Experienced Border Patrol Officer

September 3, 2025

Explore exciting career opportunities within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Border Patrol Officer. If you possess current or prior law enforcement experience, including military police or local/state law enforcement, you may qualify for this rewarding position with the nation's leading federal agency dedicated to securing our borders and safeguarding our country.IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments may include employment at the Southwest Border. The U.S. Border Patrol determines assignments based on operational needs, which may not correspond with your preferences. Relocation may be necessary.EARN UP TO $30,000 IN RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES: Newly appointed Border Patrol Officers will receive a $20,000 incentive - $10,000 upon completing academy training and an additional $10,000 after fulfilling a 3-year agreement. An extra $10,000 is available for select prioritized locations.The U.S. Border Patrol offers a career filled with camaraderie, pride, and purpose in its mission to protect America. If you're seeking an exhilarating and well-compensated federal law enforcement career, we encourage you to apply today.Salary and BenefitsBase Salary: GL-9/GS-11: $63,148 - $120,145 per yearLocality Pay: Varies by duty locationOvertime: Offers up to 25% additional payThis career ladder position provides progression from GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12, with potential promotions after 52 weeks at each level without the need for reapplication.Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, paid leave, and the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a traditional or Roth 401(k)).Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs a Border Patrol Officer, your primary focus will be on protecting the U.S. by securing the borders, combating illegal activities, and ensuring economic stability.Typical assignments include:<ul><li>Questioning individuals and inspecting documents and properties.</li><li>Apprehending undocumented individuals or smugglers using covert surveillance equipment.</li><li>Tracking and interpreting signs of illegal entry.</li><li>Conducting checks in farms, traffic, buildings, cities, and transport.</li><li>Patrolling via vehicles, horses, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, or motorcycles.</li></ul>QualificationsGL-9: Requires one year of specialized experience at the next lower level, including:<ul><li>Searching detained individuals, vehicles, and surrounding areas.</li><li>Apprehending or restraining suspects violating the law.</li><li>Utilizing firearms, writing reports, serving warrants, and gathering case evidence.</li></ul>GS-11: Requires one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, including:<ul><li>Using intelligence to monitor criminal threats and operations.</li><li>Leading investigations related to fraud or contraband.</li><li>Apprehending violators through surveillance and detection technologies.</li></ul>Note: No educational substitution is available for the GL-9 or GS-11 positions.Other Requirements<ul><li>Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.</li><li>Residency: Must have lived primarily in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years.</li><li>Age: Must be referred before turning 40 (exceptions apply for federal or veteran law enforcement).</li><li>Veterans: May qualify under Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA).</li></ul>Formal Training: After hiring, agents will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM for 6 months of instruction covering immigration law, firearms, defensive tactics, Spanish, and more.How to ApplyTo apply, click the Apply button on this page. You will be directed to the CBP Talent Network. Select 'Border Patrol Officer' and complete the pre-screening questions.After this, you will receive a link to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS. Follow all the instructions and submit all required materials, such as your resume and transcripts. Your evaluation will be based on your application and performance on the BPA Entrance Exam.NOTE: Subscribing to the CBP Talent Network will provide you monthly updates on webinars, expos, and job opportunities.

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