Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief)

Customs and Border Protection • Washington, DC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief) position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Office of the Chief, Information Coordination Division, Emergency Management Branch, in Washington, D.C. The position serves as a secondary law enforcement officer and supports USBP’s mission to prevent illegal entry, enforce immigration laws, and apprehend smugglers or individuals unlawfully in the United States.

The incumbent directs compliance management for national programs; oversees internal audits, reviews, and investigations; and develops reports, plans, actions, and policies. The role leads a team supporting consistent USBP operations, policy implementation, and accountability. It requires knowledge of DHS, CBP, USBP, and related agency structures to support policy development and review, assess risk, and translate program goals into measurable deliverables, milestones, and schedules. The incumbent also advises senior USBP leaders, provides technical guidance on policy and program management, and assists with resourcing, configuration management, knowledge management, and integration services for field activities.

This is a temporary rotational assignment not to exceed three years, with possible extensions of up to an additional two years. Relocation expenses have been authorized, although relocations are on hold pending funding. The position requires regular rotating shifts, possible overtime, recurring overnight travel, operation of a government-owned vehicle, and wearing an approved uniform while complying with grooming standards.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• At least three of the last five years of primary U.S. residency.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including providing technical and administrative oversight for Border Patrol functions; managing operational programs and support functions; directing local policy and program initiatives; or developing or directing operational policy or programs related to Border Patrol operations.
• Specialized law-enforcement or other responsible experience demonstrating ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in firearm use; interact courteously and tactfully in law-enforcement matters; rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions or take appropriate law-enforcement action; and develop and maintain a network of informants.
• Meet the prerequisite for a secondary administrative law-enforcement retirement-covered position, including qualifying prior rigorous law-enforcement or firefighting experience or equivalent experience outside the federal government, unless exempt as a current permanent secondary LEO retirement-covered employee.
• Proficiency in Spanish, including speaking and reading.
• Meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications and applicable legal eligibility requirements.
• Successfully complete required medical screening and be medically and physically capable of safely performing the essential duties.
• Pass required pre-employment processes, which may include a background investigation, drug testing, and a polygraph examination; non-current CBP law-enforcement applicants may be required to take a polygraph.
• Ability to operate a government-owned vehicle and possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
• Willingness and availability to work rotating shifts, potentially work overtime, travel overnight regularly, and comply with uniform and grooming standards.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by 11/16/2026, if applicable.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Complete required work-related processes in English.

Responsibilities

• Direct compliance management for national programs and oversee coordination of internal audits, reviews, and investigations.
• Formulate reports and plans or actions, and develop policies supporting the organizational framework.
• Lead a team that institutionalizes principles and policies guiding USBP operations and provides tools to the field to support policy enforcement and accountability.
• Use knowledge of DHS, CBP, USBP, and related agency organizational structures to support policy development and review.
• Analyze potential risk and translate program goals into measurable deliverables, milestones, and schedules.
• Provide technical advice and guidance on policy implementation and effective management of USBP programs.
• Provide senior-level advisory services to the Chief, Deputy Chief, and senior executives across USBP regarding policy, critical mission initiatives, and nationwide programs and services.
• Assist with development of resourcing plans, configuration management, knowledge management, and integration services for supported field activities.
• Perform Border Patrol law enforcement functions, including preventing illegal entry, enforcing immigration laws, and seeking out and apprehending smugglers or individuals unlawfully in the United States.
• Operate a government-owned vehicle and meet firearms, medical, fitness, shift-work, travel, and uniform requirements.

Benefits

• Relocation expenses are authorized, subject to funding and applicable requirements.
• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Potential overtime compensation of 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