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 (Department of Homeland Security).

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

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What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is hiring entry-level federal law enforcement officers to serve as Border Patrol Agents. In this role you will:

• Detect and question people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws and inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers by conducting surveillance (including night operations with infrared/optical devices)
• 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 checks
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off‑road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles as assigned
• Prepare reports, gather evidence, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies when required

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Qualifications

Minimum qualifications depend on the grade level for which you apply. Applicants may qualify through education, experience, or a combination of both.

• GL‑5 (entry): One year of general work experience demonstrating decision‑making, composure under stress, ability to learn procedures, and the ability to gather information; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR a combination of experience and education.
• GL‑7: One year of specialized experience (e.g., law enforcement, corrections, security, military police) demonstrating sound judgment, firearms use, and effective public interaction; OR a bachelor’s with superior academic achievement; OR related graduate‑level coursework.
• GL‑9 / GS‑11: Candidates with prior law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify for higher grade levels based on specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics (KSAOs) typically required for GL‑9/GS‑11:
  • Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law and Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Knowledge of Use of Force policy and firearms/less‑lethal devices
  • Skill in physical techniques (self‑defense, baton, OC spray)
  • Firearms proficiency (handgun, shotgun, M‑4) and evidence/gathering skills
  • Ability to analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions

Other statutory and regulatory requirements (non‑waivable):

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
• Residency: Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age: Candidates must be referred before reaching their 40th birthday unless an exception applies (e.g., qualifying prior federal civilian law enforcement service or Veterans’ Preference eligibility).
• Veterans: Eligible veterans may be considered under applicable hiring authorities (e.g., VRA). The announcement may use Direct Hire Authority.
• Medical/physical, background investigation, drug screening, and other security clearances are required.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base pay for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents varies by grade level (GL‑5 through GS‑11) with promotion potential to GS‑12.
• Representative annual base salary range in this posting: $51,632 – $124,717 (varies by grade and locality).
• Federal benefits include health, dental, life insurance; generous annual and sick leave; and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (retirement savings).
• Career stability and growth opportunities through promotions and specialty assignments.

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Recruitment & Retention Incentives

• Recruitment Incentive: Newly appointed agents may be eligible for up to $20,000 (first $10,000 upon successful completion of the academy; additional $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location).
• Retention Incentive: Newly appointed agents may qualify for up to $30,000 in additional incentives distributed over subsequent years, depending on assignment and eligibility.

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Training & Career Path

• Successful hires attend approximately six months of training at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, covering immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement procedures, and Border Patrol operations.
• Spanish language proficiency is valuable; language training is provided at the academy to help agents reach required proficiency.
• Career paths include field operations, investigative roles, intelligence, specialized units, and supervisory positions.

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Duty Locations & Prioritized Sites

Confidential Client maintains duty locations across multiple sectors. Prioritized locations (eligible for additional recruitment incentives) may include, but are not limited to: Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. Other duty sites span sectors nationwide — selected candidates should be prepared for assignment across the United States.

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What We’re Looking For

• Commitment to public service and safety
• Strong decision‑making and composure in stressful situations
• Physical fitness and ability to operate government vehicles and equipment
• Integrity and ability to complete thorough documentation and reports
• Willingness to attend full academy training and relocate as required

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Notes & Legal Compliance

This posting is non‑discriminatory and follows applicable federal and state hiring laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please contact Careertakes if you require accommodation during the application process.

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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.