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Duties

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 sightings and other anti-smuggling activities

·Performing farm and ranch checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks

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.

Formal Training: You will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico for approximately 11 weeks 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 tested on your language abilities. If you score below an established benchmark, you will attend an additional 8-week Spanish language class at the border patrol academy, which will extend your stay to 19 weeks. This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.

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 there 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.

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 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 from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university; OR

c. A combination of successfully completed post-high school 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, or (3) honor society membership. Go to Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; OR

c. 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) at an accredited or pre-accredited college or university; OR

d. A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized work experience. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

If basing qualifications of education, then a bachelor's degree or graduate's degree or higher must be attained within 9-months after the closing date of the announcement.

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 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.

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

This announcement is open to VRA-eligible applicants. Please see the Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans for more information.

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.

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.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) as a condition of placement into this position. 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 position 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 may be required to successfully complete a physical fitness test. 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).

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.

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.

The entrance exam (external assessment) contains the following three (3) assessments: The Border Patrol Experience Record assessment, Logical Reasoning Skills, and Spanish Language or Artificial Language 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. Test scores prior to December 1, 2014, are no longer valid. 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.

You will not be able to retake the entrance exam for six (6) months, regardless of whether you pass or fail.

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 Process. 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.

If you pass the 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.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Required Documents

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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.

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.

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 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

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 LN1933325 on the fax cover sheet or your documents will not be uploaded properly.

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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Help

In order to begin your application, you will need an active USA Jobs account. 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 Sunday, May 07, 2017 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 17-6 or BPA VRA 17-5 and are still pending your test results, you DO NOT need to reapply.

Duty Locations: You will only be able to select one geographic corridor. Positions may be filled at any CBP duty station within the corridor. You must be willing to work at any duty station that falls within that corridor. 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

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the Highly Qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

View more information on applying for federal employment.

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.

All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder

Agency contact information

Frontline MHC USBP DEU

Phone: (952)857-2927
Email: CBPHIRINGDEUBPA@CBP.DHS.GOV

Address: CBP Entry Level OFO USBP
5600 American Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55437-1450

Next steps

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 two remaining assessments 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 April 9-May 21, 2017. The proctored assessments may take up to four (4) hours to complete. After test scores are uploaded, we will assess your experience and training. 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. 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 April 9-25, 2017, will be referred in the first round. Applicants who successfully complete the entrance exam will be referred based on the following rounds: April 26 - May 9, 2017, and May 10-21, 2017. 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 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, and may delay your pre-employment processes. If you pass the entrance exam and meet minimum qualifications, you will be contacted for placement into the hiring process. CBP does not pay for travel.

Required Documents

Help

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.

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.

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 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

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 LN1933325 on the fax cover sheet or your documents will not be uploaded properly.

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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

How to Apply