Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

About the Mission

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country. As part of a workforce of over 60,000, Border Patrol Agents strive to safeguard the American people by deterring illicit activity and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a team defined by camaraderie, pride, and a shared sense of purpose.

About the Role

This is a full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position designed for individuals who love protecting their community and are looking for a change of scenery. Whether you gained experience as part of a military police unit or within a state or local law enforcement organization, you will work alongside highly trained professionals on a daily mission that matters.

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will be the first line of defense at the border. Your day-to-day involves detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and performing various checks including farm, building, and traffic patrols. You will patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a diverse array of government assets, from vehicles and horses to vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles. The role requires maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including night operations with infrared scopes, and making critical decisions under pressure to apprehend violators and smugglers.

Hiring and Interview Process

The application process begins by clicking the "Apply" button on this site, which links you to the CBP Talent Network registration page. You will select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions. Following this, you will receive links to the Border Patrol Agent Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, to finalize your application.

Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam. Successful applicants will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction covering immigration laws, law enforcement tactics, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms proficiency.

Duty Assignments and Relocation

Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include prioritized locations along the Southwest Border. These assignments may or may not align with a candidate's first-choice preferences, and relocation is often required. Candidates are asked to select preferred locations from a list of mission-critical stations across various sectors, including Big Bend, Buffalo, Del Rio, El Paso, El Centro, Grand Forks, Havre, Houlton, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, San Diego, Spokane, Swanton, Tucson, and Yuma.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. The agency values a diverse workforce and is committed to providing a professional environment where agents can make a lasting difference in national security.