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, Customs and Border Protection (Federal Law Enforcement).

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 Border Patrol Agent (BPA) role is a frontline federal law enforcement position focused on protecting the nation’s borders. As a BPA for the confidential client, you will join an operational team that detects and deters illegal entry and contraband, conducts surveillance and patrols, and enforces immigration and customs laws.

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws; inspect documents and possessions.
• Perform surveillance and apprehend undocumented noncitizens or smugglers using covert positions and night-vision equipment.
• Interpret tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry.
• Conduct farm checks, building checks, traffic and transportation checks, and city patrols.
• Patrol boundaries and waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles as needed.

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Qualifications

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

GL-5 qualification (example paths):

• One year of general work experience demonstrating decisiveness, the ability to learn regulations and methods, and skill in gathering concise information; OR
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; OR
• A combination of general work experience and college credit (will be evaluated from your resume and transcripts).

GL-7 qualification (example paths):

• One year of specialized work experience showing ability to:
  • Make sound judgments in the use of firearms.
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with people in law enforcement contexts.
  • Rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions (examples: criminal code enforcement, corrections, security, military roles); OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA, class standing, or honor society) or one year of relevant graduate study; OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated from resume/transcripts).

Notes:

• Candidates with prior federal or military law enforcement experience may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9, GS-11). Refer to the appropriate BPA announcements for those levels.
• U.S. citizenship and residency requirements apply; see Other Requirements below.

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Pay & Benefits

• Annual base salary for newly appointed BPAs at GL-5 / GL-7: $51,632 – $92,912 per year (grade-dependent).
• The confidential client offers access to federal benefits, including health and dental plans, generous annual and sick leave, and the Thrift Savings Plan (a federal retirement savings program).
• Recruitment incentive: Up to $20,000 for newly appointed BPAs (typically $10,000 after Academy graduation + $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location).
• Retention incentive: Eligible BPAs may qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over the first four years.
• Some duty locations may include locality pay adjustments (a fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per BPA Pay Reform provisions).

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Duty Locations & Assignments

Duty assignments are based on operational needs and may include locations along the Southwest Border and other mission-critical sectors. You will be asked to select preferred duty locations, but final assignment is determined at the time of offer. Relocation may be required.

Examples of mission-critical sector locations (selection list — not exhaustive):

• Big Bend Sector (Presidio, Sierra Blanca, Sanderson, etc.)
• Del Rio, El Paso, El Centro, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, San Diego, Tucson, Yuma sectors
• Other sectors (Buffalo, Grand Forks, Havre, Spokane, Swanton, Houlton)

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Training & Career Progression

• New hires attend the Border Patrol Academy (approx. six months) for intensive instruction: immigration and nationality law, law enforcement operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses.
• BPA is a career-ladder position with progression through grades (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12). Promotion to the next grade typically occurs after successful completion of 52 weeks at a given grade.
• Spanish language proficiency is important; candidates are trained to improve Spanish reading/speaking at the Academy.

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Other Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have been a primary U.S. resident for at least three of the last five years (includes U.S. protectorates as appropriate).
• Age limitation: candidates generally must be referred for selection before their 40th birthday due to law enforcement retirement provisions, except where statutory exceptions apply (e.g., certain veterans or previous federal law enforcement service).
• Veterans’ Preference and VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment) eligibility may apply and can affect age restrictions.
• Position requires passing background checks, medical and fitness evaluations, and other pre-employment screenings.

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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.