About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Federal law enforcement (border security & customs).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

This entry-level federal law enforcement role places you on the front line of border security. As a Border Patrol Agent with our confidential client you will:

• Detect, detain, and question people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Conduct inspections of documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, boats, ATVs, horses, or foot patrols.
• Maintain surveillance from covert positions, including night operations using infrared/technical equipment.
• Perform farm, building, traffic, city, and transportation checks and interpret physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deter illicit activity and support community and national security operations.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies by grade: GL‑5 / GL‑7 — $51,632 to $92,912 per year (exact offer depends on grade and locality).
• Recruitment incentive: Newly appointed agents may be offered up to $20,000 (first $10,000 after academy completion; an additional $10,000 for accepting certain prioritized locations).
• Retention incentives: Eligible agents may receive up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years.
• Potential locality and pay-reform incentives may increase total pay (in some duty locations a fully trained agent may be eligible for up to an additional ~25% of base pay).
• Federal benefits package including health and dental plans, paid annual/sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (federal retirement savings).

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Duty Locations & Assignments

Duty assignments are determined by operational needs and may include mission-critical and Southwest Border locations. You will be asked to rank preferred duty locations, but relocation and assignment to prioritized stations may be required. Typical sectors include (examples):

• Southwest and southern border sector stations (various stations across AZ, CA, NM, TX)
• Inland and coastal sector stations (multiple locations nationwide)

Note: Duty location impacts pay (locality pay) and assignment decisions are made at the time of offer.

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Qualifications

You may qualify for different starting grades depending on education and experience.

You qualify for GL‑5 if you have EITHER:

• One year of general work experience demonstrating responsibility, decision-making under stress, learning regulations/methods, and gathering information through observation and inquiry; OR
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university; OR
• A combination of relevant work experience and college coursework (evaluated from resume and transcripts).

You qualify for GL‑7 if you have EITHER:

• One year of specialized work experience showing skills to make sound firearms judgments, work tactfully with the public on law enforcement matters, rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions (experience examples: law enforcement, security, corrections, military police); OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or one year of relevant graduate-level education; OR
• A qualifying combination of specialized experience and education.

If you have prior civilian law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at higher grade levels (GL‑9, GS‑11) under separate announcements.

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Other Requirements

• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Residency: Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years is required.
• Age: This position is covered by law enforcement retirement provisions; applicants generally must be referred before reaching their 40th birthday. Exceptions may apply for certain veterans or those with prior covered federal civilian law enforcement service.
• Training: Selected candidates will be required to complete approximately six months of intensive instruction at the agency training academy (immigration/nationality law, operations, driver training, defensive tactics, firearms, and language training). Spanish language proficiency is desirable; language training is provided.
• Background & Fitness: Candidates must successfully complete background investigation, medical and fitness standards applicable to federal law enforcement positions.

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Why Candidates Choose This Role

• A long-term federal law enforcement career with mission-driven work and strong team culture.
• Competitive base pay plus substantial incentive programs for recruitment and retention.
• Comprehensive federal benefits and a clear career ladder with periodic grade promotions.

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What We’re Looking For

• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to perform under stress.
• Strong communication and observational skills.
• Physical fitness and willingness to complete academy training.
• A service-oriented mindset and commitment to public safety.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.