Customs plans Knoxville recruiting event

Mike Blackerby, news@knoxnews.com
Friday, July 25, 2008


Recruiters from the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection will be in Knoxville Saturday looking for East Tennesseans with the right stuff to patrol the nation's 7,000 miles of land borders and 95,000 miles of shoreline.

Knoxville is one of six Southern cities that will host Border Patrol agent recruiting drives Saturday. The recruiting initiative is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Knoxville Marriott at 500 Hill Ave.

Tara Dunlop, a public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Saturday's recruiting event is part of a nationwide effort.

"We've already had an Ohio (recruiting) blitz and a Florida blitz," Dunlop said.

"We're kind of moving our way across the country. We have never had a national recruiting day in Knoxville," Dunlop said.

Other recruiting drives are being held Saturday in Nashville, Memphis, Louisville, Ky., Baton Rouge, La., and Little Rock, Ark.

Dunlop said 52 people have already pre-registered - at www.borderpatrol.gov - in Knoxville for the initial phase of the application and testing process, which begins Aug. 9.

"So far, Knoxville has the lowest number of people who have pre-registered online of the six cities," she said. "By comparison, Memphis - with 353 - is the largest. But we expect those numbers to really grow as the testing gets closer."

Even if someone has already pre-registered online, Dunlop encourages them to visit the recruiting drive Saturday.

"What we're doing is educating people. We're finding that once people are aware of this opportunity, interest follows. Saturday will be a very informative day - it's not just drop off a resume and keep on moving."

During Saturday's sign-up drive, applicants will be able to quiz recruiters, receive assistance with applications, get test-taking tips and hear career experiences from agents who protect the nation's borders.

New agents earn a minimum of $36,000 but must pass a battery of rigorous tests and evaluations. Prospects must be at least 18 and no older than 39 by the time they start the application process.

"This job is not for everyone," said Dunlop. "It takes 30 applicants to get one pair of boots in the field."

The hiring initiative - the largest such expansion ever at the bureau - was triggered in 2006 when President Bush announced his commitment to add 6,000 new Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008.

With more than 16,700 agents in the field today, Customs and Border Protection - an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - has a goal of 18,000 agents by year's end.

According to a press release from Customs and Border Protection, agents can earn as much as $46,000 in their first year, with the potential to make up to $70,000 within three years of service.

Successful Border Patrol candidates must pass a comprehensive screening process, including a written examination and structured interview plus a Spanish proficiency test. Applicants must also pass a medical examination and physical fitness test.

Training is provided and includes a 55-day program upon successfully passing a Spanish proficiency exam at the Artesia, N.M., academy. All others will complete a 40-day Spanish immersion course upon completing basic training.

New border agents will be stationed in Arizona, California, New Mexico or Texas.

More recruiting information is available at 877-277-9527.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
http://tinyurl.com/6loegp