Law Student - Government in Rio Grande City, TX

Government

Rio Grande City, TX

Law Student - Government in Rio Grande City, TX

Law Student

1-4 yrs required

No

**Job Title**
Border Patrol Agent

**Job Responsibilities**
As a Border Patrol Agent, you will serve as a critical member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession, tasked with the protection of American interests and securing national borders. Key responsibilities include:

- Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
- Inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or identify violations.
- Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near the borders.
- Conducting surveillance from covert positions, including the use of infrared scopes during night operations.
- Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry or contraband.
- Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
- Patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using various government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.

**Education and Experience Information**
To qualify for the GL-5 grade level, candidates must possess one of the following:

- Experience: One year of general experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, demonstrating the ability to make sound decisions and maintain composure in stressful situations, as well as the ability to gather concise information.
- 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 college or university.
- Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience and successfully completed college education.

For the GL-7 grade level, candidates must possess one of the following:

- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, demonstrating skills necessary for law enforcement, such as making sound judgments in the use of firearms, dealing effectively with people, and analyzing information rapidly.
- Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of graduate-level education in a field related to law enforcement.
- Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and graduate-level education in a field related to law enforcement.

Candidates with previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify at the GL-9 and GS-11 grade levels.

**Salary Information**
Selections will be made at the GL-5 or GL-7 grade levels, with potential promotion to GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. Salary ranges from $49,739 to $89,518 per year, with a fully trained Border Patrol Agent potentially eligible for an additional 25% of base pay, as per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. Pay rates are determined after successful completion of all pre-employment processes, and the rates are based on 2025 OPM Salary Tables. Promotions are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the agency.

**Additional Requirements and Information**

- **Recruitment Incentive**: Newly appointed agents may receive a $20,000 incentive, with additional incentives available for selecting prioritized locations.
- **Conditions of Employment**: Includes undergoing a polygraph examination, formal training at the . Border Patrol Academy, and meeting age and firearm proficiency requirements.
- **Qualifications**: Must meet specific qualifications by the closing date of the announcement, with additional requirements for veterans and individuals seeking an age waiver.
- **Background Investigation**: A sensitive National Security position requiring a successful Tier 5 investigation.
- **Language Proficiency**: Requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, with training provided at the academy.
- **Uniform/Grooming Standards**: Compliance with established standards is required, with specific regulations on tattoos and brandings.
- **Medical and Physical Fitness**: Candidates must pass a medical screening process and a Physical Fitness Test.
- **Residency Requirement**: Candidates must meet specific residency requirements, with exceptions available under certain conditions.
- **Probationary Period**: A one-year probationary period is mandatory.
- **Driver's License**: A valid driver's license is required.
- **Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence**: Individuals with such convictions are ineligible for the position.

For further information on the application process, required documents, and additional benefits, candidates are encouraged to visit the DHS Careers website and review related resources.