate complex law enforcement, administrative, and technical-support programs and operations.

Ability to lead through subordinate supervisors, establish priorities, allocate resources, evaluate performance, and address employee relations, disciplinary, and workforce‑development matters.

Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with senior officials, law enforcement partners, government agencies, community stakeholders, and the public.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles

If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for 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 of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five 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: