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 (BPA) role is a full-time federal law enforcement position focused on protecting the border and supporting national security operations. As a BPA you will:

• Detect and question people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws; inspect documents and possessions.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers using surveillance techniques and field operations.
• Interpret and follow tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband.
• Conduct farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation inspections.
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.
• Operate covert and nighttime surveillance (including infrared scopes) as required.
• Work collaboratively with a team of law enforcement professionals and coordinate with other federal, state, and local partners.

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Qualifications

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

GL-5 qualification (entry level) — meet any one of the following:

• One (1) year of general work experience showing ability to take charge, make sound decisions, stay composed under stress, learn regulations/methods, and gather information through questioning and observation.
• OR a bachelor’s degree (or successful completion of a four-year course of study) from an accredited college or university.
• OR a combination of general work experience and college education (evaluated from your resume and transcripts).

GL-7 qualification — meet any one of the following:

• One (1) year of specialized work experience demonstrating the ability to:
  • Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
  • Deal effectively and tactfully with people in law enforcement situations.
  • Rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions (experience may include criminal enforcement, security, corrections, military police, etc.).
• OR a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA or honors) or one full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field (criminal justice, homeland security, forensic technology, etc.).
• OR a combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated from resume and transcripts).

Other eligibility requirements (federal law specifics):

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Residency: primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Age restriction: must be referred for selection before reaching your 40th birthday per applicable DHS directives (exceptions apply for certain prior federal civilian law enforcement service or Veterans’ Preference eligibilities).
• Veterans: may be eligible for excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA); some age restrictions may not apply.
• Formal training: selected candidates will attend the Border Patrol Academy (~6 months) covering immigration/nationality law, law enforcement operations, driver training, firearms, physical techniques, and Spanish language training. Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is advantageous; training is provided.
• Background checks, medical and fitness evaluations, and other federal hiring requirements apply.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities in compliance with applicable federal and state law.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed BPAs (GL-5 / GL-7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year.
• Estimated median for this posting: approximately $85,000/yr (site estimate).
• Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 (first $10,000 after Academy graduation; remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location).
• Retention incentive: up to $40,000 may be available over the first four years for eligible new appointees.
• Additional pay considerations: locality pay and federal law enforcement pay reforms may increase total pay (a fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to ~25% additional locality/LEO pay depending on assignment).
• Federal benefits: health, dental, vision plans; generous annual and sick leave; Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings similar to a Roth/401(k)); and other federal employee benefits.

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Duty Locations & Assignment Details

Duty assignments are determined at offer based on operational needs. Prioritized and mission-critical duty locations across multiple sectors may be required; relocation may be required.

Representative sectors and locations include (non-exhaustive):

• Big Bend Sector Stations — Presidio, Van Horn, Sanderson, Alpine, Sierra Blanca, Marfa
• Del Rio Sector Stations — Del Rio, Brackettville, Comstock, Eagle Pass, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde
• El Paso Sector Stations — Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta
• El Centro Sector Stations — El Centro, Indio, Calexico
• Laredo Sector Stations — Laredo South, Cotulla, Hebbronville, Freer, Laredo North, Zapata
• Rio Grande Valley Sector — Rio Grande City, McAllen, Brownsville, Harlingen
• San Diego Sector — Boulevard, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente
• Tucson Sector — Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Casa Grande, Three Points, Willcox
• Yuma Sector — Blythe, Yuma, Wellton
• Additional sectors: Buffalo, Grand Forks, Havre, Houlton, Spokane, Swanton, and others.

This position is a career-ladder role with progression (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12) based on time-in-grade and successful performance.

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Key Skills & Attributes We’re Looking For

• Strong decision-making under pressure
• Sound judgment in use-of-force and firearms scenarios
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills
• Observational and investigative aptitude
• Physical fitness and ability to complete Academy training
• Willingness to relocate and work irregular hours, including nights and weekends
• Language aptitude (Spanish proficiency encouraged; training provided)

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What to Expect Next (Recruiting Overview)

Careertakes supports this hiring process as a third-party recruiting platform. Selected candidates will be employed by our client. The federal hiring process includes application screening, submission of supporting documents (resume, transcripts), background checks, fitness/medical exams, and Academy selection. Applicants will be evaluated on experience, education, supporting documentation, and required assessments.

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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.