Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

About the Mission

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) 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 protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. The agency offers an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission.

About the Role

This Experienced Border Patrol Agent (BPA) position is designed for candidates with current or prior law enforcement experience, including military police assignments or service with state and local law enforcement organizations. If you seek an exciting and rewarding career with excellent pay and exceptional federal benefits, this is a career ladder opportunity within the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

As a BPA, you will join a team dedicated to the USBP mission. Typical assignments involve detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, preventing and apprehending smugglers, and interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry. You will patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets, including vehicles, horses, vessels, and off-road equipment. The role requires making arrests, exercising sound judgment in the use of firearms, and analyzing information rapidly to make prompt decisions.

Hiring Process and Training

The application process begins by clicking the "Apply" button on the CBP website, which links to the CBP Talent Network registration page. You will select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete pre-screening questions. Following this, you will receive links to the Border Patrol Agent Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS to complete your formal application, including the submission of resumes and supporting documents. Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.

Upon selection, successful candidates will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six months of intensive instruction. This training covers immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms proficiency, and Spanish language skills.

Duty Assignments and Relocation

Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations such as Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; and Ajo, AZ. These assignments may or may not align with a candidate's first-choice preferences, and relocation may be required.

Equal Opportunity

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or other protected status.