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Border Security Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Visa Specialist

Williamsburg, KY ยท On-site

$89K/yr

Experience in utilizing software programs and online research tools used in border security, non-immigrant visa, and diversity visa operations. * Experience in analyzing and recommending new fraud ...

$24.82 - $44.34/hr

February 2026 Update GL-5/7 grade levels Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector (Entry Level) A MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER! If you're looking for "just a job ...

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Border Security information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$38.2K

$51.2K

How much do border security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for border security in Kentucky is $38,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $41,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by border security officers during their daily duties?

Border security officers often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of travelers, identifying fraudulent documents, and responding to rapidly changing security threats. They must remain vigilant and adaptable while working in dynamic, high-pressure environments that may require long hours or shift work. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies are crucial for handling complex situations and ensuring the safety of all parties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a border security officer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Border Security Officer, you need physical fitness, attention to detail, strong observation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent; additional law enforcement or military training is often preferred. Familiarity with surveillance systems, identification verification technology, and communication devices is crucial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers manage challenging interactions and emergencies. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively enforce laws, maintain national security, and ensure safe and lawful border crossings.

What is border security?

Border security refers to the measures and policies implemented by a country to monitor, regulate, and protect its borders from illegal activities such as unauthorized immigration, smuggling, human trafficking, and potential security threats. Border security professionals work at international borders, airports, and seaports to enforce laws, inspect goods and people, and prevent unlawful entry. Their role is crucial in maintaining national security, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and safeguarding the public.

What is the difference between Border Security vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder SecurityCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; security trainingHigh school diploma; customs and immigration training
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, portsCustoms stations, ports, airports
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, homeland securityCustoms agencies, border control
Common Search/ComparisonBorder Security vs Customs Officer

Border Security and Customs Officers both work in border control environments, but Border Security personnel focus on overall border protection, including preventing illegal crossings and threats. Customs Officers primarily handle customs inspections, tariffs, and import/export regulations. While their roles overlap in border areas, their specific responsibilities and training differ, making each role unique within border enforcement agencies.

How to be a border security agent?

To become a border security agent, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness and background checks, and complete specialized training at a federal or state training academy. Relevant skills include observation, communication, and knowledge of immigration laws, with some positions requiring prior law enforcement experience or certifications. The job often involves working in various environments, including border crossings and patrols, with shifts that may include nights and weekends.
Infographic showing various Border Security job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,183 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Visa Specialist

US Department of State

Williamsburg, KY โ€ข On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), Office of Domestic Operations, Visa Directorate, Bureau of Consular Affairs. KCC processes all petition-based non-immigrant and diversity immigrant visas, which totals over 600,000 cases per year, and conducts Facial Recognition checks for approximately 20 million visa and passport applications per year.

Qualifications:

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work such as developing, examining, investigating, adjudicating, or authorizing claims arising under the immigration and/or nationality laws of the United States.

Specialized Experience:

  • Experience in understanding and applying a wide range of federal policies, laws, and regulations that govern non-immigrant and diversity immigrant visas processing.
  • Experience in using qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of fraud prevention operations.
  • Experience in utilizing software programs and online research tools used in border security, non-immigrant visa, and diversity visa operations.
  • Experience in analyzing and recommending new fraud prevention initiatives in response to emerging fraud patterns, trends, and regulatory and policy changes.
  • Experience in using oral and written communication to provide advice and assistance, plan and coordinate activities, present briefings and trainings, interpret policies and procedures, conduct outreach, and represent agency interests in interactions with other government and non-governmental entities.
Education:

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Employment Type: OTHER