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 (Legal).

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 role is for an entry-level Border Patrol Agent supporting the confidential client’s federal border security mission. You'll train and operate as part of a professional law enforcement team protecting the nation’s borders and communities.

• Detect, question, and inspect individuals and property to determine citizenship status and identify violations.
• Conduct surveillance (including night operations using infrared/night optics) to prevent and apprehend unlawful entry and smuggling.
• Interpret tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry or contraband.
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using a variety of assets (vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, off‑road vehicles, motorcycles, etc.).
• Work collaboratively with teammates under varying operational and environmental conditions.

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Salary & Benefits

Annual base salary for newly appointed agents varies by grade:

• GL-5 / GL-7: $51,632 – $92,912 per year (range reflects grade progression and locality pay).

Federal benefits typically include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
• Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a ROTH 401(k)).
• Additional locality pay and law enforcement pay differentials where applicable.

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Incentives

The confidential client is offering significant hiring and retention incentives for eligible new agents:

• Recruitment Incentive: Up to $20,000 (first $10,000 paid after successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy; additional $10,000 for accepting certain prioritized duty locations).
• Retention Incentive: Up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over the first four years.
• Total potential incentives: up to $60,000 for qualifying candidates.

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Duty Locations

Duty assignments may include mission‑critical locations nationwide, with a focus on Southwest Border sectors. Assignment is based on operational needs and may require relocation.

Prioritized and example duty locations include (non‑exhaustive):

• Presidio, Van Horn, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca, Marfa, TX
• Presidio/Big Bend Sector stations and other Texas locations
• Lordsburg, NM
• Ajo, AZ; Tucson, Nogales, Douglas and other Tucson Sector stations
• Yuma, Blythe, Wellton (Yuma Sector)
• Additional sectors across CA, NM, TX, AZ, WA, MT, ND, ME, NY, and others

Note: Duty location affects pay (locality pay). A fully trained agent may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay under applicable compensation rules.

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Responsibilities

Typical on-the-job duties include:

• Conducting investigations, questioning individuals, and inspecting documentation.
• Apprehending individuals violating immigration/customs laws and coordinating custody/transport.
• Maintaining surveillance operations and performing covert observations.
• Operating a wide range of vehicles and specialized equipment required for patrol and interdiction.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate reports and evidence documentation.

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Qualifications

You may qualify at different grade levels depending on experience and education:

GL-5 qualification (entry-level)

• One (1) year of general work experience demonstrating ability to take charge, make sound decisions under stress, learn regulations/methods via training, and gather information through questioning and observation; OR
• A bachelor’s degree (or completion of a full four‑year course leading to a bachelor’s degree); OR
• A combination of education and experience (evaluated from your resume and transcripts).

GL-7 qualification

• One (1) year of specialized work experience that demonstrates skills such as:
  • Making sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms;
  • Dealing effectively and respectfully with people in law enforcement contexts;
  • Rapidly analyzing information and making prompt decisions (e.g., arrests, enforcement actions); OR
• Education substitution (superior academic achievement at the bachelor’s level or one year of graduate‑level study in a related field); OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated from submitted materials).

Previous federal civilian or military law enforcement experience may qualify you at higher grade levels (GL-9 / GS-11); please review grade‑specific announcements for details.

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Other Requirements & Conditions

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Residency: Must have been a primary U.S. resident for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday under applicable federal law enforcement retirement provisions, unless an exception applies (e.g., current/former covered federal civilian law enforcement employees or Veterans’ Preference exceptions). Veterans may be eligible for alternative appointment authorities that affect age limitations.
• Background & Suitability: Selection is contingent on comprehensive background investigation, medical and psychological evaluation, and successful completion of required screenings (including fitness and firearm qualifications).
• Formal Training: New hires will attend an approximately six‑month federal law enforcement academy for classroom and practical instruction (immigration and nationality law, operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, etc.).
• Language: Ability to communicate in English is required; the agency provides language training to develop Spanish proficiency as operationally required.
• Work Conditions: Operations include outdoor patrols, night shifts, remote/rural assignments, and physically demanding tasks.

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Selection & Training Process

Selection is based on evaluation of your resume, supporting documents (transcripts, certifications), specialized entrance testing, and suitability screening. Candidates who meet technical qualifications will be referred into the confidential client’s hiring process and required training program. Final hiring decisions are made by people at the confidential client.

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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.