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BORDER PATROL AGENT (Direct Hire)

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
This job announcement has closed

Summary

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 March 2018 as a GL-5 and make $40,511 - $50,639 per year*

· be promoted in March 2019 to GL-7 and make $46,110 - $57,637 per year*

· be promoted in March 2020 to GL-9 and make $51,424 - $64,280 per year*

· be promoted in March 2021 to GS-11 and make $60,210 - $75,262 per year*

· be promoted in March 2022 to GS-12 and make $72,168 - $90,210 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 2017 "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.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/08/2017 to 12/07/2017
Salary
$40,511 to - $72,898 per year
Pay scale & grade
GL 05 - 07
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
Many vacancies
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Service
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Announcement number
BPA DH 18-2
Control number
483356800

This job is open to

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Duties

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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:

  • Patrol international land borders and coastal waters
  • Detect and prevent the illegal entry and smuggling of aliens into the United States
  • Detect and prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering into the United States
  • Prevent the illegal trafficking of people, narcotics and contraband into the United States

Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:

  • Detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens 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

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must successfully pass a polygraph exam
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
  • Referred for selection prior to your 40th birthday (waiver for Veterans)
  • You must have resided in the U.S. for the last 3 years
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation
  • Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying
  • You will be required to carry a firearm
  • You will be required to work regular and recurring shift work
  • You must meet job-related medical, fitness and drug-testing standards
  • You must have a valid driver's license

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 $21,460 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.

Qualifications

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 $40,511 up to $50,639 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 $46,110 up to $57,637 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.

Additional information

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.

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 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 December 21, 2017. 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.

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