Border Patrol seeking agents, pilots

February 8, 2022

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently accepting applications for Border Patrol Agent (BPA) GL-5 pay grade positions as part of its ongoing efforts to increase BPA hiring. The GL-5 pay grade is open to applicants who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. They are not required to possess superior academic achievement or related work experience, but they must undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure their eligibility and suitability for employment in a CBP law enforcement position.

Applicants must be able to meet the physical demands of the job as well as key requirements outlined in the application process.

“CBP and law enforcement agencies across the country are experiencing hiring challenges,” said Andrea Bright, CBP’s Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources. “Adding the BPA GL-5 to the February announcement increases the size of the applicant pool without compromising the standards of the CBP workforce.”

BPAs enforce immigration laws and detect, interdict and apprehend those who attempt to illegally enter or smuggle people or contraband across U.S. borders between official ports of entry. This includes preventing the entry of terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States between ports of entry. Typical assignments include patrolling international land borders and coastal waters and responding to aircraft sightings and other anti-smuggling activities.

CBP is offering a $10,000 recruitment incentive for all newly appointed BPAs who successfully complete the academy, and another $10,000 if the BPA completes two years at a designated remote location.

Applicants can visit the Apply Now page to submit a BPA application, or contact a United States Border Patrol recruiter to learn more about the BPA position.

In addition, CBP is seeking to add 200 Air Interdiction Agents (AIA) this year through direct-hire authority, despite a drop in candidates due to a national shortage of pilots.

“This hiring authority will enable CBP to offer on-the-spot tentative job offers and compete at job fairs with the airline industry,” said Andrea Bright, CBP’s Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources. “At CBP, not only do we provide job security, competitive pay and benefits, but you have an opportunity to serve your community and country.”

The AIA position is open to pilots with a minimum of 1,500 hours (500 hours can be waived), including 250 pilot-in-command, 75 instrument time and 75 nighttime hours. For more information on qualifications, review Qualifications Specific to an Air Interdiction Agent.

AIA applicants undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure their eligibility and suitability for employment in a CBP law enforcement position. Additionally, they must be able to pass a three-part flight assessment – an oral exam, a flight evaluation, and a structured interview – conducted over the course of a single day at the National Training Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

Air Interdiction Agents conduct airborne surveillance to detect and support the interdiction of the unlawful movement of people, illegal narcotics and conveyances across the U.S. border; support search and rescue activities and other agencies relating to natural, humanitarian, environmental or other disasters; and conduct security missions for events designated as National Special Security Events or given Special Event Assessment Ratings.

Visit the Apply Now page to submit an AIA application, or email an AMO recruiter at cbp_amo_recruiting@cbp.dhs.gov to learn more about the AIA position.