Job Description
The U.S. Border Patrol, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is hiring a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent at the GS-13 grade level for the San Diego Sector.
This position is located at one of three stations: Campo Station in Pine Valley, CA; Boulevard Station in Boulevard, CA; or Brownfield Station in San Diego, CA.
As a supervisor, you will lead teams in preventing illegal entry, enforcing immigration laws, gathering intelligence, and investigating smuggling operations.
Qualification
To qualify for the GS-13 Supervisory Border Patrol Agent position, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. This experience must include interpreting and enforcing immigration laws, gathering and analyzing intelligence, developing criminal case work, and identifying smuggling operations. Additionally, you must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for law enforcement experience demonstrating arrest authority, firearm proficiency, and decision-making under pressure.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 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…
- Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized experience in law enforcement or other responsible work demonstrating the ability to make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups in a courteous, tactful manner; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
- Must be proficient in the Spanish language (able to speak and read Spanish).
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- 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 (waivers may be available for certain federal employees, military, or study abroad).
- Must pass a background investigation and/or polygraph examination.
- Must meet job-related medical and/or fitness standards, including a medical screening after tentative job offer.
- Must meet initial and continuing firearms qualifications under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
- This position is covered by special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers (mandatory retirement).
Role Responsibilities
Supervise and lead Border Patrol agents in enforcing immigration and customs laws at assigned stations.
- Prevent illegal entry of aliens into the United States through patrol, surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations.
- Gather and analyze intelligence from multiple sources to identify smuggling routes and criminal networks.
- Develop case work for criminal prosecutions and investigations related to immigration violations.
- Identify and investigate smuggling operations involving drugs, weapons, or human trafficking.
- Devise and recommend solutions to operational problems and apprise management of deficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with enforcement policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
- Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide training, and mentor subordinate agents.
- Prepare reports and briefings on operational activities and intelligence findings.
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. citizenship required.
- Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (waivers possible for federal employees, military, or study abroad).
- Must meet medical and physical fitness standards; medical screening required after tentative job offer.
- Must be proficient in Spanish (speak and read).
- Must meet firearms qualifications under the Gun Control Act; no disqualifying criminal history or domestic violence convictions.
- Subject to random drug testing under the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
- This is a rigorous law enforcement position with mandatory retirement under special provisions (CSRS/FERS).
- Relocation expenses may be authorized but are on hold pending funding; must establish residence closer to new duty location within 90 days.
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)).
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
- Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
- Possible flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
- Disabled veteran leave available for eligible veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
- Access to employee training and developmental opportunities.
Additional Information
This announcement is open to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in permanent competitive service positions and CTAP-eligible CBP employees.
- Additional selections may be made beyond the 7 vacancies for other divisions or units within the duty locations.
- Relocation expenses are authorized but on hold pending funding; you will be contacted by the CBP Hiring Center when funding is available.
- Within 90 days of reporting, you must provide documentation confirming you have established a residence closer to the new duty location.
- Polygraph examination is required for non-current CBP law enforcement employees; reciprocity or waiver may be available for certain veterans.
- The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits requesting criminal history before a conditional offer; exemptions apply.
- DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
- For inquiries, contact the CBP Hiring Center at 855-500-3722 or [email protected].
- Tentative job offer expected within 60 days after the announcement closes.
About Company
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for securing the nation's borders. CBP's mission includes preventing illegal entry, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and combating transnational crime. The U.S. Border Patrol is the mobile uniformed law enforcement arm of CBP, tasked with patrolling the borders between ports of entry.
FAQs
What is the Spanish language proficiency requirement for the Supervisory Border Patrol Agent position?
You must be proficient in speaking and reading Spanish. This is a mandatory requirement because agents regularly interact with Spanish-speaking individuals during enforcement operations.
Can I apply if I am not a current CBP employee?
This announcement is open only to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in permanent competitive service positions and CTAP-eligible CBP employees. External applicants are not eligible.
What is the polygraph examination process for this role?
If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam. CBP may accept results from a prior federal polygraph (reciprocity), and certain veterans may qualify for a waiver.
Is relocation assistance available for this position?
Relocation expenses have been authorized but are currently on hold pending funding. If selected, you will be contacted by the CBP Hiring Center when funding becomes available to coordinate your move.
What medical and fitness standards must I meet?
You must be medically and physically capable of performing essential job functions safely. After a tentative job offer, you will undergo a medical screening. The position also requires meeting firearms qualifications and passing a background investigation.
How are applicants evaluated for this Supervisory Border Patrol Agent job?
You will be ranked based on your score on the U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment. If you have not permanently held GS-13, you need a current valid score by 07/16/2026. Your application remains pending until test scores are uploaded after the announcement closes.
What documents are required to apply?
You must submit a resume (two pages max), complete the online assessment questionnaire, and provide SF-50s if using federal experience outside CBP. CTAP eligibles need additional documents like separation notice and performance rating.