Job Details

Law Enforcement Officer - Border Patrol (Entry Level)

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include critical border locations. U.S. Border Patrol will determine assignments based on operational needs, which may differ from candidates' preferences. Relocation may be necessary.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW

Join the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) for an exhilarating career in law enforcement. Be part of a dedicated team committed tosafeguarding America while enjoying competitive pay, excellent federal benefits, and job security. The USBP, within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is currently hiring for full-time, entry-level Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) positions.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Base Salary varies by grade level:

GL-5/GL-7: $49,739 - $89,518 per year

Pay rates vary based on duty location, with locality pay often higher in specific areas. A fully trained BPEO may qualify for an additional 25% of base pay as per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career ladder position with the potential to progress from GL-5 to GL-12, with eligibility for promotion to the next higher grade level after 52 weeks at each level.

BPEOs enjoy a variety of federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and insurance plans, a substantial leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a traditional ROTH 401(k).

*Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed BPEOs may be eligible for up to a $20,000 incentive, with the first $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy and the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location.

*Retention Incentive* Newly appointed BPEOs may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives over their first four years.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Law Enforcement Officer, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the American public by securing our borders and combating illegal activities. Your contributions will be vital in the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical duties include:

• Identifying and interviewing individuals suspected of immigration and customs law violations, and inspecting documents to ascertain citizenship or infractions.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers at or near border areas through surveillance operations.
• Interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry and contraband.
• Conducting inspections on farms, buildings, vehicles, and thoroughfares.
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using various government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and motorcycles.

Qualifications

For GL-5 grade level:

Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating leadership, decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure; or

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or

Combination: A blend of experience and education will be evaluated based on your resume and academic transcripts.

For GL-7 grade level:

Experience: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating sound judgment in firearm use, effective public engagement in law enforcement contexts, and quick decision-making in critical situations.

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of relevant graduate-level education in law enforcement-related fields; OR

Combination: This will also be evaluated using your resume and supporting documents.

Other Requirements

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required to apply for this position.

Residency: Candidates must have primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: Candidates must be selected for the position before their 40th birthday, per federal retirement provisions. Current or former federal law enforcement personnel may be exempt.

Veterans' Preference: Veterans may be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), which can lift the age restriction.

Formal Training: After hiring, candidates will undergo six months of intensive training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, covering immigration laws, law enforcement operations, physical techniques, and firearms training. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is required, with language training available at the Academy.

How to Apply:

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be directed to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent as your position of interest and complete the pre-screening questions.

You will receive links to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on the federal government's employment site to complete your application. Review all details carefully and submit your resume and transcripts.

If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter via the U.S. Border Patrol page.

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