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 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 your background is in military police units or state and local law enforcement, you will work alongside highly trained professionals to detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Your day-to-day duties involve maintaining surveillance from covert positions, interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets, including vehicles, vessels, horses, and off-road equipment.

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will be a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer profession, making arrests, exercising sound judgment in the use of firearms, and analyzing information rapidly to make prompt decisions. The role is a career ladder position with grade level progression from GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12, allowing for promotion to the next higher grade level without re-applying once you successfully complete 52 weeks in the lower grade level.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

To apply, 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. You will then receive a link to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, to complete your application.

Your application will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam. Ensure you review all details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions regarding required items such as resumes and transcripts. If you have questions about 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 will be asked to select their preferred location 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. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you will receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.