Border Patrol Agent (Reemployed Annuitant) Job in US Border Patrol Nationwide

Vacancy No. USBP-RA-12814658-CJH Department Customs and Border Protection
Salary $88,621.00 to $115,213.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/10/2025 Close Date 4/10/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
US Border Patrol Nationwide


Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, within many nationwide locations.

Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

There is no recruitment incentive associated with this job announcement.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Retirees under Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) who are eligible for re-employment as a Federal Annuitant AND previously worked as an 1896 for any Federal Government Agency. Retired applicants must be retired one (1) year on or before the closing date of this announcement. Career Transition Assistance Plan employees, Reemployment Priority List, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Federal Employees.

Duties

You lived the mission every day and know what it takes to protect America's citizens, borders, and economic prosperity. U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) requires Agents with your passion and work experience in Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As a retired Border Patrol Agent, we are calling you back to the frontlines to protect American interest and secure our Nation. Your country needs your expertise, professionalism, and commitment.Benefits of returning to USBP as a reemployed annuitant may include:

  • The availability of a salary offset waiver, allowing you to retain your full retirement annuity and full salary while re-employed,
  • An expedited pre-employment process,
  • Accelerated re-entry training conducted at the sector.
Make an impact; re-join the U.S. Border Patrol - Honor First!

This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of aliens into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws; and seek out and apprehend smugglers or aliens who are in the United States illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.

This position starts at a salary of $88,621.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $115,213.00 (GS-12, Step 10). Salary will be determined based on prior employment history.

As a re-employed annuitant CBP may allow a waiver of Salary Offset (Dual Compensation Waiver). Reemployed annuitants with a dual compensation waiver receive both their full basic annuity and full salary. 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 undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens 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.
Duty Locations: You will be asked to select your first and second preferred US Border Patrol Sector locations:
  • Big Bend Sector
  • Blaine Sector
  • Buffalo Sector
  • Del Rio Sector
  • Detroit Sector
  • El Paso Sector
  • El Centro Sector
  • Grand Forks Sector
  • Havre Sector
  • Houlton Sector
  • Laredo Sector
  • Miami Sector
  • New Orleans Sector
  • Rio Grande Valley Sector
  • San Diego Sector
  • Spokane Sector
  • Swanton Sector
  • Tucson Sector
  • Yuma Sector
NOTE: Placement will be determined based on current vacancy and operational requirements. For more information on USBP Sectors, click here.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • You must be under the age of 60 to be considered for this position. Law enforcement positions in the GS-1800 occupational groups are covered by mandatory separation provisions at 5 U.S.C. 8335(b)(1), which requires automatic separation, without exception, for individuals age 60 or older.
Who May Apply: Retired Border Patrol Agents:
  • Must meet eligibility for reinstatement as defined by 5 CFR 315.401.
  • Must have passed the Border Patrol Academy and post-Academy prior to leaving CBP.
  • Must have successfully completed the requirements of a probationary or trial period.
  • Must have satisfactory or pass performance appraisals during the last three years of federal employment.
  • Must have been separated at the applicant's choice with no disciplinary action taken within the last three years of CBP employment and with no disciplinary proceeding pending.
  • Must have held a competitive permanent position with the Full Performance Level of GS-12.
Retired applicants must have been retired one (1) year before the closing date of this announcement.

TERM Appointment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a term basis not-to-exceed (NTE) 4 years.

Candidates may be contacted prior to the JOA close date to initiate the hiring process.

Qualifications

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

-AND-

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess the following:
One year of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that shows you have the skills necessary to interpret and enforce immigration or comparable laws, rules, and regulations, and to perform intelligence, prosecutions, investigations, and anti-smuggling, to identify operational problems, to devise solutions, to ensure compliance of enforcement and operational practices and to apprise management of deficiencies or noted problems.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Language Requirement: Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).

Firearms 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.

Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.

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.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 04/10/2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The Border Patrol Agent position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.

Shift Work/Overtime: This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations. You could be required to work overtime on a daily basis and will be compensated up to an additional 25% of your base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.

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. Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head and face are not permitted. Obscene, racially/ethnically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council - NBPC. For local chapter contact information see https://bpunion.org/about-nbpc/

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Language Requirement: Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).

Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment.

Firearms 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. A candidate 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. Candidates will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense.

Polygraph Waiver: Former, retired Border Patrol Agents rehired into the same position may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Selection Certificates: Your application will not be rated, and will be referred to management in name order. A series of vacancy questions will be used to determine your eligibility. If you meet those basic requirements, your application package may be referred to management for selection consideration. Falsification of your application will remove you from consideration and could subject you to disciplinary action.

You will be assessed on the following competencies or KSAs:

  • Expert knowledge and understanding of the Border Patrol Mission, national strategy, policy, and operations in order to help manage projects for the U.S. Border Patrol.
  • Skill and experience in the application of immigration and nationality laws, criminal laws, statutory authority, agency regulations, policies, procedures, and other applicable laws, precedent decisions, and procedures applicable to the admission and exclusion of individuals desiring to enter the United States and immigrant and non-immigrant requirements for entry into the United States.
  • Work requires understanding and knowledge of relationships between operational programs, intelligence components, and administrative personnel in order to perform assistant liaison functions between operational components, and USBP, CBP and DHS.
  • Ability to learn analysis and identification of impacts on legislation, DHS policy, and Executive Orders as they relate to the Border Patrol mission.

Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12814658

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Required Documents

  • Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, phone number, email address, and salary. To ensure all your experience is considered, the U.S. Border Patrol strongly suggests resumes should describe your experiences and accomplishments, assignment dates, duty locations, your current supervisor's contact information and specify whether you have performed duties in investigations, intelligence, or have worked in sector-level or national programs (e.g., horse patrol, BORSTAR, BORTAC, peer support, chaplaincy, canine, etc.), or been assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, and/or Sector or USBP Headquarters. Include leadership or specialized training and college level courses completed. Resumes should also specify each supervisory position held (clearly listing SBPA, FOS, SOS, WC, DPAIC, PAIC, ACPA, XO, DC, DCPA or CPA). Additionally, include all temporary promotions listing the grade, position, location, and period of time held; temporary details or special assignments held 30 days or more (assignment, location, and period of time); and any prior military or other specialized experience outside of USBP that is relevant to law enforcement work. It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
  • Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12814658
  • Retirement SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): Your SF-50(s) should reflect the highest grade or full performance level held on a permanent basis in the competitive service and having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level below (or equivalent) the grade level for this position.
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456; or RPL registration documentation.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your initial and termination SF-50s.
  • Most Recent Annuity Statement: This is provided by OPM and shows your entitled monthly annuity. Please provide this at the time of application.
  • You may be asked to provide a copy of your performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

How to Apply

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/10/2026.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.

Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do notsubmit documents as a PDF Portfolios.

DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Annuitants who are reemployed with a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver are NOT eligible for:

  • Additional retirement coverage (other than Social Security coverage).
  • TSP Contributions.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov.

View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Center
Address
United States Border Patrol
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Next steps

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.

The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

Once this bulletin has closed, your application will be reviewed to the hiring manager for further consideration. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed. Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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