A Border Patrol Agent’s working duties can vary greatly from day to day. Location is a major consideration when it comes to the requirements of the job. During the online application, you will be able to indicate one of the Sectors where you prefer to be stationed. These Border Patrol Sectors are areas along the United Stated border. Each Sector is made up of a number of different stations.

While your location preference is taken into account, it does not guarantee that you will get stationed in the Sector of your choice. Where you get stationed mostly depends on where the US Border Patrol needs you the most. Some costs of relocation may be available to certain Border Patrol Agents if necessary.

Hours

As a US Border Patrol Agent, you will be considered a full time employee. This position consists of a forty hour work week, as well as mandatory overtime. Administrative Uncontrollable Overtime is for tasks that are impossible to schedule during your shift, such as processing illegal aliens or covering shift changes. This overtime is compensated up to 25% of your base pay.

Long hours are not uncommon or unusual for Border Patrol Agents. The job usually requires that you work nights, weekends, and holidays. Working these hours, however, does qualify you for extra compensation.

Working Conditions

The working conditions for a Border Patrol Agent may not always be ideal. If hired, you will often be working outside, and many times you will be working in hostile weather conditions and difficult terrain. You may also be asked to relocate or sent on temporary assignments at a moments notice. Therefore, you should be able to easily adapt to sudden changes.

Uniforms

All US Border Patrol Agents are required to wear uniforms, and you will be measured for your uniform when you arrive at the Academy. You do have to pay for these uniforms, but you will receive a $1,500 allowance to help pay for the initial uniform cost. Every year after, you will receive an annual uniform allowance of $500. This can be used to purchase additional and replacement uniforms.

Duties

US Border Patrol Agents are, above all, law enforcement officers. They are there to ensure that all laws are observed when goods or people enter the United States. Upholding the law is the primary duty of a Border Patrol Agent. What this entails will differ depending on the area that you are stationed.

Border Patrol Agents may conduct traffic checks along ports of entry into the United States, arrest illegal aliens, or partake in covert surveillance missions. Other duties of a US Border Patrol Agent may include making suggestions in court regarding immigration matters, and inspecting agriculture that enters the country.

The use of “sniffing dogs” is becoming common place in the US Border Patrol. These dogs help by sniffing out narcotics or illegal aliens hidden in vehicles. Becoming a dog handler for the US Border Patrol is no small responsibility, though. These handlers are expected to assume all kenneling responsibilities, including housing and feeding for the animals.

Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the major mission of the US Border Patrol has changed. Detecting and apprehending terrorists and weapons has become a major priority.

Benefits

You probably would not consider a career opportunity without researching the benefits of the position. While the US Border Patrol Agent position comes with great responsibility, it also comes with great benefits.

Excellent life insurance and health insurance packages are offered, but they are optional. The different packages that you choose will determine how much you will pay.

Vacation time varies depending on the years of service that you have provided. Agents that have been with the US Border Patrol for less than three years are given thirteen days of vacation per year. Agents that have been with the Border Patrol for three to less than fifteen years are given twenty days of vacation. Agents that have served with the Border Patrol for fifteen years or more are given twenty-six days of vacation.

In addition to vacation time, Agents are also eligible for sick leave. Every Agent is given thirteen sick days each year. These days can accumulate from year to year.

Agents that have served the US Border Patrol for at least twenty years are eligible for early retirement at the age of fifty. Retirement is mandatory at the age of fifty-seven if they have served twenty years. If an Agent has not served for twenty years at the age of fifty-seven, they may continue to do so until they reach the service requirements.