Feds Now Hiring Border Patrol Agents Are you interested in a job with wide-open spaces and opportunities to match? As a Border Patrol Agent, your primary focus would be to work in tandem with your U.S. Customs and Border Protection partners to prevent the entry of terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. Border Patrol Agents also detect and prevent the smuggling and unlawful entry of undocumented aliens into the United States, and apprehend those people found to be in violation of the immigration laws. Also, due to the increase in drug smuggling operations, the Border Patrol is the primary drug-interdicting agency along the land border between the ports of entry. One of the most important duties performed by a Border Patrol Agent is known as "line-watch". This involves the detection and apprehension of undocumented aliens and their smugglers by maintaining surveillance from a covert position, pursuing leads, responding to electronic sensor alarms, utilizing infrared scopes during night operations, using low-light level television systems, sighting aircraft, and interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence. In addition, Border Patrol Agents perform traffic checks, traffic observation, city patrol transportation checks, and other administrative, intelligence, and anti-smuggling activities. We are looking for physically fit men and women who want the ever-changing missions we offer and have the intelligence and courage to handle the responsibility. You will be a part of an organization with intense loyalty and esprit de corps. New hires must successfully complete approximately five months of paid training at the CBP Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM, on topics such as immigration and nationality laws, Spanish, physical training, and marksmanship. Border Patrol Agents must be willing to work overtime and shift work under arduous conditions, and be proficient in the use of and carry firearms. Border Patrol Agents are subject to random drug testing. They may also be sent on temporary assignments on short notice and on permanent reassignments to any duty location. Benefits and Salary… Border Patrol Agents a enjoy generous benefits package including personal leave days for vacation, illness, and family care, a wide choice of health insurance programs, life insurance, long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket medical or dependent care expenses, a fully portable retirement program that includes a Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k), and a uniform allowance. They are eligible for law enforcement retirement at age 50 or older with 20 years of service or after 25 years of service at any age. These are full-time permanent positions being filled in the excepted service. Initial appointments are made at the GS-5 ($34,005) and GS-7 ($38,703) grade levels with non-competitive promotion potential to GS-11 ($50,541). Border Patrol Agents can earn up to an additional 25 percent of basic salary each year in overtime pay. Pre-employment Requirements consist of a thorough background investigation, medical examination, fitness test, and drug test. If your background includes past or present arrests, convictions, dismissals from previous jobs, debts and financial issues, excessive use of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and/or the sale and distribution of illegal drugs, you most probably will be rated unsuitable for this position. You may also be subject to a polygraph examination. Job Requirements. Border Patrol Agents must wear a uniform; carry a weapon, work overtime and shift work (sometimes under arduous conditions). They are subject to random drug testing. Qualifications. Refer to the vacancy announcement for more specifics on qualifying experience and education. However, here are the basic qualifications. Must be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment. Must be under age 37 to apply. This position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Therefore, candidates must be referred for selection prior to their 37th birthday unless they presently serve or have previously served in a position covered by federal civilian law enforcement retirement. If you are interested in applying and want to receive notification the day the next announcement opens, go to www.USAJOBS.opm.gov, click on folder entitled My USAJOBS, then click on Create Your Account Now. Follow the instructions pertaining to receipt of e-mails, and register for the GS-1896, Border Patrol Agent.

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