kandidatu USA

Border Patrol Agent

Customs and Border Protection · Department of Homeland Security

This job in plain English

Border Patrol Agents guard the U.S. border for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Many openings are posted nationwide, with full-time work that may include rotating shifts, overtime, and occasional travel.

Many vacancies

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • Displaced federal employeesFederal employees who lost or are losing their job through a reduction in force (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
  • VeteransPeople who served on active duty and left under honorable conditions, through the veterans' hiring authorities (VEOA, VRA, 30% disabled veterans).

Other groups listed above may get extra consideration, for example veterans' preference.

You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or someone who owes allegiance to the U.S. to apply. Because this job is covered by law enforcement retirement rules, you must be referred for selection before your 40th birthday unless an exception applies, such as veterans' preference or prior federal law enforcement service.

What you would do

  • Question people suspected of immigration or customs violations and check their documents.
  • Stop illegal entry at or near the border using surveillance, including night operations.
  • Track and read signs of illegal entry or smuggled goods.
  • Conduct farm, building, traffic, and city patrol checks.
  • Patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, and more.

Do you qualify for GL-5 to GL-11 (up to GL-12)?

With experience: Your experience must match the grade you apply for. For GL-5, you need one year of general experience at the next lower grade level, such as making sound decisions or gathering information; for GL-7, one year of specialized law enforcement or similar responsible work; for GL-9 and GS-11, one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in law enforcement duties.

With education: For GL-5, a bachelor's degree in any field or a full 4-year course of study toward one, from an accredited college or university, can qualify you. For GL-7, a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (GPA of 3.0 or higher, high class standing, or honor society membership), one year of graduate study in a law enforcement-related field, or one year of law school can qualify you. Education can also be combined with experience at GL-5 and GL-7.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Valid driver's license with no legal restrictions

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume of no more than two pages with full legal name, phone number, work history, duties, dates in MM/DD/YYYY format, and hours worked per week
  • College transcript if you qualify through education at GL-5 or GL-7
  • SF-50 for any federal experience you use (recommended)
  • DD-214 if you claim veterans' preference
  • SF-15 and VA disability letter for 10-point veterans' preference
  • SF-50s showing Retirement Code M or O if you claim an age waiver through federal law enforcement service
  • Separation notice, most recent performance rating, and SF-50 if you claim CTAP or ICTAP priority

How you will be rated: Applicants are rated on how well their application meets the minimum qualifications, and all who meet them are reviewed. Veterans' preference and traditional ranking do not apply, and missing required information may make you ineligible or lower your rating.

Tips for this job:

  • Keep your resume to two pages or less, and include exact dates and hours per week for each job, or your application may be removed.
  • Upload your resume under the Resume document type, since only the most recently uploaded version is reviewed.
  • You may submit only one application, and you cannot change it after you submit, so check it carefully first.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time, may include rotating shifts, assignments, and overtime on a regular and recurring basis. Travel is occasional.

Incentives and relocation: Recruitment incentive of up to $20,000: $10,000 after completing the academy, and $10,000 more for accepting a prioritized location. Retention incentive of up to $30,000 over the next three years. Fully trained agents may also get an extra 25% of base pay under the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Eligible to carry a firearm under federal law, with no felony or certain domestic violence convictions
  • Residency: at least 3 of the last 5 years in the U.S., with a possible waiver
  • Polygraph exam with favorable results
  • Entrance exam for GL-5 and GL-7 applicants
  • Medical screening and physical fitness test
  • Structured interview
  • Drug test
  • Tier 5 background investigation
  • One-year probationary period
  • About 6 months at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico
  • Ability to speak and read Spanish and English
  • Approved uniform and grooming standards, including no visible gang tattoos or head, face, or throat tattoos

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$51,632 – $124,717 per year
Pay scale and grade
GL-5 to GL-11 (up to GL-12) · GL
Location
US Border Patrol Nationwide
Appointment
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Openings
Many
Security clearance
Not Required
Travel
Occasional travel
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Border Patrol Enforcement Series (1896)
Announcement
BPA DH 27-2

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