Clarification from the agency

Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to this position before their 40th birthday in accordance with DHS Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you have served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) or if you are eligible for veterans' preference.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:

• Detecting and questioning persons suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Preventing, and apprehending aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of Government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Click on this video for more information on what it's like to be a Border Patrol Agent - A Day in the Life of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent Want to speak to an actual Agent? Click here to contact one of our recruiters! They are ready to assist you from application to your start date.

Salary: Selections from this announcement will be at the GL-9 or GS-11 grade levels with promotion potential to the GS-12. Promotions are not guaranteed and at the discretion of the agency. Your pay will be determined after you successfully complete all pre-employment processes. Pay rates are based on the 2025 OPM Salary Tables - these tables do not take into consideration any potential overtime earnings, recruitment incentives, location incentives or yearly cost of living increases.

Duty Locations: You will be asked to select your preferred location for one of the following mission critical locations:

• Big Bend Sector Stations - *Presidio, Van Horn, *Sanderson, Alpine, *Sierra Blanca, Marfa
• Buffalo Sector Stations - Wellesley Island
• Del Rio Sector Stations - Del Rio, Brackettville, *Comstock, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde
• El Paso Sector Stations - Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, *Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta
• El Centro Sector Stations - El Centro, Indio, Calexico
• Grand Forks Sector Stations - Pembina
• Havre Sector Stations - Havre, Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, Sweetgrass
• Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Fort Fairfield, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren
• Laredo Sector Stations - Laredo South, Cotulla, *Hebbronville, Laredo West, *Freer, Laredo North, Zapata
• Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations - Rio Grande City, Fort Brown, McAllen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Weslaco, Kingsville, Harlingen
• San Diego Sector Stations - Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente
• Spokane Sector Stations - Colville, Curlew, Metaline Falls, Oroville
• Swanton Sector Stations - Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Newport, Richford
• Tucson Sector Stations - *Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Brian A Terry, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Three Points Substation, Willcox
• Yuma Sector Stations - Blythe, Yuma, Wellton

NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

*Additional $10K Recruitment Incentive: Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who select a prioritized location will receive an additional $10,000 incentive (total of $30,000). Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. All incentive recipients will be required to sign a three-year service agreement.

Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC). For more information, please visit https://bpunion.org/about-nbpc/

Firearm Proficiency: This position requires you to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.

Conditions of employment

All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.

Polygraph Examination: You will be required to undergo a polygraph exam and must have favorable results in order to continue in the process. For more information, see Polygraph Examination. NOTE: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. Certain veterans may be eligible for a polygraph waiver.

Formal Training: You will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately 6 months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, Border Patrol-specific operations and other courses. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Preparing for the Border Patrol Academy

Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to this position before their 40th birthday in accordance with DHS Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' Preference eligible.

Firearm Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.

More requirements listed below.

Qualifications

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

GL-9: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Performing physical searches of detained individuals, their vehicles, and their immediate surroundings for weapons, contraband, currency, and other evidence
• Apprehending, physically restraining or working with law enforcement officials to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws
• Proficient in the use of firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, etc.) and gathering evidence for criminal cases prosecuted through the court system

GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experienceequivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority granted by the state or government to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes, performing primary duties in an official law enforcement capacity such as:

• Utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or contraband while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official
• Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official
• Apprehending violators of state, federal or immigration laws by utilizing various forms of complex technology that includes surveillance, detection, situation awareness systems, and/or communications equipment

The above experience will be applied in connection with the Border Patrol Individual Occupational Requirement: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

More information on the qualifications can be found on our CBP.gov Border Patrol Qualifications Aid

National Service Experience: refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Experience as a CBP Explorer may be qualifying if your resume provides sufficient information to credit your experience. To receive full credit for your experience, please be sure to describe your duties, roles and responsibilities in detail.

Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security position and, upon selection, applicants will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Background Investigation.

Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy.

Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found here; as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA. Updated guidance: Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head or face are not permitted. Obscene, derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is a Direct Hire Authority announcement. All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be reviewed. Veteran's Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this vacancy. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents, etc.). Review the Qualifications section of this announcement for more information. If you are found qualified and receive a tentative job offer, you will be required to complete and pass all required pre-employment steps before you can receive a final offer.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAOs): Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements are required to possess certain KSAOs to successfully perform the functions of this position. Candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to perform these KSAOs in their resume. The KSAOs are:

• Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law (e.g., non-immigrant classifications, immigrant classifications, inadmissible noncitizens, removable noncitizens, derivative citizenship, 8 USC)
• Knowledge of the Use of Force Policy (e.g., firearms, less-lethal devices and techniques, qualification requirements)
• Knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure (e.g., statutory authority)
• Skill in Using Physical Techniques (e.g., self-defense, baton, OC spray, PLS)
• Skill in Using Firearms (e.g., hand gun, shotgun, M-4)
• Skills in Basic Operation of a Motor Vehicle (e.g., everyday use of vehicles, parallel parking)

All applicants are required to submit a resume.

Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. If you are a current or former Federal employee you must include your grade and step information to receive credit for that work experience.
Note: Your resume must only be two pages or less and uploaded under the document type - Resume. No additional document types will be reviewed as part of your resume. Please see the Border Patrol Agent Resume Aid for specific information and examples.

Are you a current or former federal employee? If you are a current/former federal employee, it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form to support your experience. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.

Are you a veteran? If you claim veterans' preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility as appropriate to your preference type. For more information, see Veterans Preference.

• 5-point Preference (TP): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.
• 10-point Preference (CP or CPS): Submit DD-214 listing the character of service and a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later showing the total percentage of the service-connected disability. Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged.
• 10-point Preference (XP): You MUST submit a Standard Form 15, DD-214 listing the character of service, and the required documentation stated on the SF-15.
• Currently Serving: If you are currently serving on active duty, or in the National Guard or Reserves, you can submit a written signed statement from the Armed Forces certifying your dates of service, rank, campaign badge(s) and expeditionary medal(s) (if applicable), expected character of service, type of discharge and anticipated date of separation which must be within 120 days from the closing date of this announcement. Prior to entering on duty, you will be required to provide a final DD-214. Members of the Guard and Reserve can submit the most current copy of their Retirement Points Account System (RPAS) document.

Can you claim an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference or previous Law Enforcement service? If you are over the age of 40, you will need to submit proof you are eligible for an age waiver based on either previous federal law enforcement service or veterans' preference. If you are over the maximum age and do not provide the required documentation for an age waiver, you will not receive consideration under this announcement.

• If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service, you MUST submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date for all creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17) showing Retirement Code M or O in Block 30 of your SF-50s.
• If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, you must submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit the separation notice from your agency, your most recent performance rating and your most recent SF-50 with your current position, grade level, and duty location.

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