Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

Position Overview

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is hiring full-time, entry-level Law Enforcement Officers as Border Patrol Agents (BPA) at GL-5/7 grade levels. Join an elite team committed to protecting America, with immediate openings offering Compensation that includes excellent base salaries, benefits such as federal health, dental, and retirement plans, and career ladder opportunities. Exciting recruitment and retention incentives are also available – check out the salary section below for details.

Key Responsibilities

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers—utilizing surveillance techniques including infrared scopes during night operations.
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other evidence of illegal entry or contraband.
• Perform various checks including farm, building, traffic, city patrols, and transportation inspections.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using diverse assets such as vehicles, horses, ATVs, and motorcycles.

Required Qualifications

• General Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen with primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years and meet specific age requirements (generally under 40) unless otherwise eligible.
• For GL-5: One year of general work experience demonstrating leadership, decision-making, and composure in stressful situations; OR a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution; OR a combination of work experience and education.
• For GL-7: One year of specialized work experience in law enforcement including sound judgment in the use of firearms, effective interpersonal skills, and rapid decision-making; OR a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (or one year of graduate-level education in a related field); OR a combination of experience and education.
• Must submit official or unofficial transcripts and, if applicable, demonstrate prior law enforcement or military law enforcement experience for potential qualification at higher grade levels.
• Must successfully complete the U.S. Border Patrol Academy training, which includes instruction in immigration and nationality laws, driver training, firearms proficiency, and Spanish language training.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Annual Base Salary for GL-5/GL-7 ranges from $49,739 to $89,518. Fully trained BPAs may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.
• Career Progression: This is a career ladder position with grade level progression from GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, to GS-12, with promotion eligibility after 52 weeks in each grade.
• Incentives: Up to $20,000 Recruitment Incentive (paid in two installments upon academy completion and accepting a prioritized duty location) and up to $40,000 Retention Incentive over the first four years.
• Eligible for a wide array of federal benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, generous leave programs, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (comparable to a traditional ROTH 401(k)).