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, Legal (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 role is a full-time federal law enforcement position focused on protecting the border, deterring illicit activity, and supporting public safety. As a Border Patrol Agent with our confidential client, you will:

• Detect, question, and inspect persons and documents to determine citizenship and immigration status
• Conduct surveillance (including night operations using infrared and other sensors)
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other evidence of illegal entry
• Perform farm checks, building checks, traffic stops, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrol boundaries and waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and other assets
• Work as part of a team responding to incidents, making arrests after training, and supporting investigations

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Who We’re Looking For

We seek motivated, service-minded candidates who want a career in federal law enforcement. Ideal applicants demonstrate:

• Strong situational judgment and the ability to remain composed under stress
• Physical fitness, initiative, and willingness to work irregular hours and in remote locations
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to interact courteously and tactfully while enforcing laws
• Willingness to complete an intensive training program and maintain professional standards

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Salary & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (GL-5 / GL-7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year.
• Newly appointed agents may be eligible for up to $20,000 in recruitment incentives (first $10,000 after academy; additional for accepting prioritized locations) and up to $40,000 in retention incentives distributed over four years (total up to $60,000).
• Federal benefits may include health and dental plans, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings).

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Training & Career Path

• Successful candidates will be detailed to a federal training academy (~6 months) for instruction in immigration and nationality law, law enforcement operations, driver training, firearms, physical techniques, and related subjects.
• This is a career-ladder position typically progressing through GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12 with eligibility for promotion after successful completion of required time-in-grade.

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Qualifications

You may qualify at one of the grade levels below:

GL-5 (entry requirements — choose one):

• One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making, composure under stress, and ability to learn regulations and procedures; OR
• A bachelor’s degree (any field); OR
• A combination of experience and education (evaluated from your resume and transcripts).

GL-7 (specialized requirements — choose one):

• One year of specialized experience demonstrating sound judgment and decision-making with firearms; effective interpersonal skills in law enforcement settings; rapid information analysis and prompt decision-making (experience examples include criminal code enforcement, corrections, security, military, or related roles); OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (criteria include class standing, GPA ≥ 3.0, or honor society) or one year of relevant graduate-level study; OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education.

Note: Candidates with prior federal or military law enforcement experience may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9 / GS-11). Experience and education will be verified from your application materials.

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Other Requirements & Important Notices

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Residency: Must have had primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Age: Law enforcement retirement rules apply; candidates must typically be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday unless an exception applies (e.g., certain veterans or current/previous federal civilian LEOs).
• Language: Ability to speak and read English is required; there is an operational need for Spanish language skills. Language training is provided during the academy.
• Duty locations: Offers may include assignments at mission-critical locations, primarily along the Southwest Border and other sectors. Relocation may be required. Some prioritized locations may offer additional incentives.
• Physical & background checks, drug screening, and other federal clearances are required as part of the hiring process.

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Preferred / Helpful Experience

• Prior public safety, security, corrections, military police, or law enforcement experience
• Firearms training, defensive tactics, or emergency vehicle operation
• Experience with surveillance, field operations, or outdoor/remote work
• Spanish language skills (will be further developed at the academy)

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What to Expect Next

If your qualifications match, you will be evaluated on application materials, supporting documents (resume, transcripts), and required entrance assessments. Final hiring decisions are made by 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.