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 & customs).

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

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Summary

This opportunity is for full-time, entry-level Border Patrol Agent (BPA) positions (GL-5 / GL-7 grade levels) based in Missoula, MT with duty assignments across mission-critical sectors. Our client is hiring now and offering competitive base pay, federal benefits, and significant recruitment and retention incentives for qualifying hires.

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What You’ll Do

As a Border Patrol Agent with our client, you will join a federal law enforcement team that protects the nation’s borders and public safety. Typical duties include:

• Detecting and interviewing people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws; inspecting documents and belongings
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented migrants and smugglers through surveillance, interdiction, and field operations
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry
• Conducting farm checks, building checks, traffic stops, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling borders and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles
• Using surveillance equipment (including infrared scopes during night operations) and reporting findings clearly and accurately

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Salary & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed BPAs (GL-5 / GL-7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year (grade- and locality-dependent)
• Current site estimate: $75,656 per year (estimated)
• Federal benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan), annual and sick leave, and other standard federal employee benefits
• Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 for newly appointed BPAs (first $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy; remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location)
• Retention incentive: newly appointed BPAs may qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over the first four years
• Additional locality or pay adjustments may apply for certain duty locations (BPA Pay Reform Act provisions)

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Duty Locations & Travel

• Duty assignments are determined at time of offer and may include the Southwest Border and other mission-critical locations. Relocation may be required.
• Candidates will be asked to select preferred locations from a list of mission critical stations (examples include Presidio, Sierra Blanca, Lordsburg, Ajo, Tucson, Yuma, and others listed in the full announcement). Operational needs drive final assignments.
• A fully trained BPA may be eligible for locality pay adjustments (up to an additional 25% in some areas).

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Minimum Qualifications

You may qualify at GL-5, GL-7 (or higher, if you have prior law enforcement/military experience). Typical qualification pathways:

GL-5 (entry-level)

• One (1) year of general work experience demonstrating ability to take charge, make sound decisions, remain composed under stress, learn regulations/methods, and gather concise information through questioning and observation; OR
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; OR
• A combination of education and experience (evaluated from resume and transcripts)

GL-7 (specialized)

• One (1) year of specialized work experience demonstrating skills such as sound judgment in use of firearms, effective interpersonal conduct in law enforcement matters, rapid information analysis, and arrest/application of law enforcement procedures; OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA or class standing/honor society) or one year of relevant graduate-level study; OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated from resume and transcripts)

Note: Candidates with prior or current federal civilian or military law enforcement experience may qualify for higher grade levels (GL-9, GS-11). Review the full announcement for grade-specific details.

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Other Legal & Eligibility Requirements

These are role-specific, lawful restrictions for federal law enforcement positions:

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age: Candidates must be referred for selection before their 40th birthday per law enforcement retirement statutes. Exceptions may apply for certain prior federal law enforcement service or veterans’ preference eligibilities.
• Veterans’ Preference: Veterans may be eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., VRA); age restrictions can be impacted by veterans’ status.
• Formal Training: New hires are detailed to the Border Patrol Academy (approx. six months) for intensive instruction in law enforcement, immigration law, driver training, firearms, physical techniques, and other required courses.
• Language: Border Patrol duties commonly require speaking and reading English; training to achieve Spanish proficiency is provided at the Academy when needed.

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Desired Attributes

• Strong decision-making and composure in high-pressure situations
• Good observational and investigative reporting skills
• Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in varied conditions
• Ability to work irregular hours, nights, and extended shifts as operational needs require
• Previous experience in public safety, security, corrections, or military service is beneficial but not required

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What to Expect Next

This posting represents an opportunity sourced by Careertakes on behalf of our client. Candidates who meet basic qualifications will be guided toward the client’s application process and required federal job announcement(s). Recruiter contact and official job application steps (including possible testing and document submission: resume, transcripts, etc.) occur through the client’s official hiring channels.

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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.