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 (Customs and Border Protection).

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 is an entry-level Border Patrol Agent role supporting federal border security operations on behalf of our confidential client. You will complete formal academy training and then perform law-enforcement duties to detect, deter, and interdict illegal entry and contraband.

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspect documents and possessions to verify citizenship and identify violations.
• Maintain surveillance (including night operations using specialized equipment).
• Track and interpret physical evidence (tracks, marks, signs of illegal entry).
• Conduct farm checks, building checks, traffic stops, city and transportation patrols.
• Patrol boundaries and waterways using government vehicles, horses, ATVs, watercraft, and other assets.
• Make arrests and write accurate reports following training and applicable law.

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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.
• Up to $60,000 in hiring and retention incentives:
  • Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 (first $10,000 paid after academy completion; additional $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location).
  • Retention incentive: may qualify for up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years.
• Federal benefits including health and dental plans, generous leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)).
• Career-ladder progression (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12) with eligible promotions after required service time.
• Intensive academy training (approx. six months) covering immigration law, law enforcement tactics, firearms, driver training, physical techniques, and Spanish language support.

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Qualifications

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

Minimum general eligibility (applies to all applicants):

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have had primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Typical new-hire academy attendance in Artesia, NM (approximately six months).
• Candidates generally must be referred for selection before turning 40, subject to federal law enforcement retirement rules and specific exceptions (e.g., certain prior federal LEO service or Veterans’ Preference).

Grade-specific guidance:

• GL-5: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making and composure under stress; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of education and experience.
• GL-7: One year of specialized experience (law enforcement, corrections, security, military police, etc.) showing judgment in firearms use, effective people skills in law-enforcement contexts, and rapid information analysis; OR a bachelor’s with superior academic achievement; OR one year of relevant graduate study; OR a combination of experience and education.
• Candidates with prior/current federal or military law-enforcement experience may qualify at higher grades (GL-9, GS-11). Documentation (resumes, transcripts) will be evaluated.

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Other Requirements & Conditions

• Appointment is contingent on successful completion of background investigation, medical and suitability screenings, and training.
• Duty assignments will be made according to operational needs and may include prioritized locations on the Southwest Border; relocation may be required.
• Work frequently includes outdoor, physically demanding, and irregular-hour operations.
• Some positions require Spanish language proficiency; training to improve Spanish proficiency is provided during the academy.
• Veterans’ Preference and certain hiring authorities may apply; age and residency exceptions may apply under law.

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Duty Locations & Assignments

Duty assignments are mission-driven and may include sector stations in many border and non-border areas (examples: Presidio, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca, Lordsburg, Ajo, Tucson, San Diego, Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, Laredo, Yuma, and others). You will be asked to select preferred locations, but final assignment is based on operational requirements.

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Why Join

This is a long-term federal law enforcement career with meaningful public-service mission, extensive training, a strong benefits package, and financial incentives for new hires and retention. If you want a role where teamwork, purpose, and professional development matter, this position—hired through Careertakes on behalf of our confidential client—may be a strong fit.

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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.