Job Title:
Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer
Company: US Customs and Border Protection
Location: Butner, NC
Created: 2026-03-07
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer Exciting Recruitment and Retention Incentives Available! IMPORTANT NOTICE: Initial duty assignments may include essential border locations as determined by operational needs. Relocation may be required. Explore the Incentives - See Salary Section Below! Join the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) for a dynamic career in law enforcement. Become part of a dedicated team focused on protecting America while enjoying competitive salaries, outstanding federal benefits, and job stability. The USBP, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is currently offering full-time, entry-level Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) positions. Salary and Benefits Annual Base Salary ranges by grade level: GL-5/GL-7: $49,739 - $89,518 per year Compensation may vary by duty location, often with locality pay being higher in certain areas. A fully trained Border Patrol Enforcement Officer (BPEO) may also be eligible for an additional 25% of base pay as per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career ladder role, offering growth from GL-5 to GL-12, with promotions possible after 52 weeks in each position. BPEOs receive a comprehensive package of federal employment benefits, which includes health, dental, and insurance plans, a generous leave program, and contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan, resembling a traditional ROTH 401(k). Recruitment Incentive Newly hired BPEOs may qualify for up to a $20,000 incentive, with the first $10,000 awarded upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy and the remaining $10,000 for accepting a prioritized location. Retention Incentive Newly appointed BPEOs may be eligible for up to $40,000 in additional incentives over their first four years. Duties and Responsibilities As a Law Enforcement Officer, your role will be crucial in protecting the American public by securing our borders and addressing illegal activities. Your contributions will be essential within the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) field. Key responsibilities include: Identifying and interviewing individuals suspected of immigration and customs law violations, as well as inspecting documents to determine citizenship or infractions. Preventing and apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers in border areas through various surveillance operations. Analyzing evidence related to illegal entry and contraband. Conducting inspections on farms, buildings, vehicles, and roads. Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using diverse government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and motorcycles. Qualifications For GL-5 Grade Level: Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating leadership, decision-making, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure; or Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or Combination: A mix of experience and education will be assessed based on your resume and academic transcripts. For GL-7 Grade Level: Experience: One year of specialized work experience showcasing sound judgment in using firearms, engaging effectively with the public in law enforcement contexts, and making quick decisions in critical situations. Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one full year of relevant graduate-level education in law enforcement-related areas; OR Combination: This will also be evaluated based on your resume and supplementary documents. Other Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required to apply for this position. Residency: Candidates must have primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. Age Restriction: Candidates must be selected before their 40th birthday due to federal retirement regulations. Current or former federal law enforcement personnel may be exempt. Veterans' Preference: Veterans may qualify for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), which can waive the age restriction. Formal Training: Post-hire, candidates will complete six months of extensive training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, covering immigration laws, law enforcement operations, physical techniques, and firearms training. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is required, with language training available at the Academy. How to Apply: Click the Apply button on this site. You will be directed to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent as your position of interest and complete the pre-screening questions. You will receive links to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on the federal government's employment site to complete your application. Carefully review all details and submit your resume and transcripts. For any inquiries about the application process, engage with a recruiter via the U.S. Border Patrol page. By subscribing to the CBP Talent Network, you'll gain monthly insights about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.