Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

Position Overview

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers an exciting opportunity to join an elite team of law enforcement professionals dedicated to protecting America’s borders and deterring illicit activities. This full-time, entry-level career position includes challenging assignments—which may require relocation and placement in prioritized locations—and a clear pathway for advancement through federal grade levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Detect, prevent, and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near the land borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions.
• Respond to electronic sensor alarms, interpret physical evidence, and utilize infrared scopes during night operations.
• Engage in anti-smuggling activities including aircraft sighting responses, farm and ranch checks, traffic, city, and transportation patrols.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as motor vehicles, horses, watercraft, ATVs, and motorcycles.
• Travel as required based on operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with at least three of the last five years of primary U.S. residency.
• Must meet grade-level requirements through either specialized work experience or a combination of education and experience (GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, or GS-11 as applicable).
• Ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and remain composed under stressful conditions.
• Willingness to relocate and serve at designated high-priority locations, if required.
• Must be prepared to pass rigorous physical, written, and background assessments and complete intensive training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior or current experience in law enforcement or military law enforcement is a plus.
• Demonstrated strong decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish, or willingness to attain proficiency through training.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Annual base salary ranges from $49,739 to $61,833 at the GL-5 level, increasing with progression through GL-7, GL-9, and GS-11 levels, with potential for a promotion to the next grade level after 52 weeks.
• Recruitment Incentives: Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents receive a $20,000 incentive, with an additional $10,000 for accepting assignments at prioritized locations, totaling up to $30,000.
• Comprehensive federal benefits including health, dental, and other insurance plans, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement plan similar to traditional and ROTH 401(k)).
• Extensive training provided at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy to ensure operational readiness and proficiency in required skills.