GL-9: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
Performing physical searches of detained individuals, their vehicles, and their immediate surroundings for weapons, contraband, currency, and other evidence.
Apprehending, physically restraining, or working with law enforcement officials to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws.
Proficient in the use of firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, etc.), and gathering evidence for criminal cases prosecuted through the court system.
If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-11 grade level.
GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority granted by the state or government to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes, performing primary duties in an official law enforcement capacity such as:
Utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or contraband while serving as a state, federal, or military law enforcement official.
Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns while serving as a state, federal, or military law enforcement official.
Apprehending violators of state, federal, or immigration laws by utilizing various forms of complex technology that include surveillance, detection, situation awareness systems, and/or communications equipment.
Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms;
Deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters;
Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions;
Or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
There are no education substitutions for the GL-9 or GS-11 grade-level Border Patrol Agent opportunities.
**Citizenship** : You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
**Residency** : You must have had primary U.S. residency (including protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
**Age Restriction** : In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
**Veterans' Preference** : You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.
**Formal Training** : After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement, and USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses.
Relocation may be required.