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 (BPA) 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 ready 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, your prior background may qualify you for higher-graded opportunities (GL-9 or GS-11).

As a BPA, you will work with highly trained professionals to detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, prevent and apprehend smugglers, and interpret physical evidence of illegal entry. Your day-to-day duties involve maintaining surveillance from covert positions, patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using diverse assets (from vehicles to horses), and performing various checks including farm, building, and traffic patrols. The role requires sound judgment, the ability to make rapid decisions, and proficiency in using complex technology and firearms.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

1. Register: Click the Apply button on this site to be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select "Border Patrol Agent" as your Position of Interest and complete the pre-screening questions.
2. Apply: You will receive a link to the Border Patrol Agent Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS. Complete your application there, ensuring you review all details and submit required items such as resumes and transcripts.
3. Evaluate: Candidates are evaluated based on their resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.
4. Training: Upon hiring, you 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 operations, driver training, physical techniques, and firearms.

For questions regarding the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page at careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp.

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 may be required. Candidates are asked to select preferred locations from a list of mission-critical 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. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you will receive monthly updates on webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with the agency.