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 (Border Security).

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

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Role Overview

Confidential Client is recruiting full-time, entry-level Border Patrol Agents for mission-critical federal border security assignments. This is a career-track law enforcement role suitable for candidates with prior experience in public safety, security, military police, or local law enforcement, as well as those seeking an entry point into federal law enforcement. Successful candidates will complete intensive academy training and join multi-disciplinary teams focused on protecting the nation’s borders.

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What You’ll Do

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will perform a variety of field and investigative duties to detect, deter, and interdict unlawful border activity. Typical responsibilities include:

• Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration or customs laws and inspecting documents and possessions
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented entrants and smugglers through surveillance (including night operations using infrared scopes)
• Interpreting and following tracks, physical evidence, and other signs of illegal entry
• Conducting farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and other assets as required

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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 (varies by grade and locality)
• Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 (first $10,000 paid after successful completion of the Academy; additional $10,000 for accepting select prioritized locations)
• Retention incentives: up to $40,000 distributed across the first four years (eligibility rules apply)
• Federal benefits package including health, dental, leave accrual, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings)
• Potential locality pay and pay increases tied to career-ladder promotions (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12)

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Duty Locations & Assignments

Duty assignments are based on operational needs and may require relocation. Assignments span mission-critical sectors across the U.S., including but not limited to:

• Big Bend Sector (Presidio, Van Horn, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca, Marfa)
• Del Rio Sector (Del Rio, Brackettville, Comstock, Eagle Pass)
• El Paso Sector (El Paso area, Lordsburg, Las Cruces)
• Laredo Sector (Laredo, Hebbronville, Freer)
• Rio Grande Valley Sector (Rio Grande City, McAllen, Brownsville)
• Tucson, Yuma, San Diego, Grand Forks, Spokane and other sector stations nationwide

Prioritized locations (eligible for additional incentives) include Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Lordsburg (NM), Freer, Hebbronville, and Ajo (AZ).

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Qualifications

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

GL-5 qualification (one of the following):

• One year of general work experience demonstrating ability to take charge, make sound decisions under stress, learn regulations and techniques, and gather information through questioning and observation; OR
• A bachelor’s degree (or completion of a four-year course of study) from an accredited college or university; OR
• A combination of general experience and college education (evaluated on application)

GL-7 qualification (one of the following):

• One year of specialized experience that demonstrates the ability to:
  • Make sound judgments in firearms use
  • Deal effectively and tactfully with people on law enforcement matters
  • Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions (including arrests after training)
  • OR a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate-level study in a relevant field; OR
  • A combination of relevant experience and education (evaluated on application)

Note: Candidates with prior federal civilian or military law enforcement experience may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9 / GS-11). Prior service will be evaluated during application review.

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Other Requirements & Legal Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must have had primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Age limitation: Candidates must be referred for selection before their 40th birthday (subject to statutory exceptions for certain prior federal law enforcement or veterans’ preference eligibilities).
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans may qualify for alternative appointment authorities that affect age limits.
• Formal background checks, medical, and suitability determinations apply.
• The position requires physical fitness and the ability to perform duties in austere conditions; specialized training (including firearms and defensive tactics) is required after hire.
• Spanish language ability is advantageous; formal language training will be provided at the Academy to reach operational proficiency.

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Training, Selection & Evaluation

• Selected candidates attend the Border Patrol Academy (approximately six months) for intensive instruction in immigration law, law enforcement operations, driver training, firearms, physical techniques, and Spanish language training.
• Candidates will be evaluated based on submitted application materials (resume, transcripts), supporting documentation, and an entrance exam.
• Duty assignment and final hiring decisions are made by Confidential Client based on operational needs and the results of the selection process.

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What We Look For

• Strong decision-making and situational judgment under stress
• Clear attention to detail in document and evidence inspection
• Ability to work outdoors and in variable field conditions
• Effective interpersonal skills and professional conduct in enforcement contexts
• Commitment to a long-term federal law enforcement career

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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.