Border Patrol Agent (Headquarters Programs)

Customs and Border Protection • Washington, DC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Law Enforcement Operations Directorate, Intelligence and Liaisons Division, in Sterling, Virginia or Washington, D.C. The role is a secondary law enforcement position focused on headquarters programs and intelligence work. It supports the prevention of unlawful entry into the United States, enforcement of immigration laws, and apprehension of smugglers and individuals in the country illegally.

The Border Patrol Agent works in a collaborative, intelligence-centered law enforcement environment while also leading independent projects. The position conducts advanced intelligence research, analysis, and reporting across classification levels, using databases, intelligence systems, and publicly available information. It leads complex short- and long-term projects concerning subjects such as terrorism, illicit migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and money laundering, and builds relationships that support intelligence sharing among Border Patrol components and domestic and bi-national law enforcement partners.

The position is a temporary rotational assignment not to exceed three years, with possible extensions of up to two additional years. It is classified as a secondary law enforcement position subject to applicable special retirement provisions. The role requires Spanish proficiency, firearms qualifications, medical and physical fitness, a valid non-restricted driver's license, and the ability to operate a government vehicle. Regular rotating shift work, possible overtime, overnight travel, and wearing an approved uniform are required.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including work such as collaborating with Border Patrol managers on objectives; reviewing data and program metrics and recommending best practices; assisting with enforcement, intelligence, administrative, or logistical projects; or preparing reports from Border Patrol databases and operations to support budget recommendations.
• Specialized law enforcement or other responsible experience demonstrating ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in firearms use; interact courteously and tactfully with individuals or groups in law enforcement matters; rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions or take appropriate action under applicable law and procedures; and develop and maintain an informant network.
• Proficiency in Spanish, including speaking and reading.
• Ability to meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications and applicable firearms eligibility requirements.
• Successful completion of required medical screening and ability to perform essential job functions safely and efficiently.
• Ability to operate a government-owned vehicle and possession of a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
• Willingness and availability to work rotating shifts and potentially rotate among assignments and duty locations.
• Ability to work overtime as required and undertake regular overnight travel.
• Ability to wear an officially approved uniform and comply with grooming standards.
• U.S. citizenship; male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years, subject to the announcement's stated details.
• Ability to complete pre-employment processes in English and pass required background investigation and polygraph processes, as applicable.
• For special retirement coverage in a secondary position, meet the applicable service conditions, including moving directly from a rigorous position without a break in service, completing three years in a rigorous position, and continuous employment in secondary positions after the move without a break exceeding three days. A stated exception applies to employees already in a permanent secondary LEO retirement-covered position.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by November 6, 2026, if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Perform in a collaborative, law enforcement intelligence-centered environment while leading autonomous projects, including extensive report writing and advanced targeting.
• Conduct and develop in-depth intelligence research, analysis, and reporting across all classification levels using advanced databases, intelligence systems, and publicly available information.
• Lead short- and long-term complex intelligence projects involving topics such as terrorism, illicit migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and money laundering.
• Create and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate horizontal and vertical intelligence sharing and integration among U.S. Border Patrol entities and other domestic and bi-national law enforcement partners.
• Support prevention of illegal entry into the United States, enforcement of criminal provisions of immigration laws, and apprehension of smugglers and people unlawfully present in the country.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and eligible family members; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Overtime compensation may be up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed