AMVETS Jobs

Summary Recruitment Incentive Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 to be paid upon successfully completing the academy and the remainder to be paid in full after completing a three-year service agreement. New Agents accepting a hard to fill location will be eligible for an additional $10,000 (for a total of $30,000). Applicants currently in pre-employment do not need to reapply to be eligible for the incentive. 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. Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include: Detecting and questioning persons 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 Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband 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, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission. Click on this video for more information on what it's like to be a Border Patrol Agent - A Day in the Life of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent In this video, actual agents in the field provide insight into the skills needed to be successful in the role, the tools they use, and what drives U.S. Border Patrol Agents. For more information on becoming a Border Patrol Agent, contact our recruiters here. 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. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. Pay rates are based on the 2024 OPM Salary Tables and do not take into consideration any potential overtime earnings, recruitment incentives, location incentives or yearly cost of living increases. For more information on career progression, click here. Language Proficiency: Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy. Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found here; as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA. Updated guidance: Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head or face are not permitted. Obscene, racially/ethnically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible. Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC). For more information, please visit https://bpunion.org/. 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 flexible work schedules; telework; 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Firearm Proficiency: You will be required to carry a firearm. Firearm proficiency is required for all Border Patrol Agents and is part of the training provided. Probationary Period: You must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of your initial permanent federal appointment. 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. Successful completion of the academy is required for this position. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Preparing for the Border Patrol Academy for a look at how to prepare for the academy, what you'll learn there and next steps after graduating. Residency Requirement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years, before completing an application for CBP employment. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant or an intern for the U.S. Government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to the residency requirement. Driver's License: "You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid driver's license is required. Any legal restrictions on a driver's license are not acceptable." More requirements listed in the Additional Information section below. Qualifications The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of this announcement. It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted with your application is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: One year of general experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level 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 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited or college or university; OR 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 Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that shows you have the experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrates the skills necessary to make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms; to deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; to 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 training others, managing finances, code enforcement, doing compliance work, corrections, security, military, emergency responders, etc.; OR Education Substitution: 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 Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; 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 within 9 months from the closing date of this announcement; 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, corrections and rehabilitation) or one year of law school from an accredited or college or university; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level AND 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 . This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 and or GS-11 grade level. Please refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement: Apply Here! National Service 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. Age Requirement: 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). The age restriction does not apply if you are a Veterans' Preference eligible. For more information on Veterans' Preference eligibility please see the OPM Veterans' Guide. Firearm Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child. 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. Re-promotion is not guaranteed. Timeframes and grade level re-promotion is at the discretion of the agency. 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. 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 Personnel Management guidance, and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change. Education See the Qualifications Section for education substitution. CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission and core values at https://www.cbp.gov/about. Additional $10K Recruitment Incentive: Hard to fill locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ. All incentive recipients will be required to sign a three-year service agreement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to ensuring that all of our employees act in a manner that embodies the Department's Mission Statement: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details here. Additional Information Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you will be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. For more information and videos about the polygraph 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: 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 and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP. Pre-Screening Interview: As part of the suitability process, you may be required to undergo a pre-screening interview. 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: You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. 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. For more information click here. This video explains what to expect in the Medical Exam process: Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Medical Exam Drug Testing Requirements: Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Program. You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. For more information, visit our Drug Testing FAQs and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Drug Test. Physical Fitness Screening: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. This a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass CBP fitness test. For more information, please see the Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test. Interview Process: You will be required to pass a structured interview. For more information, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: Structured Interview After you successfully complete all the pre-employment steps, you will be at the final offer step. For more information on the final offer, please see the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Final Offer. All agency employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.