http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/featured_job/article.asp

NOW RECRUITING
Border Patrol Agent GS-1896-05/07
Open period for applying has been extended to March 17, 2006

Are you interested in a job with wide-open spaces and opportunities to match? As a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, your primary focus would be to work in tandem with your U.S. Customs and Border Protection partners to prevent the entry of terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States.

Border Patrol Agents also detect and prevent the smuggling and unlawful entry of undocumented aliens into the United States, and apprehend those people found to be in violation of the immigration laws. Also, due to the increase in drug smuggling operations, the Border Patrol is the primary drug-interdicting agency along the land border between the ports of entry.

One of the most important duties performed by a Border Patrol Agent is known as "line-watch". This involves the detection and apprehension of undocumented aliens and their smugglers by maintaining surveillance from a covert position, pursuing leads, responding to electronic sensor alarms, utilizing infrared scopes during night operations, using low-light level television systems, sighting aircraft, and interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence. In addition, Border Patrol Agents perform traffic checks, traffic observation, city patrol transportation checks, and other administrative, intelligence, and anti-smuggling activities.

Key features of the Border Patrol Agent position:

Must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid state driver's license at the time of appointment.
Must be under age 37 to apply. Eligible for law enforcement retirement ("12(d)") - retirement at age 50 or older, with 20 years of service, or after completing 25 years of service at any age
Recruited at the GS-5/7 level, with testing required
Must meet all pre-employment requirements (background investigation, medical examination, drug test, fitness test and possible polygraph examination)
Non-competitive career advancement to GS-11 ($51,972)
Uniformed and armed
Highly trained, with a 2-year program that includes formal basic training and extensive on-the-job training

Where are the positions being filled? Arizona, California, New Mexico, South Texas and West Texas.

What are the starting salaries and benefits? The GS-5 salary is $34,966 per year depending on the location of the position. If you meet the qualification requirements based on your education or experience, you may be able to enter the Border Patrol Agent position at the higher GS-7 ($39,797 salary level).

Mandatory Training. Those selected must successfully complete five months of intensive agency-paid instruction in immigration and nationality laws, Spanish, physical training, marksmanship, and other courses in Artesia, NM. Successful completion of all segments of training is mandatory.

For more information about this position, the qualifications, and the pre-employment requirements, go to www.cbp.gov, click on Careers, and then Click on Border Patrol Agents.

In order to apply, you must go online between January 9 and March 17, 2006, click here to view the announcement