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.

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

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Overview

Confidential Client is hiring for full-time, entry-level Border Patrol Agents (BPA) at GL-5 / GL-7 grade levels. This is a federal law enforcement career path that includes formal academy training, competitive base pay, benefits, and substantial recruitment and retention incentives (up to $60,000). Candidates will be considered for duty assignments across mission-critical locations; relocation may be required.

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Salary & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed BPAs (GL-5 / GL-7): $51,632 – $92,912 per year.
• Typical estimated pay for this listing: $86,258 per year (estimate).
• Recruitment incentive: up to $20,000 (first $10,000 paid after Academy; additional $10,000 for prioritized locations).
• Retention incentive: up to $40,000 over the first four years for eligible hires.
• Federal benefits package including health, dental, retirement (Thrift Savings Plan), annual and sick leave, and access to training and career progression (GL-5 → GL-7 → GL-9 → GS-11 → GS-12).

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Duty Locations

• Duty assignments may include the Southwest Border and other mission-critical stations.
• Prioritized locations (examples): Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Lordsburg, Freer, Hebbronville, Ajo.
• A full list of possible sectors and stations will be provided during the application/offer stage. Assignments are based on operational needs; candidates should be prepared to relocate if required.

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What You’ll Do

As a Border Patrol Agent with Confidential Client you will help protect the nation by detecting and deterring illegal border activity. Typical duties include:

• Detecting and interviewing individuals suspected of immigration or customs violations; inspecting documents and property.
• Conducting surveillance (including covert night operations using infrared equipment).
• Interpreting and following physical evidence such as tracks or marks.
• Performing farm, building, traffic, city, and transportation checks.
• Patrolling boundaries and waterways using vehicles and specialized assets (horses, vessels, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, etc.).

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Qualifications

You may qualify for GL-5 if you have one of the following:

• One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making, the ability to learn regulations and procedures, and information-gathering skills; OR
• A bachelor’s degree (any field) from an accredited institution; OR
• A combination of education and general work experience (evaluated via resume and transcripts).

You may qualify for GL-7 if you have one of the following:

• One year of specialized experience demonstrating: firearm judgment and use, effective law-enforcement-related interpersonal skills, rapid information analysis and decision-making, or related criminal justice/security work; OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA, class standing, or honor society), OR one year of relevant graduate-level coursework; OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated via resume and transcripts).

Notes:

• Applicants with prior law enforcement or military police experience may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9, GS-11). See the applicable announcement for details.
• Demonstrated ability to learn or use Spanish is advantageous; formal language training is provided at the Academy.

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Other Requirements & Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Residency: primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Age: candidates must be referred before their 40th birthday per law enforcement retirement rules; exceptions may apply for certain prior federal law enforcement service or Veterans’ Preference eligibilities.
• Veterans’ Preference and certain excepted hiring authorities may apply—check the announcement for details.
• Candidates must successfully pass background checks, medical and fitness evaluations, and other federal pre-employment screenings required for law enforcement positions.
• Drug testing and suitability determinations will be part of the hiring process.

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Training & Career Development

• Newly hired agents attend an approximately 6-month Border Patrol Academy for intensive instruction in immigration and nationality law, law enforcement operations, driver and firearms training, physical techniques, and language skills.
• Career-ladder promotions are possible based on time-in-grade and successful performance evaluations.

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How the Process Works (Summary)

• You will complete pre-screening and be directed to the client’s federal job announcements to submit a full application (resume, transcripts, and required documents).
• Applicants are evaluated on credentials, supporting documents, and entrance exam results.
• Confidential Client (via Careertakes) will not make final hiring decisions — final selection is made by the client’s federal hiring authority.

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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.