Federal Law Enforcement Officer (Entry Level)

Join a Career with Purpose as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer!

If you're seeking more than just a job, and want to embark on a fulfilling federal law enforcement career that positively impacts our nation every day, consider becoming a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. The U.S. Border Patrol is actively recruiting for full-time, entry-level positions for individuals with backgrounds in public safety, security, military, or law enforcement. Join a dedicated team working together with pride and commitment to safeguard America.

This is an exciting opportunity, as we are currently offering competitive base salaries, outstanding benefits, and job stability, along with up to $60,000 in recruitment incentives for new hires.

Salary and Benefits

The annual base salary for newly appointed officers ranges from $51,632 to $92,219 depending on grade level (GL-5 or GL-7). Eligible candidates will have access to a variety of federal employment benefits, including health and dental insurance, generous leave policies, and participation in a retirement plan similar to a traditional ROTH 401(k).

• Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed officers may receive up to $20,000 in incentives, with $10,000 disbursed after completing the Border Patrol Academy, and the remaining $10,000 for selecting priority locations.
• Retention Incentive* Additional retention incentives of up to $40,000 may be available over the first four years.

Duty Assignments

Be prepared for duty assignments that may include critical locations along the Southwest Border. U.S. Border Patrol determines assignments based on operational needs, and relocation may be necessary.

Your earnings may also increase due to locality pay, as a fully trained officer could earn an additional 25% of base pay under the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This role offers a career ladder with opportunities for advancement at specified intervals.

Responsibilities

As a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, you will play an essential role in protecting the American public by ensuring safety at our borders and curbing illegal activities. Typical duties include:

• Monitoring and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers through covert surveillance techniques, including nighttime operations.
• Interpreting tracks and physical evidence related to illegal border crossings.
• Conducting checks and patrols in various settings, including farms, buildings, and urban areas.
• Utilizing a range of government resources to carry out border security functions.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the GL-5 grade level, candidates should possess:

• One year of relevant work experience demonstrating decision-making and composure in stressful situations, or
• A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution, or
• A combination of work experience and education as detailed in your application.

To qualify for the GL-7 grade level, candidates should demonstrate specialized experience or meet education requirements. Further details on qualifications for higher grade levels are available in our announcements.

Other Requirement Criteria

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the past five years. Candidates must apply before their 40th birthday due to retirement provisions but may be exempt under certain conditions. Also, veterans may have special preferences that could affect eligibility.

All new hires will undergo formal training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months, which includes extensive instruction in immigration laws, law enforcement protocols, firearms training, and necessary language skills in English and Spanish.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, click the Apply button to link to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select 'Border Patrol Agent' as the position of interest and complete the pre-screening questions. You will then access the BPA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS to finalize your application. Ensure all details are reviewed and that you follow the instructions for submitting your resume and transcripts.