U.S. Border Patrol Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Reinstatement Opportunity

U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is currently soliciting interested candidates for reinstatement to the following position:

Position/Series/Grade(s): 

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, GS-1896-13

Duty Location(s):

• Big Bend Sector – Big Ben Station, Alpine, Fort Stockton, Marfa, Midland, Presidio, Sanderson, Van Horn and Sierra Blanca, Texas
• Blaine Sector – Blaine Station, Bellingham, Port Angeles, and Sumas, Wash.
• Buffalo Sector – Buffalo Station, Erie, Niagara Falls, Oswego, Rochester, and Wellesley Island, N.Y
• Del Rio Sector – Del Rio Station, Abilene, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Comstock, Del Rio, Eagle Pass North, and Eagle Pass South, Rocksprings, San Angelo, Uvalde, Texas
• Detroit Sector – Detroit Station, Gibraltar, Marysville, Sandusky Bay, and Sault Ste Marie, Mich.
• El Centro Sector – El Centro Station, Calexico and Indio, Calif.
• El Paso Sector – El Paso Station, Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Clint, Deming, Ft. Hancock, Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Truth of Consequences, and Ysleta, N.M.
• Grand Forks Sector – Grand Forks Station, Bottineau, Duluth, Grand Marais, Int falls, Pembina, Portal, and Warroad, N.D.
• Havre Sector – Havre Station, Malta, Plentywood, St. Mary, Sweetgrass and Scobey, Mont.
• Houlton Sector – Houlton Station, Calais, Ft Fairfield, Ft Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Rangeley, and Van Buren, Maine
• Laredo Sector – Laredo Station, Cotulla, Dallas, Freer, San Antonio, Laredo North/South/West, Herbonville, and Zapata, Texas
• Miami Sector – Jacksonville, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Dania Beach, and Tampa, FL
• New Orleans Sector – Mobile, Gulfport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Ramey Sector – Ramey Station, PR
• Rio Grande Valley Sector – Rio Grande City, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Falfurrias, Ft. Brown, Harlingen, Kingsville, McAllen, Weslaco, Texas
• San Diego Sector – Boulevard, Brown Field, Campo, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Imperial, Newton-Azrak, San Clemente, Calif.
• Spokane Sector – Spokane Station, Bonners Ferry, Colville, Curlew, Eureka, Metalline Falls, Oroville, and Whitefish, Wash.
• Swanton Sector – Swanton Station, Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Newport, Richford, Massena, and Ogdensburg, VT.
• Tucson Sector – Tucson Station, Ajo, Brian A. Terry, Three Points, Casa Grande, Douglas, Nogales, Sonoita, and Wilcox, Ariz.
• Yuma Sector – Yuma Station, Blythe and Wellton, Ariz.

Salary: 

Salary rates are based on the 2023 "Rest of the United States" salary table and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

Duties:

This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of noncitizens into the United States by land, water, or air; enforce criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws; and seek out and apprehend smugglers or noncitizens who are in the U.S. illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.

As a first-line Supervisory Border Patrol Agent you will serve as a primary law enforcement officer (under 5 U.S.C. 8331(20) and 8412 (d) and be responsible for:

• Directing assignments of subordinate Border Patrol Agents, specialized units, and station operations.
• Directing activities aimed at preventing the illegal entry of undocumented noncitizens into the U.S. by land, water, or air.
• Seeking out and apprehending smugglers or undocumented noncitizens who are illegally in the U.S.
• Enforcing the criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality laws.
• All normal functions involved in supervising personnel, including leave approval, resolving disciplinary problems, and preparing annual performance appraisals.

Who May Apply:

• Former Supervisory Border Patrol Agents, who have been separated from USBP
• Must meet eligibility for reinstatement as defined by 5 CFR 315.401
• Must have passed the Border Patrol Academy and post-Academy prior to leaving CBP
• Must have successfully completed the requirements of a probationary or trial period
• Must have satisfactory or pass performance appraisals during the last three years of federal employment
• Must have been separated at the applicant’s choice with no disciplinary action taken within the last three years of CBP employment and with no disciplinary proceeding pending
• Must have held a competitive permanent supervisory position with the Full Performance Level of GS-13.

Applications will be accepted through February 16, 2023.

Requirements:

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• Must have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (Residency Requirement Exceptions)
  • If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two (2) of the last five (5) years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
    • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
    • A dependent of a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. Government
    • Working as a contractor employee, a volunteer, consultant, or an intern for the U.S. Government
    • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception to the residency requirement.
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Meet the maximum Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Laws 93-350 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a primary Law Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In accordance with DHS Management Directive 251-03, the "day before an individual's 37th birthday" is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a primary law enforcement officer within DHS. The age requirement is necessary to ensure that you are able to complete the 20 years of applicable service for retirement. NOTE: The Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into a BPA position. You must meet this age requirement unless the below criterion applies:
  • Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) (as a Customs and Border Protection Officer) on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
  • Veterans Preference Eligibility: To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its recent decision of Isabella v. Dept. of State, the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veteran's preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. § 3312. You must submit proof of Veteran's Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy) at the time of application.
• Must be proficient in the Spanish language (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish)
• Be willing to travel; you will be required to travel frequently

Basic Qualifications Requirements:

The basic qualification requirements include experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrates the ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; to deal effectively with individuals or persons in a courteous, tactful manner; and to analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions.

AND

You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Interpreting and enforcing immigration or comparable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Gathering and analyzing intelligence from a variety of sources.
• Developing case work pertaining to criminal prosecutions and investigations.
• Identifying and investigating smuggling operations.
• Devising and recommending solutions to operational problems, and apprising management of identified deficiencies and solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with enforcement and operational practices.

Firearm Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while on duty. Anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922 (g) (9)). Candidates will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense.

Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #07-09126. Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head, face, neck, or hands are not permitted. Obscene, racially/ethnically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible. All visible tattoos and/or brandings will be covered while performing the following volunteer duties: Recruiting, Public Affairs Officer, Oral Hiring Boards, International Liaison duties, Community Affairs, or judicial proceedings.

Additional Information:

Former LEO applicants are required to meet all pre-employment requirements that are applicable for the position.

• Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. You may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
• Background Investigation: You will be required to undergo, and must successfully pass, a Tier 5 investigation or equivalent for placement and retention in this position. For more information, please see Background Investigation and the Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The E-QIP.
• Interview: You may be required to pass a face-to-face structured interview.
• Medical/Physical Requirements: You must complete the medical screening process and be found to meet the medical standards for the position. If you do not meet the medical standards for the position, you may request a waiver of the medical standard by demonstrating with non-medical information that, with or without reasonable accommodation, you can safely perform the essential duties of the position. Click here for the specific requirements.
• Drug Testing Requirements: You must complete a drug test as a condition of employment. Employees are subject to drug testing in compliance with the Agency's Drug-Free Workplace Program. Visit our Drug Testing FAQs for more information.
• Physical Fitness Screening: You may be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please see the Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program for additional information. This a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass CBP fitness test.
• Border Patrol Academy Basic Training: SBPA position will not be required to attend the Border Patrol Academy Basic Training, but instead will receive re-entry training.

This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position.

Shift Work/Overtime: This position requires regular and recurring shift work. You must be willing and available to work rotating shifts. You may also be rotated between assignments and duty locations. You could be required to work overtime daily and will be compensated up to an additional 25% of your base pay in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit an email request to USBPReinstatement@cbp.dhs.gov.

Attach the following documents:

• Resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. Your resume must be in English and must include your job titles and a detailed description of your duties and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY), as well as your hours per week for each position listed. Your resume should also contain your full name, address, phone number, email address, and salary. To ensure all your experience is considered, the U.S. Border Patrol strongly suggests resumes should describe your experiences and accomplishments, assignment dates, duty locations, your current supervisor's contact information and specify whether you have performed duties in investigations, intelligence, or have worked in sector-level or national programs (e.g., horse patrol, BORSTAR, BORTAC, peer support, chaplaincy, canine, etc.), or been assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, and/or Sector or USBP Headquarters. Include leadership or specialized training and college level courses completed. Resumes should also specify each supervisory position held (clearly listing SBPA, FOS, SOS, WC, DPAIC, PAIC, ACPA, XO, DC, DCPA or CPA). Additionally, include all temporary promotions listing the grade, position, location, and period of time held; temporary details or special assignments held 30 days or more (assignment, location, and period of time); and any prior military or other specialized experience outside of USBP that is relevant to law enforcement work.
• See the following links for USBP's preferred resume format and additional resume tips: Resume Template and Resume Writing Guide.
• Copy of most recent Standard Form SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) that reflects the highest grade and tenure previously held.
• Cover Letter
  • Applicant Name
  • Dates of Employment with USBP, former sector and duty station, dates in supervisory position and supervisor probationary period completion date
  • References: Provide two names from each duty station, including at least one immediate supervisor while employed at each
  • Reason for leaving the LEO position with CBP
  • Current Employment: Provide name, address, and phone number for immediate supervisor
  • Preferred Duty Location: List three locations in order of preference

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy:

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace, or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations: When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete For a job; when an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to gain access to the workplace; and when an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal access to benefits and privileges of employment (e.g., details, trainings, office-sponsored events).

Point of Contact:

Questions may be directed to USBP Headquarters, Mission Support Directorate, Workforce Management by email at USBPReinstatement@cbp.dhs.gov.