Border Patrol Agent (Intelligence)

Customs and Border Protection • Ponce, PR

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a GS-12 primary law enforcement position with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Ramey Sector, Sector Intelligence Unit, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The role involves preventing illegal entry into the United States by land, water, or air; enforcing criminal provisions of immigration and nationality laws; and seeking out and apprehending smugglers and people illegally present in the United States. The position starts at $91,985 per year (GS-12, Step 1) and reaches $119,583 per year (GS-12, Step 10), excluding cost-of-living allowance (COLA). The role is a rigorous law enforcement position subject to mandatory retirement provisions for law enforcement officers.

The incumbent performs intelligence collection, development, analysis, prosecution, investigation, and work of comparable difficulty. Duties include identifying, investigating, and apprehending terrorists, terrorist-related weapons, transnational criminal organizations and networks, and smugglers of people, drugs, and contraband. The agent uses and maintains sophisticated technology systems, identifies trends and patterns, prepares reports, and presents findings to leadership.

The position requires Spanish proficiency, the ability to operate a government-owned vehicle, and a valid, non-restricted driver's license. The agent must meet continuing firearms qualifications, medical and fitness standards, and background and security requirements, including a polygraph examination. Regular rotating shift work is required; overtime may be required daily. Overnight travel may occur regularly. The position requires wearing an approved uniform and following grooming standards.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• At least three of the last five years of primary U.S. residency, subject to stated exceptions and additional details.
• Meet the individual occupational requirement for specialized law enforcement or other responsible experience demonstrating ability to make arrests, exercise sound judgment in using firearms, interact effectively and tactfully with individuals or groups in law enforcement matters, rapidly analyze information and take appropriate action under applicable laws and procedures, and develop and maintain an informant network.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including interpreting and enforcing immigration or comparable laws; reviewing and evaluating intelligence from varied sources; developing trends, patterns, profiles, estimates, studies, or tactical interdiction approaches to solve unusual problems; collecting sensitive information on criminal activities such as alien smuggling, narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime; and developing intelligence collection plans.
• Proficiency in Spanish, including speaking and reading.
• Meet initial and continuing firearms-use qualifications and applicable firearms eligibility requirements.
• Successfully meet job-related medical and physical fitness standards and perform essential duties safely.
• Pass required pre-employment screening, including a background investigation and required polygraph process; a Secret or higher security clearance is required.
• Meet the applicable maximum age requirement for original appointment to a primary DHS law enforcement position, subject to stated exceptions, including qualifying veterans' preference eligibility and creditable service.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by 11/04/2026 if a current federal employee.
• Possess the ability to operate a government-owned vehicle and a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
• Be willing and available to work rotating shifts and potentially daily overtime; be available for regular overnight travel.
• Wear an officially approved uniform and comply with established grooming standards.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Complete all pre-employment processes in English.

Responsibilities

• Prevent illegal entry of aliens into the United States by land, water, or air.
• Enforce criminal provisions of immigration and nationality laws; seek out and apprehend smugglers and aliens illegally in the United States.
• Perform intelligence collection, development, and analysis, as well as prosecution, investigation, and comparable work.
• Identify, investigate, and apprehend terrorists, terrorist-related weapons, transnational criminal organizations and networks, and smugglers of aliens, drugs, and contraband.
• Utilize, maintain, and deploy complex and sophisticated technology systems.
• Identify trends and patterns, prepare reports, and present findings to leadership.
• Operate a government-owned vehicle.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed