The U.S. Border Patrol is one of our nation’s largest border security agencies, protecting the American people from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, and illegal migration. More than 20,000 Border Patrol Agents protect our way of life 24/7, safeguarding nearly 6,000 miles of land border the United States shares with Canada and Mexico, and more than 2,000 miles of coastal waters.
The U.S. Government needs 1700 new Border Patrol Agents. The new administration will be placing more emphasis on improving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) service.
The CBP has two new job announcements that opened on January 08, 2017, both will close on February 07, 2017. Here are the links for these announcements:
Some of the hiring locations in the United States include: Arizona, South and West Texas/New Mexico.
For a unique perspective on the human side of being a Border Patrol Agent, read the article titled Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer Jobs that includes interviews with three Border Patrol Agents.
Qualifications and Other Job Requirements
The position starts at a salary of $40,511 (GL-5 grade level), and offers promotion potential in 4 years to the GS-12 grade level with a salary of $72,168.
Some changes to the qualifications have recently been implemented including an increase in the maximum age that applicants can be at the time of their appointment from 37 to 40 years old, and there is a waiver process if you are a veteran.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for the position.
Formal Training: Attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately 11 weeks of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and Border Patrol-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. All applicants will be tested on language abilities. If you score below an established benchmark, you will attend an additional 8-week Spanish language class at the border patrol academy, which will extend your stay to 19 weeks.
Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.
Driver’s License: You must possess a valid driver’s license.
One year of specialized work experience in law enforcement that demonstrates the ability to make arrests which includes the detainment of a person(s), handcuffing, restraining, arresting or containment of person(s) and/or have one year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain contact with a network of informants, social and political organizations, state and local enforcement agencies, and private citizens, to ensure continuity of enforcement work and to carry out enforcement responsibilities.
Border Patrol Agents serve our country and protect the United States.
Additional Resources
Helpful Career Planning Tools
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