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BORDER PATROL AGENT (Direct Hire)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Customs and Border Protection

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Overview This job is open to

' The public
Open & closing dates Salary U.S. citizens, nationals or those who
& 12/08/2017 to 01/07/2018 $40,511 to $72,898 per year owe allegiance to the U.S., and
excepted service employees.
Pay scale & grade Work schedule
GL 05 - 07 Full-Time - Full Time

Appointment type Apply

Permanent

$ Print  Share ⋆ Saved

? Help Announcement number

Location BPA DH 18-3

Control number
Many vacancies in the following location:
485628300
Location Negotiable After
Selection, United States

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

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Duties
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 201
7 "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.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities
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 C
BP.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

Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be required based on operational needs

Supervisory status Promotion Potential

No 12

Who May Apply

This job is open to…
United States Citizens

Questions? This job is open to 1 group.

Job family (Series)

1896 Border Patrol Enforcement Series

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Requirements
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 Achieve
ment 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 O
PM 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.

Education
Additional information
Polygraph Examination
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
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 Physic
al 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.

Close

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 Agen
t 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 January 21, 2018.
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 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.

Close

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Applicable

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Required Documents
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
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. Education completed in foreign
colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualifications requirements
if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received
in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility
to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualif
ications for more information.

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. *Although Veterans Preference does
not apply to Direct Hire Authority, upon selection Veterans Preference
documents may be required.

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
Questionnaire.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career
Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or 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

Are you a current or former political appointee? If you are or have been a
political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential appointee
employee, you must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a
statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent
political appointment:

Position title
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or
Presidential Appointee)
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment

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 LN2025502 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
Overview
modify, change, Locations Duties
or contact you regarding Requirements
the completeness Required Documents
or accuracy of your Benefits How to apply

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 s
chools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Departm
ent 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.

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Benefits
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive
benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to
a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Benefits for federal employees

Healthcare insurance
Pay and leave

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including:

health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift
Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee
Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other
benefits may include: tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform
allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed
to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and
developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS
Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to
any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a
service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether
your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring
agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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How to Apply
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
once. You must submit your resume, application questionnaire, and any
supporting documents by 11:59 pm Eastern Time Sunday, January 07, 2018 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 DH 18-2 or BPA VRA 18-2 and are still pending
your test results, you DO NOT need to reapply.

Duty Locations: Offers are made based on operational needs and requirements
and are determined by the U.S. Border Patrol. Although the locations listed will
most likely be available, the duty location offered in your final offer letter may
include any geographic location within the Southwest Border region. 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