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 / Homeland 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 recruiting for entry-level Federal Law Enforcement Officer positions (Border Patrol Agent / BPA). This role is full-time and based in Grand Prairie, IL. The position offers federal pay, comprehensive benefits, and recruitment/retention incentives (up to $50K total in some cases). This posting is optimized for candidates searching for Border Patrol Agent, federal law enforcement, and entry-level law enforcement opportunities in Grand Prairie, IL.

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What You’ll Do

As an entry-level Border Patrol Agent (BPA) with Confidential Client you will:

• Detect and question people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws; inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near borders using surveillance, patrols, and investigative techniques
• Conduct farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
• Patrol international boundaries and coastal waterways using vehicles, horses, vessels, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles
• Use night-vision and other detection equipment as needed; follow evidence such as tracks and marks to locate illegal entries

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Qualifications & Minimum Requirements

You may qualify at different grade levels (GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11) depending on experience and education. Typical minimum requirements include:

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Residency: primary U.S. residency for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Age: Applicants must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday, unless otherwise exempt under federal law or Veterans' Preference rules.
• Education / Experience:
  • GL-5: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making, composure under stress, and information-gathering OR a bachelor’s degree OR a combination of experience and education.
  • GL-7: One year of specialized experience showing law-enforcement‑related judgment/decision-making OR bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement OR related graduate study OR combination of experience/education.
  • GL-9 / GS-11: May be available for candidates with previous law enforcement or military police experience; requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Successfully pass required exams (e.g., Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam) for certain grade levels.
• Must meet federal law enforcement background, medical, fitness, and other suitability requirements.

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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAOs)

Candidates should demonstrate or be trainable in:

• Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law and Criminal Law & Procedure
• Skill in the use of firearms and less-lethal devices; firearms qualification required as part of training
• Physical techniques including self-defense, baton, OC spray
• Ability to analyze information quickly and make prompt decisions
• Ability to work with others and communicate courteously and effectively under stressful conditions
• Basic motor vehicle operation and other tactical mobility skills
• Spanish language proficiency is helpful; formal language training is provided at the Academy

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Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary for newly appointed BPAs varies by grade and may range from $51,632 to $124,717 per year depending on grade and qualifications.
• Recruitment Incentive: Newly appointed BPAs may be offered up to $20,000 (e.g., $10,000 after academy completion + additional $10,000 for selecting prioritized duty locations).
• Retention Incentive: Eligible newly appointed BPAs may qualify for up to $30,000 distributed over subsequent years.
• Federal benefits include health, dental, life insurance options, generous leave accrual, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (a retirement savings plan).

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Duty Locations & Travel

Positions may be assigned across prioritized sector stations nationwide. Prioritized locations (examples) have included: Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. Note: duty assignment depends on vacancy at time of final offer and may change.

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Training & Career Progression

• Selected candidates will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy (approximately 6 months) for classroom and field training in immigration law, law enforcement techniques, Spanish language training, and Border Patrol operations.
• Promotion potential exists (e.g., up to GS-12 depending on performance and grade level).

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Legal & Eligibility Notes

• You must be a U.S. citizen and meet federal residency requirements noted above.
• Certain age, medical, fitness, background, and suitability requirements apply for federal law enforcement roles; exceptions may exist for qualified veterans or candidates with prior federal law enforcement service.
• This job posting follows applicable state and federal hiring laws for Illinois and nationwide. No protected-class discrimination is permitted in recruitment or hiring.

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Keywords & Ideal Candidate

Ideal candidates will be actively searching for:

• Border Patrol Agent — Grand Prairie, IL
• Entry-level federal law enforcement careers
• BPA recruitment incentives and federal benefits
• Roles requiring firearms qualification, surveillance, and patrol experience
• Candidates with public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement experience (or relevant education)

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About the Hiring Process

Careertakes is facilitating this search as a third-party recruiter. Final hiring decisions are made by Confidential Client. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be reviewed; this job may be advertised under Direct Hire Authority for expedited review of qualified candidates.

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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.