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

Confidential Client is hiring entry-level Border Patrol Agents for full-time, career positions in federal law enforcement. In this role you will protect the border, deter illegal activity, and support public safety through a mix of patrol, inspection, and investigative duties. Typical responsibilities include:

• Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws; inspecting documents and possessions
• Performing patrols by vehicle, on foot, horseback, and using maritime or off-road assets as required
• Maintaining surveillance, including night operations using optical/infrared equipment
• Interpreting tracks and physical evidence of illegal entry and conducting building, farm, traffic, and transportation checks
• Apprehending and processing undocumented individuals and smugglers consistent with laws and agency policy
• Communicating clearly with the public and other law enforcement personnel and documenting incidents and arrests

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Qualifications

You may qualify at GL-5 or GL-7 based on experience or education. Confidential Client will evaluate qualifications using your resume and submitted transcripts.

GL-5 (entry-level) — One of:

• One year of general work experience showing ability to take charge, make sound decisions under stress, learn regulations and techniques, and gather information through observation and questioning; OR
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; OR
• A combination of education and experience (calculated from transcripts and resume)

GL-7 — One of:

• One year of specialized work experience such as criminal code enforcement, corrections, security, military policing, or law enforcement demonstrating ability to use firearms responsibly, exercise sound judgment, and deal tactfully with the public; OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA, class standing, or honor society) or one year of relevant graduate-level study; OR
• A combination of education and experience (calculated from transcripts and resume)

If you have prior federal or military law enforcement experience you may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9 / GS-11); please reference the applicable announcement for those opportunities.

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Other Requirements & Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age restriction: Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday per applicable federal law enforcement retirement provisions. Exceptions exist for certain veterans and those with prior federal law enforcement service; please review eligibility details.
• Successful completion of background investigation, medical and fitness standards, and drug screening will be required.
• You must be able to pass training at the Border Patrol Academy. Confidential Client provides language training—proficiency in English is required; Spanish language skills are advantageous and training is offered to help develop proficiency.
• Reasonable accommodations are available during the recruitment and hiring process in accordance with federal law. Applicants who need accommodations should indicate this in their application materials.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed BPAs (GL-5 / GL-7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year (actual pay depends on grade, locality pay, and placement).
• Fully trained agents may be eligible for additional locality or pay adjustments under applicable pay reform provisions.
• Recruitment incentive: newly appointed agents may be offered up to $20,000 (first portion paid after Academy completion; additional portion for accepting prioritized locations).
• Retention incentive: eligible agents may receive up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years for qualifying hires.
• Comprehensive federal benefits package including health, dental, retirement (Thrift Savings Plan), and generous annual and sick leave.
• Career-ladder promotions available (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12) with eligibility for advancement after required time-in-grade.

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Duty Locations & Assignment Notes

Duty assignments are determined by operational need and may include mission-critical locations across multiple sectors. Some positions will require relocation and prioritized (hardship) assignments that carry additional incentives. Sample sectors and locations include, but are not limited to:

• Big Bend Sector (e.g., Presidio, Sierra Blanca)
• Del Rio, El Paso, El Centro, Tucson, Yuma, San Diego sectors (multiple stations)
• Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Grand Forks, Spokane, Havre, Houlton, Swanton sectors

Duty location affects pay and may offer higher locality adjustments in certain areas. When selected you will be asked to indicate location preferences; final assignment is based on agency needs.

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Training & Career Development

• New hires attend the Border Patrol Academy (approximately six months) for intensive instruction in immigration law, enforcement operations, firearm and driver training, defensive tactics, and other essential skills.
• Ongoing professional development, language training, and career-advancement opportunities are available.
• Promotion through the BPA career ladder occurs automatically upon successful completion of required time-in-grade and performance standards.

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What We’re Looking For (Skills & Attributes)

• Strong decision-making and composure under stress
• Good physical fitness and willingness to complete rigorous academy training
• Clear, courteous communication skills and the ability to work in teams
• Integrity, reliability, and a commitment to public service
• Spanish language ability is a plus; training is available

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Legal & Compliance Notes

This posting is intended to comply with applicable federal and state hiring laws. Confidential Client is committed to reasonable accommodation during recruitment and hiring. Where state pay-transparency law requires posting a salary range, the salary information above reflects the published range. If you have questions about accommodations, applicant rights, or process details, please request them via the recruiting platform.

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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.