Patrol Agent (Full-time)

Company: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Location: Irvine
Posted on: March 6, 2026

Job Description:

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) – in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector (Entry Level) But, if you’re looking for a long-term federal law enforcement career, one that makes a difference every day to our country and its citizens, then the U.Border Patrol (USBP) would like you to take the first step to becoming an entry level Border Patrol Agent. USBP is hiring immediately to fill full-time, entry-level, career positions in federal law enforcement where your prior experience in public safety, security, military police or law enforcement may qualify. Border Patrol Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering. *Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in ) will be eligible for up to $20,000 in incentives. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location such as Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer or Hebbronville, TX; Retention Incentive*Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required . Big Bend Sector Stations - *Presidio, Van Horn, *Sanderson, Alpine, *Sierra Blanca, Marfa Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Fort Fairfield, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission. 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; 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; 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. 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. Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants. A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., 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; A Combination of Experience and Education: This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. Citizen to apply for this position. S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. 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.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.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. Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border Patrol Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the Academy. Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions. You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam . If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.Border Patrol page: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp . As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.

Keywords: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Hawthorne , Patrol Agent (Full-time), Legal , Irvine, California