Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Watch Commander)

About the opportunity

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, El Paso Sector (El Paso Station and Santa Teresa Station). The Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Watch Commander) serves as a secondary-administrative, second-line supervisory law enforcement officer. Major duties include preventing illegal entry of aliens, enforcing criminal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Laws, apprehending smugglers or illegal aliens, coordinating law enforcement activities (including detention, processing, seized property, fleet maintenance, and facilities management), facilitating community relations, ensuring compliance of subordinate supervisors and agents, and reviewing administrative and criminal cases for accuracy.

Salary and benefits

• 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
• Flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance
• Health and wellness programs, and fitness centers
• Disabled veteran leave for federal employees hired on or after November 5, 2016, with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
• Compensation up to an additional 25% of base pay for overtime in accordance with the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014

Who can apply?

• 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 (unless an approved waiver or exception applies)
• Must be proficient in the Spanish language (able to speak and read in Spanish)
• Must possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-13) performing technical and administrative direction, supervising operational programs, and developing operational policy related to Border Patrol
• Must meet Individual Occupational Requirement: specialized experience in law enforcement demonstrating ability to make arrests, use firearms, deal effectively with individuals, analyze information rapidly, and maintain contact with informants
• Must meet secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage conditions if applicable, or mandatory prerequisite administrative LEO requirements
• Must meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms
• Must pass a medical screening process, a thorough background investigation, and a polygraph examination
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license and ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle

Required documents

• A resume in English (maximum two pages) describing job-related qualifications, duties, dates performed (MM/DD/YY), hours per week, full name, phone number, email address, salary, duty locations, supervisor's contact information, specialized experiences, and supervisory positions held
• Responses to the online job questionnaire
• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) if applicable, such as for current or former federal experience outside of CBP to verify grade level or time-in-grade requirements
• Separation notice, recent SF-50, and performance rating if claiming special priority selection rights under CTAP
• Initial and termination SF-50s if a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee

When to apply

• Date posted: 2026-09-02
• Application close date: 2026-09-16 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

How to apply

• Click 'Apply Online' on USAJOBS to create an account or log in to an existing account
• Complete the online assessment questionnaire
• Upload your resume (maximum two pages, preferably as a PDF) under the 'Resume' document type
• Upload any applicable supporting documents such as SF-50 forms under their appropriate document types
• Submit your complete application packet by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 09/16/2026

Additional information

• This is a Non-Bargaining Unit status position under announcement number USBP-IMP-13049201-HH and control number 882526800.
• Position requires regular and recurring shift work, rotating shifts, assignment/duty location rotation, overnight travel, and wearing an approved uniform adhering to grooming standards.
• Incumbents may be required to serve an 18-month supervisory probationary period and complete mandatory leadership training, including 4 weeks in residence in Harpers Ferry, WV.
• The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act applies to this position regarding the timing of criminal history inquiries.