Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level

Company: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Location: Topeka
Posted on: September 21, 2022

Job Description:

Border Patrol Agent GL-7 -
Background
U. S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is one of the world's largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. - CBP takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity. -
Duties and Responsibilities
As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) you will be part of our 60,000-employee workforce that strives to protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation's economic prosperity.
Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. -
Select this site's Apply link to join CBP's Talent Network, you will be provided the official GL-7 BPA announcement that appears on USAJobs, the Federal Government's official employment site, where you apply on-line. -
See the How to Apply section below for more information.
NOTE: - You may be eligible to receive a monetary recruitment incentive (certain conditions apply) of up to $10,000 available to all new Border Patrol Agents. - New entry-level Agents who graduate from the Border Patrol Academy will receive a one-time bonus of $5,000. - An additional $5,000 will be available to those new Agents who complete their first year of assignment in specially identified remote locations as determined by Border Patrol leadership. - All incentive recipients will be required to sign a one-year service agreement. - Our Border Patrol Agents make America safer and more prosperous, and we hope this new financial opportunity will encourage you to join our Border Patrol family. -
To ensure compliance with an applicable nationwide preliminary injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the federal government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for federal employees. Therefore, to the extent a federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety ?protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel and quarantine.
Typical assignments include:
Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the land borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions
Responding to electronic sensor alarms
Interpreting and following tracks, marks and other physical evidence
Using infrared scopes during night operations
Responding to aircraft sighting and other anti-smuggling activities
Performing farm and ranch checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways and using a variety of Government assets for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission. These assets may include, but are not limited to: vehicles, horses, vessels, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles

Duty Locations: Job offers are made based on operational needs and requirements and are determined by the U.S. Border Patrol. Although the locations listed will most likely be available, the duty location offered in your final offer letter may include any location within the Southwest Border region as follows:
Big Bend Sector Texas - Presidio Station, Van Horn Station, Sanderson Station, Alpine Station, Sierra Blanca Station, Marfa Station
Del Rio Sector Texas - Abilene Station, Del Rio Station, Brackettville Station, Comstock Station, Eagle Pass North Station, Eagle Pass South Station, Carrizo Springs Station, Rocksprings Station, San Angelo Station, Uvalde Station
El Paso Sector Texas - Alamogordo Station, Clint Station, Deming Station, El Paso Station, Fort Hancock Station, Las Cruces Station, Lordsburg Station, Santa Teresa Station, Truth or Consequences Station, Ysleta Station
El Centro Sector California - El Centro Station, Indio Station, Calexico Station
Laredo Sector Texas - Laredo South Station, Cotulla Station, Hebbronville Station, Laredo West Station, Freer Station, Laredo North Station, Zapata Station
Rio Grande Valley Sector Texas - Rio Grande City Station, Fort Brown Station, McAllen Station, Brownsville Station, Falfurrias Station, Weslaco Station, Kingsville Station, Harlingen Station
Yuma Sector Arizona - Blythe Station, Yuma Station, Wellton Station
Salary
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You will begin your career as a GL-7 grade level BPA and make $50,704 - $80,151 depending upon location and work schedule, including overtime. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operation needs.
Conditions of Employment
To ensure compliance with an applicable nationwide preliminary injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the federal government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for federal employees. Therefore, to the extent a federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Firearm Proficiency: You will be required to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.

Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment.

Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately 6 months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and Border Patrol-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. You will also be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language and will be tested on your language abilities.
Residency Requirement: CBP has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. -

Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license.
Qualifications for the BPA GL-7 Grade Level
You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

?Experience: One year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to make sound judgments and decisions; to deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner; to analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as training others, managing finances, code enforcement, doing compliance work, corrections, security, military, emergency responders, etc.; OR:

Education Substitution for the GL-7 grade level: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Or will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. Or one full year of graduate level education in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement. OR:

Combination of Experience and Education: - This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

National Service experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. - Experience as a CBP Explorer may be qualifying if your resume provides sufficient information to credit your experience. -
To receive full credit for any and all experience, please be sure to describe your duties, roles, and responsibilities in detail.

Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Current Federal Employees: Current federal employees who apply to this announcement may be required to accept a change to lower grade which will reduce their current salary based on Federal pay regulations. Re-promotion is not guaranteed. ?Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency.

Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 grade level. Please refer to the BPA GL-9 announcement.
Additional information
Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you will be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. -
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation package.
Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive National Security Position, and, upon selection, applicants will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention in this position. -
Pre-Screening Interview: As part of the suitability process, you may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: The Border Patrol Agent position is a weapons-carrying position. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Therefore, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not qualified for this position.
Medical/Physical Requirements: You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. If you do not meet the medical standards for the position, you may request a waiver of the medical standard by demonstrating with non-medical information that, with or without reasonable accommodation, you can safely perform the essential duties of the position. -
Drug Testing Requirements: This is a drug testing designated position. You must complete and pass a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Physical Fitness Screening: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-?employment Fitness Test. This a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass CBP fitness test.
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a face-to-face structured interview.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the entrance examination. Test scores prior to March 16, 2021, are no longer valid.

The entrance exam consists of two parts: 1) the online assessment taken on a personal computer and, 2) the proctored exam taken at a local testing center. -
The Proctored Examination contains the following assessment: Logical Reasoning. To be eligible, applicants must pass the entrance examination with a score of at least 70. -

If you pass the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories for referral and consideration:

Best Qualified: Applicants possessing the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications
Very Highly Qualified: Applicants possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds, to a very considerable extent, the minimum qualifications
Highly Qualified: Applicants possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds, to a considerable extent, the minimum qualifications
Well Qualified: Applicants possessing the type and quality of experience that marginally exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and who demonstrate average proficiency in most of the critical competencies
Qualified: Applicants possessing the type and quality of experience that meets the minimum qualifications.

Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on grade levels. Veterans with 5-point preference or 10-point non-compensable preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with ?completing the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam, you are able to request a Reasonable Accommodation prior to the online assessment and/or proctored exam. -
Required Documents
Resume: A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history, a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours worked per week. -
Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. -
Veterans' Preference Documents: If you claim Veterans' Preference you will be required to submit proof of eligibility (DD 214 Member-4 copy, Certificate of Release or Discharge) showing your Character of Service. Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. -
Statement of Service (Certification Letter): If you are still on active duty you must submit certification from the Armed Forces showing when you will be discharged or released from active duty. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) campaign badges and expeditionary medals; and (3) the character of service. -
Age Requirement Documents: If you are over the age of 40 you will need to submit proof you are eligible for the position of Border Patrol Agent. If you are claiming an age waiver based on Federal law enforcement service, you must submit copies of your SF-50s reflecting the beginning date and end date of creditable Federal civilian (not military) service under Title 5 U.S.C. 8331(20), and Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(17). If you are claiming an age waiver based on Veterans' Preference, submit the required Veterans' Preference documents.
SF-50: If you are a current/former Federal employee it is recommended you submit your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" form. Please do not submit a Performance Award SF-50.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? - Please submit:
a copy of your agency notice,
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
?Are you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee employee, you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment

How to Apply
Click on this site's "APPLY" link/button. - You will be taken to CBP's Recruitment Application, immediately upon registration you will receive a link to the Border Patrol Agent GL-7 announcement on USAJobs, the Federal Government's official employment site. -
To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs, or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Once you are at the Customs and Border Protection GL-7 grade level announcement, click Apply and follow the online prompts to fill out the assessment questionnaire and submit your application. -
Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section for additional information. All application materials must be in English. -
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. Applicants may not update any part of their application after initial submission. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, and any supporting documents at the time of application. Please see the Next Steps section for more information.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement. In addition, to be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum requirements of the position as shown in the evaluation section of this announcement.

CBP encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply for an exciting career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

?Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter at @CBP and @CBPJobs. Find us on LinkedIn at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Next Steps in the Application Process
A new entrance examination went into effect March 16, 2021. All applicants for GL-7 positions will be required to complete the two-part entrance examination.

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from CBPEntry_Support@psionline.com with a link to create an account to access the online assessment, which takes approximately 1 hour. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 72 hours of receipt of the email.

Upon completion of the online assessment, you will receive a second email from CBPEntry_Support@psionline.com to schedule the proctored exam at a local testing center. You will have 21 days to schedule and complete the proctored exam at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Scheduling the proctored exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. Please allow approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.

You will only be allowed one test result for the entrance exam for six (6) months, and the most recent score will be used regardless of whether it is a passing or failing result. A passing score does not guarantee selection.

If you meet the qualifications for this position and have a passing score, you will be considered for future openings in "category order" in accordance with Veterans' Preference regulations.

Your status will be updated on USA Jobs throughout the process. To check your status, log into your USA Jobs account and go to your home page to view active applications.

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