Washington, DC - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency responsible for securing U.S. ports of entry and international borders is accepting applications nationwide until January 22 for border patrol agent positions in Arizona, South Texas and West Texas/New Mexico.

To apply for border patrol agent positions, applicants must have an active USA Jobs account and complete an online application at www.usajobs.gov.

Border patrol agent applicants undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure their eligibility and suitability for employment in a CBP law enforcement position. Applicants must be able to meet the physical demands of the job as well as meet the following key requirements.

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position

• Referred for selection prior to your 37th birthday (waiver for Veterans)

• You must have resided in U.S. for the last 3 years

• You must successfully pass a polygraph examination

• You must successfully pass a background investigation

• Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying

• You will be required to carry a firearm and have a valid driver's license

• You will be required to work regular and recurring shift work

• Entrance examination scores prior to December 1, 2014 are NOT valid

• You must meet job-related medical, fitness and drug-testing standards

Border patrol agents detect and prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. Typical assignments include patrolling international land borders and coastal waters; detecting, preventing, and apprehending undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land borders; and  responding to aircraft sights and other anti-smuggling activities.

Serving in the Border Patrol means serving your country and working in a fast-paced, law enforcement environment.  It means working on the front line in the war on terror, and facing threats to America at our border.  It means being a part of a highly trained, anti-terrorism team that enjoy one of the best reputations in federal law enforcement.

Nearly 30 percent of CBP employees are military veterans and the agency offers unique opportunities for veterans to continue serving their country in an environment that appreciates the hard-earned knowledge, skills and abilities gained through their service to the nation.

CBP is an equal opportunity employer. For the candidates selected, CBP offers intensive job training to fully prepare them for an exciting career in federal law enforcement, plus a competitive salary and benefits package.

For more information, please visit the careers page on www.cbp.gov.