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The Border Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$109K - $142K/yr

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Spokane Sector, Colville Station located in Colville, WA. Additional ...

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The Border information

What are some common challenges faced by Border Patrol Agents, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Border Patrol Agents often encounter physically demanding environments, unpredictable weather, and extended periods of time in remote areas. They also face the challenge of making quick, sound decisions in high-pressure situations while upholding legal and ethical standards. Applicants can prepare by maintaining strong physical fitness, developing resilience, and familiarizing themselves with relevant laws and protocols. Teamwork and communication skills are also essential, as agents routinely collaborate with other agencies and local communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Border Patrol Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Border Patrol Agent, you generally need U.S. citizenship, a valid driver's license, and a background in law enforcement or security, often supported by passing physical fitness and written exams. Familiarity with surveillance technology, vehicles, and databases like IDENT and IAFIS is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively securing borders, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining public safety.

What are 'The Border' jobs?

Jobs at 'The Border' typically refer to positions involved in managing and overseeing national border security and immigration processes. These roles can include border patrol agents, customs officers, immigration inspectors, and support staff, all working to secure the border, prevent illegal crossings, and facilitate legal trade and travel. Employees in these roles often work for government agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The work may involve patrolling border areas, inspecting vehicles and cargo, processing travelers, and enforcing immigration laws.

What is the difference between The Border vs Customs Officer?

AspectThe BorderCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in border securityHigh school diploma; customs training and certification
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, ports, airportsCustoms offices, ports, border checkpoints
Industry UsageBorder security agencies, governmentCustoms agencies, government
Common Search/ComparisonBorder security rolesCustoms enforcement roles

While both roles operate at border points, The Border typically refers to the broader security operations at border crossings, whereas Customs Officer focuses specifically on inspecting goods and enforcing customs laws. Both require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly, with The Border emphasizing overall border security and Customs Officers concentrating on customs compliance.

More about The Border jobs
What cities are hiring for The Border jobs? Cities with the most The Border job openings:
What job categories do people searching The Border jobs look for? The top searched job categories for The Border jobs are:
Infographic showing various The Border job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$109K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Spokane Sector:
  • Metaline Falls Station, Metaline, WA
  • Oroville Station, Oroville, WA

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
This announcement has been amended as of 07/21/2026 to extend the closing date to 08/04/2026.
Relocation Authorized Position: All relocations will be placed on hold at the time of selection, as USBP awaits to receive funding. As soon as funding becomes available, you will be contacted by the CBP Hiring Center to coordinate an enter on duty (EOD) date and complete the necessary relocation forms.
Relocation expenses have been authorized for this position. See the Relocation Expenses Reimbursed section of this announcement and U.S. Border Patrol Paid Moves for additional details.
In addition, a VRP verification process has been established. Please be informed that within 90 days after your report date, you will be requested to provide valid documentation confirming that you have established a residence closer to the new duty location. Further information on this process will be provided to you during the selection process.
This position will allow you to use your expertise to prevent illegal entry of aliens 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 aliens who are in the United States illegally. Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to protect the homeland.
This position starts at a salary of $109,383.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $142,199.00 (GS-13, Step 10).
Salary: Salary listed reflects the Rest of U.S. (RUS) scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the special rate of the duty location upon selection.
As a first-line Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, you will serve as a primary law enforcement officer (under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 8412 (d)) and be responsible for:
  • Directing the assignments of subordinate Border Patrol Agents that perform Border Patrol functions during specified shift operations.
  • Directing assignments consistent with the Border Patrol operational mission and objectives: detecting and preventing the entry of undocumented noncitizens, narcotics, illicit contraband, terrorists, and weapons of terrorism, from entering the United States.
  • Reviewing active intelligence and deploying resources effectively to target areas of the greatest risk, while participating in and encouraging others to improve methods of information collection that will assist the intelligence program.
  • Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence and disseminating reports within the Agency and to other law enforcement officials nationwide.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • You must be able to meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards

Qualifications
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:
  • Identifying operational problems, devising solutions, ensuring compliance of enforcement and operational practices, and apprising management of deficiencies or noted problems;
  • Supervising Agents during the gathering and review of evidence as well as the preparation and evaluation of cases to be presented for both criminal and administrative proceedings;
  • Maintaining compliance with current policy regarding data entry and integrity, ensuring technology training has been provided to subordinates for efficient and accurate data entry;
  • Providing guidance and instruction to Agents in community relations, fostering outreach, harmonious relationships with the public at large, and gaining support for the Border Patrol mission.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
Rigorous Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a rigorous position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS 5 CFR 842.803, 5 CFR 831.903, 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b), 5 USC 8412(d), 5 USC 8336(c). For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46 (CSRS pages 12-14, and FERS pages 41-43)If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
Language Requirement: Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).
Firearms Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/04/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
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. NOTE: CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into a law enforcement position. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03, unless the below criteria applies, you must meet this age requirement by the date of referral to the hiring manager.
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).
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
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 on a daily basis 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.
Travel: Overnight travel may be required on a regular and recurring basis.
Uniform/Grooming Standards: This position requires wearing an officially approved uniform and complying with established grooming standards found here, as established by the Border Patrol's Uniform and Grooming Standards Policy #IOP-5320-02A-UGSBPA. Please note that in accordance with these standards, tattoos and/or brandings on the head and face are not permitted. Obscene, racially/ethnically derogatory and/or gang tattoos or brandings shall not be visible.
Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within 90 days of assignment to this position.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed, first-time CBP Supervisors are required to complete mandatory CBP Supervisory Leadership (SLT) training. SLT will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include three weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Additionally, all newly appointed U.S. Border Patrol First-Line Supervisors are required to complete the Supervisory Field Training Unit (SFTU). The SFTU will be conducted throughout the entire 18-month probationary period. SFTU completion failure will result in the Agent's return to

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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003