**Experience:** One (1) year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR
**Education Substitution:** A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in _any field_ leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR
**Combination of Experience and Education:** A combination of general work experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
**Experience:** One year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to:
* Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
* Deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters.
* Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions where you will be expected to make arrests after the completion of required training and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as criminal code enforcement, determining violations of laws, correctional or rehabilitation work involving criminal offenders, security, military, etc., OR
**Education Substitution for the GL-7 grade level:** 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. Or 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;**OR**
**A Combination of Experience and Education:** This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.
**GL-9: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 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
**GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 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
Knowledge of Immigration and Nationality Law (e.g., non-immigrant classifications, immigrant classifications, inadmissible noncitizens, removable noncitizens, derivative citizenship, 8 USC)
Knowledge of the Use of Force Policy (e.g., firearms, less-lethal devices and techniques, qualification requirements)
Knowledge of Criminal Law and Procedure (e.g., statutory authority)
Skill in Using Physical Techniques (e.g., self-defense, baton, OC spray, PLS)
Skill in Using Firearms (e.g., handgun, shotgun, M-4)
Skills in Basic Operation of a Motor Vehicle (e.g., everyday use of vehicles, parallel parking)
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
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).
Applicants selected at the GL-5 or GL-7 grade levels must also complete and pass the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam.
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.
