Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Watch Commander)

Customs and Border Protection•Freer, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Watch Commander) position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Laredo Sector, Freer Station in Freer, Texas. The Watch Commander is a second-line supervisor and a secondary-administrative law enforcement officer. The role supports efforts to prevent unlawful entry into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of immigration law; and apprehend smugglers and people unlawfully present in the country. The position is GS-14, with a stated salary range of $129,891 to $168,864. The role requires Spanish proficiency, firearms qualifications, and the ability to operate a government vehicle. It involves rotating shifts, possible daily overtime, and regular overnight travel. The employee must wear an approved uniform and meet grooming standards. A Secret or higher security clearance may be required. The appointment may include an 18-month supervisory probationary period and mandatory leadership training.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Specialized law-enforcement or other responsible experience demonstrating the ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms.
Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with individuals or groups in law-enforcement matters.
Ability to rapidly analyze information and make prompt decisions or take appropriate law-enforcement action under applicable laws, court decisions, and sound procedures.
Ability to develop and maintain a network of informants.
Proficiency in Spanish, including speaking and reading.
Meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications and applicable firearm-eligibility requirements.
U.S. citizenship; males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Have primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated exceptions or additional details.
Pass applicable pre-employment screening, including background investigation and required polygraph examination, and meet medical and physical standards.
Possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license and be able to operate a government-owned vehicle.
Be willing and available to work rotating shifts and potentially overtime, travel overnight regularly, and rotate between assignments and duty locations.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by November 6, 2026, if applicable.
For special law-enforcement retirement coverage, meet the stated service conditions, including moving directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position, completing three years in a rigorous position, and continuous service in secondary positions without a break exceeding three days, unless exempt from the prerequisite.
Comply with uniform and grooming standards.
May be required to serve an 18-month supervisory probationary period and complete supervisory and leadership training.

Responsibilities

Coordinate law-enforcement activities, including detention and processing operations, seized property, fleet maintenance and supplies, and facilities and office management.
Facilitate community relations and partnerships with other agencies.
Ensure subordinate supervisors and agents complete their major duties and responsibilities and comply with applicable requirements.
Review administrative and criminal cases for accuracy and compliance with legal guidelines.
Provide technical and administrative direction and oversight for Border Patrol functions within an assigned area.
Supervise, manage, or direct operational programs and related support functions, and direct local policy and program initiatives.
Develop, manage, or direct operational policies or programs related to Border Patrol operations.
Prevent illegal entry into the United States, enforce criminal provisions of immigration law, and seek out and apprehend smugglers or aliens unlawfully present in the United States.