Border patrol jobs include border patrol agents, CBP officers, air and sea interdiction officers, agricultural specialists, and revenue-related positions. These jobs require a mix of training, physical ability, and education, and are contracted to government agencies. Support positions are also available.
For those interested in working in border patrol, frontline enforcement positions that monitor the border offer a number of career paths. In the US, all border patrol jobs are contracted to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). Most border control agencies in other countries are also run by the government. Landing a border patrol job with one of these agencies tends to require the right mix of training, physical ability, and education.
Among the various types of border patrol jobs, a border patrol agent is probably the best known. These agents are responsible for actively monitoring the US North and South land borders to prevent terrorists, illegal immigrants and contraband from entering Mexico or Canada. One of the main tasks of the Border Patrol Agent is line surveillance, using covert surveillance methods to detect and prevent illegal border crossings. Before becoming a border patrol agent, qualified candidates must complete rigorous training at the border patrol academy and demonstrate skills in areas such as survival shooting techniques, immigration law and the safe operation of patrol vehicles.
A critical area in Border Patrol jobs is that of the CBP officer. CBP officers work at ports of entry across the country, including international airports, seaports and land border crossings. Typical job duties include monitoring against terrorist and criminal activity. Making arrests, inspecting luggage and responding to basic customs violations are also considered an important part of the job. CBP officer candidates receive several months of paid training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where a thorough education is provided on communicating with the public, detecting contraband, import laws and other airport security issues.
A specialized area within CBP is that of air and sea interdiction officers. These agents often work together to protect the U.S. border from the skies and waterways and are essential in keeping out unauthorized entry of people, weapons and narcotics. These agents can also provide security during major events, be dispatched during natural disasters, and can work closely with other law enforcement agencies.
For those with a scientific background, a career as a CBP Agricultural Specialist may also be considered. Employees in this area work to detect and prevent biological threats, pests and diseases of plants or animals that can adversely affect the nations’ crops, livestock and environment. A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, knowledge of agricultural law, and experience working with computers is likely to be required for this position.
Due to the growth of international trade, several revenue-related border patrol jobs are available at CBP. These positions include Import Specialists, who may be responsible for inspecting goods imported into the country, detecting counterfeits, and seizing prohibited cargo. Revenue positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position, such as international trade or commerce.
Individuals not interested in frontline positions can still participate in vital employment opportunities that happen behind the scenes. Potential border patrol jobs that support frontline missions range from civil engineering to accounting. For many support positions, a college degree is not required; instead, a mixture of education and experience may suffice.
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