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.

---

Position Overview

Confidential Client is seeking motivated candidates for entry-level Border Patrol Agent (BPA) opportunities. This full-time career role trains and places candidates into federal law enforcement assignments protecting the nation’s borders. The right candidates are dependable, physically fit, able to make sound decisions under pressure, and committed to public service.

---

What You’ll Do

Day-to-day duties vary by assignment and operational needs; typical responsibilities include:

• Detect, question, and inspect individuals and belongings to enforce immigration and customs laws
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers using surveillance, patrols, and interdiction tactics
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry
• Conduct farm checks, building checks, traffic stops, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, and other government assets
• Operate covert surveillance techniques and infrared/optical equipment during night operations
• Use sound judgment in the application of law enforcement powers, including arrests and use of force when authorized

---

Qualifications

You must meet federal hiring requirements for this role. Typical minimums include:

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Residency: primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years
• Age: must be referred for selection before reaching 40 years of age (exceptions may apply for certain veterans and prior federal LEOs)
• Ability to pass background investigation, medical, and fitness standards required for federal LEOs
• Ability to learn and apply regulations, techniques, and procedures through classroom and on-the-job training
• Language: ability to speak and read English; Spanish proficiency is beneficial and training is provided at the Academy
• Education / Experience options:
  • GL-5: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making and composure under stress; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of experience and college education
  • GL-7: One year of specialized work experience (e.g., law enforcement, security, corrections, military police) showing judgment in firearms use, effective interpersonal skills for law enforcement, and rapid information analysis; OR a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate-level study in a related field; OR a combination of experience and education
• Previous law enforcement or military policing experience may qualify candidates at higher grade levels (GL-9, GS-11); consult the hiring announcement for details

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary for newly appointed BPAs varies by grade: GL-5 / GL-7 range approximately $51,632 – $92,912 per year
• Confidential Client offers comprehensive federal benefits including health, dental, leave accrual, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings)
• Incentives:
  • Recruitment Incentive: up to $20,000 (typically $10,000 at successful Academy completion + $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location)
  • Retention Incentive: may qualify for up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years for eligible new hires
• Additional locality pay may apply in certain duty locations (BPA Pay Reform provisions can add up to ~25% of base pay in some areas)
• Career-ladder progression: GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12 with eligibility for promotion after meeting time-in-grade requirements

---

Locations & Mobility

• Duty assignments may include Southwest Border and other mission-critical locations. A prioritized-location list is used for incentives (examples: Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Lordsburg, Freer, Hebbronville, Ajo).
• Candidates will be asked to select preferred locations but final assignments are based on operational needs. Relocation may be required.
• Many mission locations are rural or remote; candidates should be prepared for varied living and working conditions.

---

Training & Selection

• Selected candidates attend an intensive Border Patrol Academy (approximately six months) for instruction in immigration and nationality law, law enforcement operations, firearms, defensive tactics, driver training, and Spanish language training as needed.
• Candidates are evaluated on resume, supporting documents (e.g., transcripts), and the BPA entrance exam. Background, medical, and fitness clearances are required before appointment.

---

Notes & Legal Compliance

• This listing is presented by Careertakes as a recruiting partner. Confidential Client sets hiring decisions, eligibility, and final job offers.
• All hiring follows applicable federal and state laws. This posting avoids discriminatory criteria and focuses on job-related qualifications.
• If you have accessibility needs related to the application or hiring process, request reasonable accommodation through the recruiting platform or talent network channel.

---

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.