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A fully trained Border Patrol Agent (BPA) may be eligible for overtime pay (up to an additional 25% of salary). Border Patrol Agents (BPA) may also have a higher starting salary based on their duty location. Please visit the OPM website for more information.
Duty Locations: While the location in this announcement is "Location Negotiable," the following geographic corridors are most likely to have Border Patrol Agent vacancies at the time of your final offer: West Texas-New Mexico Corridor, South Texas Corridor and Arizona Corridor. See the How to Apply section below for more information.
This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Category rating, veterans preference and traditional rating and ranking do not apply to this Public Notice. The duty location offered in your final job offer may include any geographic location within the Southwest Corridors that meets agency mission-critical needs.
This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level (with supervisor approval). For example you could:
· start as a BPA in June 2018 as a GL-5 and make $41,187 - $51,484 per year*
· be promoted in June 2019 to GL-7 and make $46,879 - $58,599 per year*
· be promoted in June 2020 to GL-9 and make $52,285 - $65,356 per year*
· be promoted in June 2021 to GS-11 and make $61,218 - $76,522 per year*
· be promoted in June 2022 to GS-12 and make $73,375 - $91,718 per year*
*Please note this example includes a range from minimum locality pay up to maximum potential salary with overtime earnings. Pay rates are based on the 2018 "Rest of the United States" salary table and do not take into consideration higher locality pay where applicable or yearly cost of living increases.
Polygraph Information: Border Patrol Agent (BPA) is a polygraph-designated position. You must complete and pass a polygraph examination to be eligible for the position. If you are a Veteran and have a have a current TS-SCI clearance, you may be eligible for a polygraph waiver. Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You may request reciprocity at the time of polygraph exam scheduling.
Learn more about this agency03/08/2018 to 04/07/2018
$41,187 - $74,108 per year
GL 05 - 07
Many vacancies in the following location:
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs
No
Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
12
No
BPA DH 18-6
492664700
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Discover a challenging and rewarding career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the sole organization responsible for securing the nation's borders. CBP employees protect our Nation's borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade.
The video: Border Patrol – Protecting the Homeland emphasizes the importance of Border Patrol's frontline role in helping CBP accomplish its mission. For more information on CBP's mission, activities, and careers please visit our website at CBP.gov.
Apply to this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's and our partners' ability to perform their homeland security functions by doing the following:
Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:
Firearm Proficiency: Firearm proficiency is required for Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided.
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. Note: If you are a current GS-12 step 1, your salary may be reduced to a GL-5 step 10, which equates to an approximate $22,168 salary reduction (based on locality). Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency.
Probationary Period: You must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.
Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.
Formal Training: 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.
Uniform: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.
Residency Requirement: To be considered for this position, an applicant must meet the residency requirement for three years before his or her application by:
1. Residing within the United States or its protectorate or territories; or
2. Working for the U.S. government as an overseas Federal or military employee; or
3. Being a dependent of a U.S. Federal or military employee serving overseas
Exceptions may be granted if you provide complete state-side coverage information regarding participation in "Study Abroad" programs, overseas church missions, or state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with you overseas. You must provide information and related documentation during the hiring process.
Driver's License: You must possess a valid driver's license.
All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
You qualify for the GL-5 grade level (starting salary $41,187 up to $51,484 with potential overtime) if your supporting documentation shows you possess one of the following:
a. One year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; learn law enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR
b. A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited or college or university; OR
c. Will receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement and will upload all official or unofficial transcripts before the closing date of this announcement; OR
d. A combination of successfully completed college education AND general work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
You qualify for the GL-7 grade level (starting salary $46,879 up to $58,599 with the potential overtime) if you possess one of the following:
a. One year of specialized work experience that demonstrates the ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions and sound law enforcement matters; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants; OR
b. 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. Go to Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; OR
c. 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
d. 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, corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited or college or university; OR
e. A combination of graduate level education completed 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, corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university AND specialized work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
Note: To be eligible for overtime, employees must be fully trained.
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 DH GL-9 announcement: Apply Here!
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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 your experience, please be sure to describe your duties, roles and responsibilities in detail.
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.
Age Requirement: Effective May 8, 2016, the Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age for original placement into a BPA position; therefore, candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday (increased from age 37). In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. However, 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). This measure will increase the statutorily mandatory retirement to an age of up to 60 to allow individuals the opportunity to complete 20 years of law enforcement service (See U.S.C 8425 (b)(1) and 8335 (b)(1)).
The age restriction does not apply if you are a veterans' preference eligible. For more information on eligibility as a veterans' preference eligible please see the OPM veterans' guide.
Shift Work/Overtime: This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations. You could be required to work overtime on a daily basis and will be compensated up to an additional 25% of your base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.
Polygraph Examination: The BPA position is a polygraph-required position. You must take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
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. For more information please see Background Investigation.
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: This position has medical/physical requirements. Click here for the specific requirements. You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. Employees in this position may be required to undergo a medical examination/evaluation at the request of the Agency. 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-1. Please see the
Pre-Employment Fitness Test-1 Physical Readiness Program for additional information. This a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass CBP fitness tests.
Interview Process: You will be required to pass a face-to-face structured interview (SI).
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on your passing entrance examination score (external assessments), resume, supporting documents, and responses to the job questionnaire. Test scores prior to June 19, 2017, are no longer valid.
The entrance exam (external assessment) contains the following two (2) assessments: The Border Patrol Experience Record assessment and Logical Reasoning Skills assessment. To be eligible, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70. Proper test preparation is essential for the successful candidate; therefore, we strongly encourage you to review the Border Patrol Agent Study Guides. You should take the BPA Entrance Exam Pre-Test (sample entrance examination). The pre-test will give you a preview of the types of questions you can expect to see on the actual exam. Applying early and scheduling the online entrance exam as soon as possible will ensure the most options for testing. The last day of online testing ends April 21, 2018. You will not be able to retake the entrance exam for six (6) months, regardless of whether you pass or fail. If you pass the exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be placed into the pre-employment process.
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, click here for more information about the request process: Reasonable Accommodations Request. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam.
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. Note: Most applicants are screened out for insufficient information on their resume. Please see the
CBP Border Patrol Agent Resume Aid for specific information and examples.
Assessment questionnaire: You must submit the online job questionnaire.
Transcripts: Required if basing any part of your qualifications on education and must be in English from an accredited institution. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. Official transcripts are preferred but will accept unofficial at the time of application. Official transcripts are required upon receipt of a final offer of employment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualifications requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
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). Those applying for 10-Point preference must submit documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. Please see the documentation as listed on the SF-15. *Although Veterans Preference does not apply to Direct Hire Authority, upon selection Veterans Preference documents may be required.
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. View more Veterans Preference.
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). Block 30 of your SF-50 should show Retirement Code M or O. If you do not meet the age requirement and you are unable to provide this required documentation, you will not receive consideration under this announcement. If you are claiming an age waiver based on veterans' preference, submit the required Veterans' Preference documents. Ensure that you enter your creditable service dates in the Job Related Experience field on the Occupational Questionnaire.
Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Please submit:
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:
Documents must be uploaded as the correct document type or they will not be considered. Example: Resume must be submitted as a Resume. If you fax your documents you must use the Fax Cover Sheet and fax to (478)757-3144. You must indicate Vacancy Identification Number LN2028821 on the fax cover sheet or your documents will not be uploaded properly. Due to system modifications, the option to fax documents will no longer be possible after March 31, 2018. Please upload documents through your USA Jobs account.
It is your responsibility to verify that information entered, or supporting documents that are uploaded or faxed are received and are accurate. CBP will not modify, change, or contact you regarding the completeness or accuracy of your application. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in Application Manager and you must again upload or fax it by the closing date.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin your online application, sign into USA Jobs or create a USA Jobs account if you do not already have one. Click Apply and follow the prompts to fill out the online 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 below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are planning to apply using your phone or tablet, see Browser Compatibility.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address posted below is for inquiries only. You may apply only once. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 pm Eastern Time Saturday, April 07, 2018 or by the date of your scheduled entrance exam test session, whichever comes first. Applicants with valid test scores may be eligible for early consideration. Please see the What to Expect Next section for more information.
If you recently tested under BPA DH 18-5 or BPA VRA 18-5 and are still pending your test results, you DO NOT need to reapply.
Duty Locations: 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 geographic location within the Southwest Border region. The U.S. Border Patrol does not allow the initial assignment of Border Patrol Agent trainees to duty stations within a 100-mile radius of their pre-employment home of record. This will not affect your future career decisions or your ability to apply for or be selected for positions that are near your pre-employment home of record:
· South Texas Corridor - (to include but not limited to the following locations) Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Cotulla, Falfurrias, Fort Brown, Freer, Harlingen, Hebbronville, Kingsville, Laredo North, Laredo South, Laredo West, McAllen, Weslaco, and Zapata, TEXAS
· West Texas/New Mexico Corridor - (to include but not limited to the following locations) Abilene, Alpine, Amarillo, Big Bend National Park, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Comstock, Del Rio, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, El Paso, Fabens, Fort Hancock, Fort Stockton, Lubbock, Marfa, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Rocksprings, San Angelo, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca, and Uvalde, TEXAS; Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Deming, Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, and Truth or Consequences, NEW MEXICO
· Arizona Corridor - (to include but not limited to the following locations) Ajo, Blythe, Casa Grande, Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sonoita, Tucson, Wellton, Willcox, and Yuma, ARIZONA
A detailed map of Border Patrol Sectors can be found at: Border Patrol Sectors
Relocations expenses will not be paid. To compare the cost of living data, calculate mortgage scenarios or gather information on communities and schools, visit: Relocation Tools
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP or ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP and/or ICTAP, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
View more information on applying for federal employment.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
View common definitions of terms found in 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 @CustomsBorder
Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from assessments@usahire.opm.gov with a link to complete the Border Patrol Experience Record assessment of the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Examination. You must complete this portion of the exam on a personal computer within 72 hours of receipt. Upon completion, you will receive a second email from USAHire_support@panpowered.com to schedule the remaining assessment of the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Examination at a local testing center. Please be sure to check your email, spam, and junk folders daily. Proctored testing will be conducted March 9 - April 21, 2018. The proctored assessment may take up to four (4) hours to complete. After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your experience and training. Veterans Preference does not apply to Direct Hire recruitment procedures. Applicants will be referred for selection consideration throughout the announcement open period as they successfully complete the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications. For example, applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam from March 9 - April 1, 2018, will be referred in the first round. Applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam will be referred based on the following rounds: April 2-12, 2018, and April 13-21, 2018. A passing score does not guarantee selection. 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. For detailed status, click on the plus sign (+) next to the announcement. Note: If you wish to have early consideration you must submit your resume and supporting documentation by the date you complete your entrance exam; or if you have a current passing test score, you must submit your resume and supporting documentation on the day you complete your application or by the end date of the first round of testing, as stated above.
If you are already in the pre-employment process under a direct hire selection for a Border Patrol Agent position and you reapply under this announcement and are referred for a position, your new referral will replace any existing Border Patrol Agent referral regardless of preference corridor for which you are currently in process, and may delay your pre-employment processes.
CBP does not pay for travel.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/492664700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
Customs & Border Protection (CBP): Securing America's Borders
