U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiters will look to Orlando, Fla. to meet its goal to hire a diverse cadre of approximately 11,000 new employees this year.
The one-day recruiting event seeks to identify qualified applicants for a variety of law enforcement positions as well as mission and operations support roles.
One of the key components of the CBP recruiting initiative is to increase the number of women and minorities who apply for Border Patrol and other CBP positions, with the goal to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of America.
“We are striving to reflect the face of America and for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to become a household name that is considered an employer of choice,” said Joseph Arata, acting director of national recruitment. “Our Border Patrol agents protect America in America and we are certain that with awareness comes interest in this unparalleled federal law enforcement opportunity–this is as much about public education as it is recruiting.”
The event will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando, FL 32812.
While Border Patrol recruiters will primarily recruit for agent positions, recruiters will direct those interested in other CBP careers to appropriate online resources at www.cbp.gov.
Five things a Border Patrol recruit can expect:
1.Border Patrol recruits earn between $36,000 and $46,000 in their first year, with the potential of earning up to $70,000 per year within three years of service.
2.Benefits include federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement, and up to 25 percent additional pay in overtime opportunities.
3.Successful Border Patrol candidates will complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination and structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish proficiency test, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination.
4.Training is provided and includes a 55-day basic training program upon successfully passing a Spanish proficiency exam in the academy; all others will complete a 40-day Spanish immersion course upon completing basic training. All training is conducted in Artesia, New Mexico.
5.Initial assignments will be in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
On Saturday, March 7, on-site recruiters will offer:
Answers to applicant questions;
Application assistance and online application submission;
Test-taking tips, practice testing and evaluation; and
Accounts of their career experiences protecting our nation’s borders.
Recruiters consider military veterans a fertile source as they make up 25 percent of CBP’s workforce.
Border Patrol Snapshot
The Border Patrol is specifically responsible for patrolling almost 7,000 miles of Mexican and Canadian international land borders.
One of the most important activities of a Border Patrol agent is line watch. This involves the detection, prevention and apprehension of terrorists, undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens or illegal goods at or near the land border.
For more information or to apply online please visit www.borderpatrol.gov. CBP is an equal opportunity employer and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
