Border Patrol Agent

About the role

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of International Affairs, located in El Salvador; Guatemala, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica. Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement.

Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty locations listed above.

What you will do

• This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of aliens into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws; and seek out and apprehend smugglers or aliens who are in the United States illegally.
• Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.
• This position starts at a salary of $129,885.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $168,852.00 (GS-15, Step 10).
• Does not include Post (Hardship) Differential rate, see this link for current rates.
• Typical duties include: Exercising overall responsibility for the planning, directing, managing, and organization of all aspects of CBP operations and functions in assigned overseas area of responsibility.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with U.S, Embassy and foreign government officials to develop proposals, project plans, initiatives and programs that support U.S. Government and CBP international goals and priorities.
• Providing technical assistance and training to the host country in border security operations; development of cooperative agreements and participating in international organizations.
• Serving as liaison between CBP and the designated authorities of foreign governments in the assigned AOR on matters arising under the administration of reciprocal treaties; representing CBP in negotiations with foreign representatives in the settlement of specific controversies of law enforcement operations impacting the agency.
• Evaluating and analyzing information and intelligence received from a variety of sources to provide expert advice and comprehensive law enforcement recommendations to U.S. Federal agencies and appropriate foreign government officials.
• To learn more about CBP's Office of International Affairs, please visit *** or visit us on X/Twitter: @CBPIntlAffairs Transportation of Household Effects and Related Expenses: A.
• Maximum weight of household goods and personal effects, which may be transported or stored at the Governments expense, shall not exceed 18,000 pounds net weight for all employees.
• The transportation of household goods must be accomplished using a Government Bill of Lading.
• This includes transfers either to or from a foreign post of duty.
• Allowance for Transportation and Accessories Service - The actual cost of transportation of household goods and personal effects, including the packing and crating of materials, lift vans, or other temporary containers with the weights prescribed in the previous paragraph, will be allowed at the Governments expense.
• Temporary Storage of Household Goods - Temporary storage incident to the transportation of household goods is allowable for a period of up to 90 days.
• Return Rights: No later than 365 days prior to the completion of your tour at a foreign post of duty, you will have 60 days to submit a prioritized list of up to five duty locations, to which you prefer to be reassigned, to the Human Capital Division, Overseas Support Branch.
• This list may contain field or Headquarters duty locations, or a combination of both.
• If no vacancies are available in the preferred locations you requested, you will be returned to your original duty location held prior to this assignment.
• Foreign Transfer Allowance - The foreign transfer allowance is divided into two separate allowances.
• These allowances are payable as follows:A.
• Miscellaneous Expense Allowance - This allowance is intended to assist you with certain extraordinary costs in connection with establishing residence quarters at the foreign post of duty.
• An amount of $750 for a single employee and $1500 for an employee with a family may be granted without any receipt or itemizing required.
• This allowance is not paid to employees who are returning to the United States for separation.B.
• Subsistence Expenses Allowance - A subsistence expense allowance applicable to lodging, meals (including tips), laundry, cleaning and pressing expenses in temporary quarters for you and each member of your family for up to 10 days before final departure from a post in the United States to a foreign post of duty.
• Expenses of local transportation are not allowable.
• Passports: You will be required to obtain official OR diplomatic passports for yourself and your dependents as a condition of selection.
• Exception: If the foreign post of duty is with the Department of Defense, you and your dependents will require an official passport.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures You must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards Temporary/Rotational Assignment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed 3 years, with possible extension(s) for an additional 2 years in 1-year increments, for a maximum of five years.
• Based on applicable laws and regulations, you may be returned, at any time, to the position from which temporarily promoted, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay.
• If you are currently a permanent GS,-15, you will be laterally reassigned into this position and may be returned upon completion of the assignment or at any time it is determined that there is no longer an Agency need for this assignment, to the position held prior to this NTE assignment or to a similar permanent position.
• Return to your original location will be prioritized but is not guaranteed.
• Applicants who currently hold a permanent position at the advertised grade level will be referred for consideration through an alternative method.
• Retirement: This position is being filled on a not-to-exceed (NTE) temporary assignment; therefore, in the event the incumbent becomes eligible for retirement and chooses to retire, the incumbent will be returned to the home office of record at least two full pay periods prior to retirement.
• The incumbent will not be eligible to retire while serving on a NTE assignment in Office of International Affairs.
• Home Leave: In addition to annual leave, you will earn five, ten-, or fifteen-days home leave per year depending on your foreign post of duty and post differential rate.
• Home leave is granted to you when your foreign post of duty assignment is extended for another tour.
• The Government pays your per diem and transportation expenses from your foreign post of duty to your former official residence in the U.S. In addition, the Government pays for the transportation expenses of your dependents that accompany you on home leave to your residence in the U.S.

Education

WHERE WILL POSITIONS BE FILLED UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT?

You will be asked to identify your duty location preferences during the on-line application process. In some cases, the duty stations may not have a current vacancy during the life of this announcement. Applicants should still indicate every location they wish to be considered for.

This position is being announced under multiple job series. Please visit USAJOBS - Job Announcement to apply to the GS-1801 or USAJOBS - Job Announcement to apply to the GS-1895.

How you will be evaluated

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment.

You must have a current, valid score by 11/06/2026 if you have not held the GS-15 on a permanent basis, or if you have been demoted due to performance or conduct reasons.

You do not need to have a current, valid test score if you have permanently held a position at the GS-15 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are: Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to identify strategies and implement programs which contribute to providing top-quality service.

Ability to work in situations requiring highly developed organizational skills, emphasis on attention to detail, and the ability to work under time pressure without compromising the quality of analysis.

Knowledge of the mission of CBP and the principles, practices and policies in area of responsibility to provide guidance and leadership in carrying out program strategies, and to ensure policies and plans include a long term outlook consistent with customer needs.

Skills, sufficient to organize and coordinate thorough, systematic and professional efforts to meet more complex planning needs and unanticipated requirements, provide written and oral reports with conclusions, alternatives and recommendations, on policies, projects, or studies for CBP.

Preview the job questionnaire *** Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Documents you must provide

• A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed.
• Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed.
• Your resume should also contain your full name, phone number, email address, and salary.
• To ensure all your experience is considered, the U.S. Border Patrol strongly suggests resumes should describe your experiences and accomplishments, assignment dates, duty locations, your current supervisor's contact information and specify whether you have performed duties in investigations, intelligence, or have worked in sector-level or national programs (e.g., horse patrol, BORSTAR, BORTAC, peer support, chaplaincy, canine, etc.), or been assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, and/or Sector or USBP Headquarters.
• Include leadership or specialized training and college level courses completed.
• Resumes should also specify each supervisory position held (clearly listing SBPA, FOS, SOS, WC, DPAIC, PAIC, ACPA, XO, DC, DCPA or CPA).
• Additionally, include all temporary promotions listing the grade, position, location, and period of time held; temporary details or special assignments held 30 days or more (assignment, location, and period of time); and any prior military or other specialized experience outside of USBP that is relevant to law enforcement work.
• It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality.
• Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
• Limit your resume to no more than two pages.
• The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
• See the following link for USBP's optional resume format and additional resume tips: USBP Resume Guidance.
• Your responses to the job questionnaire: *** SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the following requirements.
• Your SF-50(s) should reflect the highest grade or full performance level held on a permanent basis in the competitive service and having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level below (or equivalent) the grade level for this position.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)?
• You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your most recent performance rating, an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C.
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee?
• Submit a copy of your initial and termination SF-50s.
• You may be asked to provide a copy of your performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
• Temporary Lodging Allowance: A temporary lodging allowance is a tax-free quarters allowance, which is granted to you for the reasonable cost of temporary quarters, which are incurred by you and your family for a period not to exceed (1) 60 days after first arrival at a new foreign post of duty, or a period ending with the occupation of permanent quarters, if earlier; and (2) 30 days immediately preceding final departure from the foreign post of duty subsequent to the necessary vacating of residence quarters.

What to expect next

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account. If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement. We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement.

If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

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.

Additional information

Security Clearance: Must obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET / SCI national security clearance because of regular access to classified information. Passport: Incumbent will be required to maintain an official passport in the performance of official duties within the Embassy.

Visa: Incumbent may be required to obtain a visa depending on the host country travel requirement to perform official duties within the Embassy. Medical Clearance: Incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance. Mandatory Training: Incumbent will be required to complete a series of mandatory DHS, CBP, DOS training prior to deployment.

Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to 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. This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position. Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle.

A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required. 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. Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.

Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found here, as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA. Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head and face are not permitted.

Obscene, racially/ethnically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.

Leadership Training: All newly appointed, GS-15s are required to complete mandatory training.

The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 5 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.

Financial Disclosure is required.