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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Overview

Confidential Client is hiring entry-level Border Patrol Agents to join a federal law enforcement team protecting the nation’s borders. This is a full-time, career-track opportunity (GL-5 / GL-7 grade levels) offering structured training, federal benefits, and incentive pay up to $60,000 for eligible hires. This posting is optimized for candidates searching for entry-level border patrol, federal law enforcement, and security careers in Texas.

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What You’ll Do

As an entry-level Border Patrol Agent you will perform a range of operational duties to detect, deter, and interdict illegal entry and contraband. Typical responsibilities include:

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws
• Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Conducting surveillance operations, including night operations with infrared optics
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and other government assets
• Making arrests and applying law enforcement techniques after completion of required training

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Who We’re Looking For (Qualifications)

Minimum qualifications for GL-5 (entry level):

• One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making, composure under stress, and the ability to learn regulations and procedures; OR
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; OR
• A combination of experience and education (evaluated from resume and transcripts)

Minimum qualifications for GL-7 (higher entry level):

• One year of specialized work experience showing ability to exercise sound judgment in firearms use, interact tactfully in law enforcement settings, analyze information rapidly, and perform arrests after training; OR
• A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (GPA 3.0+, class standing, or honor society) or one year of relevant graduate-level study; OR
• A combination of specialized experience and education (evaluated from resume and transcripts)

Other role requirements:

• U.S. citizenship required
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years
• Must be referred for selection before the age restriction date for law enforcement retirement provisions (exceptions apply for certain federal law enforcement service or Veterans’ Preference eligibility)
• Successful candidates will complete approximately six months of intensive academy training, including immigration and nationality law, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and Spanish language instruction as needed
• Background investigation, medical and fitness evaluation, and drug screening will be required

Note: Candidates with prior law enforcement or military police experience may qualify at higher grade levels (GL-9, GS-11). All qualifications will be assessed per federal hiring guidelines and announced job opportunity announcements.

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Salary, Incentives & Benefits

• Annual base salary range for newly appointed BPAs: GL-5 / GL-7 — $51,632 to $92,912 per year (grade and locality dependent)
• Up to $20,000 recruitment incentive for newly appointed agents (first $10,000 after academy graduation; additional $10,000 for accepting prioritized locations)
• Potential retention incentives up to $40,000 distributed over the first four years for eligible hires
• Locality pay adjustments and law-enforcement pay reforms may increase total compensation in certain duty locations (up to an additional ~25% in some cases)
• Federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement)

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Duty Locations & Mobility

• Duty assignments may include mission-critical locations across multiple sectors. Assignments are determined at offer based on operational needs and may require relocation.
• Prioritized locations and numerous sector station options are available; candidates should expect the possibility of assignment to southwest border locations among others.
• Duty location affects pay (locality and law-enforcement differentials).

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Training & Onboarding

• Successful candidates attend the Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months of residential training in Artesia, NM (curriculum includes law, tactics, firearms, driving, and language training).
• Field training and career-ladder progression follow academy completion; promotions may occur after completion of time-in-grade requirements.

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Legal & Hiring Compliance

This posting follows applicable federal and state hiring laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process. Confidential Client complies with all applicable pay transparency and nondiscrimination laws in jurisdictions where this position is advertised.

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What to Expect Next (Application Brief)

Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be evaluated through review of their resume and supporting documents, pre-screening tools, and any required examinations or assessments. Background investigations and fitness-for-duty evaluations are required for employment.

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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.

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