Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onChelan County, Washington, United States
About the Mission
The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is an elite team of highly trained professionals dedicated to protecting America. Our daily mission is defined by camaraderie, pride, and a shared purpose: safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. We are seeking individuals ready to join a career in law enforcement that offers stability, excellent pay, and exceptional federal benefits.
About the Role
As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will become a valuable member of a workforce of over 60,000. You will work alongside a team where your actions directly contribute to the security of the American people. This is a career ladder position with opportunities for promotion to higher grade levels (GL-5 through GS-12) upon successful completion of time-in-grade requirements.
Your day-to-day work involves a dynamic mix of field operations and investigative duties. You may be tasked with detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration laws, interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry, and conducting patrols along the international boundary and coastal waterways. Operations utilize a variety of government assets, including vehicles, horses, vessels, and specialized equipment like infrared scopes for night surveillance. The role requires the ability to make sound decisions under stress, maintain composure, and interact effectively with the public.
Hiring and Training Process
The journey to becoming a Border Patrol Agent begins with a rigorous application process. Interested candidates must apply via the CBP Talent Network, select "Border Patrol Agent" as their Position of Interest, and complete pre-screening questions. You will then be directed to USAJOBS to submit a formal application, including your resume and supporting documents. Selection is based on your application materials and performance on the BPA Entrance Exam.
Upon being hired, you 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, and firearms proficiency. While proficiency in Spanish is a requirement for the role, the Academy provides training to help agents become proficient in the language.
Duty Assignments and Incentives
Duty assignments are determined at the time of offer based on operational needs and may include locations at the Southwest Border, including prioritized areas. Relocation is often required. To support this mission, the USBP offers significant recruitment and retention incentives. Newly appointed agents may receive up to $20,000 in recruitment incentives, with portions paid upon completing the Academy and accepting a prioritized location. Additionally, agents may qualify for up to $40,000 in retention incentives distributed over their first four years.
Equal Opportunity and Culture
The U.S. Border Patrol is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. Our culture is built on the foundation of an elite team working together with a singular purpose. We welcome candidates who are ready to embrace a challenging, rewarding career in federal law enforcement.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Chelan County, Washington, United States
Washington
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleInspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
- check_circlePrevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near borders
- check_circleMaintain surveillance from covert positions including using infrared scopes during night operations
- check_circleInterpret and follow tracks, marks, and physical evidence of illegal entry
- check_circlePerform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
- check_circleDetect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws
- check_circlePatrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, vessels, and other assets
Requirements
- verifiedU.S. Citizen
- verifiedPrimary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years
- verifiedAge under 40 (unless veteran or current federal LEO)
- verifiedBachelor's degree or 1 year general work experience for GL-5
- verifiedBachelor's degree with 3.0+ GPA, 1 year graduate degree in law enforcement, or 1 year specialized law enforcement experience for GL-7
Nice to Have
Spanish language proficiency (speaking and reading).
Benefits & Perks
check_circleHealth, dental, and other insurance planscheck_circleGenerous annual and sick leave programcheck_circleThrift Savings Plan retirement plancheck_circleUp to $20,000 recruitment incentiveUp to $40,000 retention incentive over four years
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Immigration And Nationality Laws, Law Enforcement, Driver Training, Physical Techniques, Firearms, Spanish, English.
Education: Bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent experience.
Frequently asked questions about Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
What does a Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection do?expand_more
In this Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection role, you will inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations; prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near borders; maintain surveillance from covert positions including using infrared scopes during night operations; and interpret and follow tracks, marks, and physical evidence of illegal entry.
What are the requirements for this Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role?expand_more
To qualify for the Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection position, applicants should have: U.S. Citizen; Primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years; Age under 40 (unless veteran or current federal LEO); Bachelor's degree or 1 year general work experience for GL-5; and Bachelor's degree with 3.0+ GPA, 1 year graduate degree in law enforcement, or 1 year specialized law enforcement experience for GL-7.
Where is the Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection located?expand_more
Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection is based in Chelan County, Washington, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has listed this Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role?expand_more
Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically requires 1+ years of relevant experience at the entry level level.
What skills do you need for the Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection?expand_more
Key skills for Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection include Immigration And Nationality Laws; Law Enforcement; Driver Training; Physical Techniques; Firearms; Spanish; and English.
What education is required for Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent experience.
What category does the Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals role belong to?expand_more
Border Patrol Agent – Experienced Law Enforcement Professionals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection is part of the legal job category on Recrutus.
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a division of the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for safeguarding America’s borders and enforcing customs laws. Based in Washington, D.C., CBP officers patrol land, air, and sea entry points to prevent illegal activity, intercept dangerous materials, and facilitate lawful trade and travel. The agency plays a critical role in national security by upholding federal regulations and ensuring public safety across the United States.
CBP offers career opportunities for individuals committed to federal law enforcement and border security. Current openings include roles for agents, officers, and support staff dedicated to protecting communities and maintaining immigration compliance. The organization provides recruitment incentives for qualified candidates seeking a career in public service. Position requirements vary by role, with a focus on integrity, physical fitness, and adherence to federal standards.
Browse more roles: All U.S. Customs and Border Protection jobs, legal jobs on Recrutus.