🟢 Status: OPEN — CBP Re-Posts Continuously | Multiple Sectors Nationwide | Source: USAJOBS.gov
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) Jobs 2026 — GS-13 | $109K–$162K + 25% LEAP | CBP Special Operations | Apply USAJOBS
The Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) is the leadership tier of the U.S. Border Patrol’s most elite tactical unit. At GS-13, supervisory BORTAC agents earn between $109,383 and $162,436 per year in base salary — plus the mandatory 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) supplement, pushing total compensation well above $130,000 annually. These are the agents who lead tactical teams on the most dangerous and complex law enforcement operations in CBP — from counternarcotics raids and anti-trafficking operations to high-risk arrests and international deployments.
This position is open to current U.S. Border Patrol GS-1896 employees who have achieved GS-13 grade or above. CBP posts BORTAC supervisory positions across multiple sectors on a rolling basis. If you are already a BORTAC Operator at GS-12 and are ready to lead, this is the natural next step in the Special Operations Group career ladder. Search the latest open announcements at USAJOBS.gov.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) |
| Agency | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| Department | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Unit | U.S. Border Patrol, Special Operations Group — BORTAC |
| Job Series | GS-1896 Border Patrol Enforcement Series |
| Location | El Paso, TX; San Diego, CA; and multiple sector HQs nationwide |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time; irregular hours, frequent deployments and on-call requirements |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Competitive Service |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-13 |
| Salary Range | $109,383 – $162,436 per year (base, varies by location) |
| LEAP (25%) | Adds ~$27,346 – $40,609/yr on top of base salary |
| Relocation | GSA VRP Lump Sum relocation benefit authorized |
| Who May Apply | Current U.S. Border Patrol GS-1896 employees at GS-13 or above |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Physical Fitness | Required — BORTAC fitness standards maintained throughout career |
| Apply Now | Click Here to Apply on USAJOBS |
About the Role
Supervisory BORTAC agents are tactical team leaders within the Special Operations Group (SOG) — the most operationally advanced division in U.S. Border Patrol. They plan and direct high-risk enforcement operations, coordinate multi-agency responses, manage team readiness and training, and serve as the command presence during active deployments. Unlike frontline BORTAC Operators who execute missions, supervisory agents carry additional accountability for the safety, conduct, and effectiveness of their entire team.
In 2026, supervisory BORTAC agents are at the forefront of CBP’s expanded counternarcotics and anti-trafficking operations across the southern border. BORTAC supervisors regularly coordinate with DEA, FBI, ATF, and international law enforcement counterparts including the Mexican Federal Police and international narcotics task forces. Deployments can be domestic or international, lasting from days to several weeks.
The role demands not just tactical mastery, but strong leadership, administrative capability, and the judgment to make split-second decisions with major operational and legal consequences.
“BORTAC provides the Department of Homeland Security with a highly trained and specially equipped tactical unit for specialized rapid response or deliberate deployments to law enforcement situations requiring special tactics, techniques, and procedures in defense of our national security.” — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Plan, direct, and supervise tactical law enforcement operations including high-risk arrests, interdictions, and warrant service
- Lead BORTAC teams during domestic and international deployments
- Coordinate multi-agency operations with DEA, FBI, ATF, HSI, and foreign law enforcement partners
- Manage team training, readiness assessments, and tactical certifications
- Conduct after-action reviews and produce intelligence and operational reports
- Enforce immigration, customs, and federal criminal laws in high-risk environments
- Mentor BORTAC Operators and junior agents in tactics, policies, and professional development
- Manage personnel matters including scheduling, performance evaluations, and conduct
- Serve as liaison with sector and national leadership during active operations
- Maintain personal tactical fitness and weapons qualifications at BORTAC standards
Qualifications & Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Must be a current GS-1896 Border Patrol Agent at GS-13 or above, OR a supervisory BPA willing to lateral transfer |
| Promotional Assessment | Valid U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment score required (unless permanently held GS-13 or higher) |
| Experience | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-12: leading tactical law enforcement operations, interpreting and enforcing immigration or comparable law |
| BORTAC Skills | Advanced weaponry, self-defense tactics, crowd control, land navigation, emergency rescue, airborne and maritime operations |
| Supervisory Experience | Demonstrated experience directing law enforcement personnel in high-risk operations |
| Physical Fitness | Must meet and maintain BORTAC physical fitness standards |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret (active or obtainable) |
| Drug Test | Required pre-employment and randomly throughout career |
| Mobility Agreement | Must sign — frequent and unpredictable deployments are required |
Salary by Grade — GS-13 (with LEAP)
| Grade | Base Salary | + 25% LEAP | Total Annual Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-13 Step 1 (El Paso) | $109,383 | $27,346 | ~$136,729 |
| GS-13 Step 1 (San Diego) | $124,949 | $31,237 | ~$156,186 |
| GS-13 Step 10 (San Diego) | $162,436 | $40,609 | ~$203,045 |
💡 Note: Salary varies significantly by location due to federal locality pay adjustments. San Diego and other high cost-of-living sectors pay substantially more than interior sectors. LEAP (25%) is added on top of your full base + locality pay, making senior BORTAC supervisors among the highest-compensated agents in Border Patrol.
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $109,383 – $162,436/yr (GS-13, varies by sector) |
| LEAP (25%) | ~$27K–$41K additional per year |
| Relocation | GSA VRP Lump Sum relocation benefit authorized |
| Annual Leave | 26 days vacation + 13 sick days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Health Insurance | FEHB — government covers ~70% of premiums |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | Law Enforcement FERS — retire at age 50 with 20 years of service |
| TSP (401k) | 5% government match |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI |
| Advanced Training | Paid ongoing tactical, leadership, and specialty training |
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility: you must be a current GS-1896 Border Patrol Agent at GS-13 or a supervisory BPA willing to transfer
- Obtain a valid U.S. Border Patrol Promotional Assessment score if you have not permanently held GS-13 or higher
- Log in to USAJOBS.gov and navigate to the Supervisory BORTAC announcement
- Prepare your federal resume: emphasize supervisory experience, tactical operations led, multi-agency coordination, and BORTAC qualifications
- Upload all required documents: resume, SF-50 (confirming GS-13 status), current performance appraisal, and promotional assessment score (if applicable)
- Complete and submit the online assessment questionnaire before the closing date
- Monitor USAJOBS for the latest open announcements — CBP re-posts supervisory BORTAC positions on a rolling basis across different sectors
⚠️ Important: Supervisory BORTAC positions are internal lateral/promotional opportunities — not entry-level. You must already be a credentialed Border Patrol Agent at GS-13. Not yet at GS-12? Start with the entry-level Border Patrol Agent role and work toward BORTAC eligibility. Apply directly at USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans who are current Border Patrol Agents at GS-13 may claim veterans’ preference where applicable in competitive promotions. Military experience in Special Forces, Marine Recon, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, or other tactical or intelligence units is directly relevant to the BORTAC supervisor role. If you are a veteran transitioning into federal law enforcement, begin with the entry-level Border Patrol Agent position and build toward this supervisory role over time.
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, employing over 60,000 personnel across 328 ports of entry and 20 Border Patrol sectors. BORTAC — established in 1984 — remains the most elite tactical capability within the agency, regularly called upon for operations that exceed the capacity of standard enforcement. Supervisory BORTAC agents represent the leadership backbone of this unit, responsible for maintaining its operational excellence and mission readiness across a wide range of domestic and international environments.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at usajobs.gov/job/869855400. We are not affiliated with CBP, DHS, or any US government agency.
Sources
- USAJOBS — Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) Announcement
- CBP Careers — U.S. Border Patrol
- OPM — 2026 General Schedule Pay Tables
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