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 / Homeland Security (Department of Homeland Security).

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

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What You’ll Do

Confidential client is hiring entry-level Border Patrol Agents to join a federal border security agency. This is a full‑time, career-focused federal law enforcement role that includes academy training, on-the-job coaching, and progressive promotion opportunities.

• Detect, question, and inspect individuals and property to enforce immigration and customs laws.
• Conduct surveillance (including night operations using infrared scopes) and maintain covert and overt observation posts.
• Interpret and follow physical evidence such as tracks and markings to detect illegal entries or contraband.
• Perform farm, building, vehicle, and transportation checks; conduct traffic and city patrols.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles as needed.
• Make arrests and use approved force consistent with law and training; prepare accurate reports and testify as required.

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Key Responsibilities

• Respond to incidents and operate as part of a team to deter and interdict unlawful activity.
• Communicate clearly with the public and witnesses; work with partner agencies when required.
• Maintain equipment, follow policies, and complete required training to maintain readiness.
• Be prepared for variable schedules, outdoor work, and duty in remote or prioritized locations.

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Qualifications

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

GL‑5 (Entry Level) — one (1) year of general work experience that demonstrates sound decision making, composure under stress, and the ability to learn rules and procedures; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of experience and education.

GL‑7 — one (1) year of specialized experience that demonstrates the ability to: use sound judgment in firearms use; interact tactfully and effectively in law enforcement situations; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions. Education substitutions (e.g., graduate coursework or superior academic achievement) may apply.

Preferred background (may accelerate grade placement): prior public safety, security, law enforcement, military police, or related experience.

Typical federal law enforcement requirements (applicants must be eligible to meet these; specifics will be determined by the hiring process):

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to successfully complete a federal background investigation, polygraph (where required), medical exam, and physical/fitness standards.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to be deployed or reassigned to duty stations as operational needs require.

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Salary & Benefits

• Annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (GL‑5 / GL‑7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year (estimated, grade dependent).
• Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 for newly appointed agents (first $10,000 after successful completion of academy; remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location where applicable).
• Retention incentives: newly appointed agents may qualify for up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years.
• Additional pay opportunities: locality pay and eligibility for up to an additional 25% of base pay for fully trained BPAs under applicable pay provisions.
• Federal benefits package: health, dental, life insurance options; annual and sick leave; retirement and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (federal retirement savings).

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Duty Locations & Travel

Confidential client may assign duty at mission‑critical and prioritized locations (Southwest border and other sectors). Candidates will be asked to indicate preferred locations but final assignments are based on operational needs. Relocation may be required.

Examples of duty sectors (selection includes, but is not limited to): Big Bend, Del Rio, El Paso, El Centro, Tucson, Yuma, San Diego, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, and other domestic sector stations.

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Why Join

• Train with a professional federal law enforcement team and build a career with clear promotion paths (career ladder: GL‑5 → GL‑7 → GL‑9 → GS‑11 → GS‑12).
• Competitive pay, robust federal benefits, and substantial hiring/retention incentives.
• Work that contributes directly to national security and 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.