Advance Your Career: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in Chula Vista

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is offering a high-impact leadership opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals. The U.S. Border Patrol is currently seeking an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent (ACPA) to serve within the San Diego Sector in Chula Vista, California. This is an elite role designed for leaders who are ready to influence national security strategies, oversee large-scale programs, and command operational divisions.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, you will serve as a key administrative leader. Your duties will include:

Program Direction: Overseeing sector-wide initiatives related to the enforcement of immigration and nationality laws.
Executive Oversight: Assuming responsibility for all sector activities in the absence of the Chief Patrol Agent.
Decision Making: Making critical determinations regarding prosecutions, personnel management, and operational policy.
Collaboration: Partnering with federal agencies and international entities to align local operations with national CBP policy.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 level position, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency in Spanish (speaking and reading).
Eligibility for a Secret security clearance.
Completion of a medical and physical fitness evaluation.
Ability to meet all Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) retirement and duty requirements.

Comparison of Key Position Attributes

Attribute	Detail
Salary Range	$147,652 – $191,954
Location	Chula Vista, CA
Grade Level	GS-14
Security Clearance	Secret
Language	Spanish Required

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive federal salary under the GS-14 pay scale. The base compensation begins at $147,652 and can progress up to $191,954 depending on tenure and performance. Additionally, agents may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay for overtime and shift work, as governed by the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Benefits

CBP provides a robust benefits package that supports the long-term well-being of its employees. This includes:

Financial: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, competitive salary, and potential overtime compensation.
Health: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
Leave: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Growth: Tuition reimbursement, professional leadership training, and continuous development.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the official USBP resume format for best results.
Evidence of Success: Detail your supervisory experience. Be clear about the scale of your past responsibilities (e.g., sector-level or national programs).
Document Quality: Upload all materials as clean, readable files. PDF is preferred to ensure formatting integrity.
Check Deadlines: Submit all components, including the questionnaire, before 11:59 PM ET on 10/13/2026.

Serving as an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent is a rare opportunity to lead at the highest levels of federal law enforcement. If you possess the leadership experience and the commitment to service required to protect the United States, apply today to join the San Diego Sector team.

Why This Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent) Job Matters

Step into a pivotal leadership role as an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent and shape the future of border security operations in the San Diego Sector.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent) Job Overview

The U.S. Border Patrol is seeking a dedicated and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent) in Chula Vista, California. This high-level position involves overseeing complex, sector-wide programs, directing operational policy, and managing essential administrative functions to ensure national security. You will lead teams, collaborate with interagency partners, and serve as a key decision-maker in upholding the mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Requirements for Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent)

U.S. Citizenship
Registration with Selective Service (males born after 12/31/1959)
Proficiency in speaking and reading the Spanish language
Valid, non-restricted driver's license for operation of government vehicles
Current or previous experience meeting federal time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade)
Ability to maintain firearm qualifications and pass mandatory medical/fitness screenings
Three of the last five years of physical residency in the U.S. (or eligible waiver)
Clean background and eligibility for a Secret-level security clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent)

Extensive experience in law enforcement leadership or managerial positions
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex operational policies
Strong proficiency in labor/management and employee relations
Prior experience with Administrative Policies and Procedures for Alien Processing and Removal
Expertise in interagency and international collaboration for operational success

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary range (GS-14)
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal retirement plan (CSRS/FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Flexible Spending Accounts and Employee Assistance Programs
✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
✓Relocation expense reimbursement for eligible candidates
✓Fitness center access and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (Assistant Chief Patrol Agent) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the job opportunity announcement in full.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your supervisory law enforcement experience (max 2 pages).
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Gather supporting documentation including SF-50s and relevant certifications.
Upload all materials via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status and email for updates regarding interviews and background processing.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Use the provided USBP resume guidance to ensure you include specific details on past supervisory roles.
Verify your SF-50s clearly demonstrate the required time-in-grade.
Ensure all uploaded documents are in English and are not password-protected.
Double-check that your application questionnaire responses accurately reflect your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

Yes, relocation expenses have been authorized for this position, pending funding availability.

What is the language requirement for this role?

The position requires candidates to be proficient in the Spanish language, specifically the ability to both speak and read Spanish.

Will I need to undergo a polygraph exam?

Yes, this is a polygraph-required position unless you are a current CBP law enforcement employee who has already met the requirements or qualify for reciprocity/waiver.

What is the supervisory probationary period?

New appointees may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period.

Is there mandatory training?

Yes, new second-level managers must complete 4 weeks of in-residence leadership training in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Job from Customs And Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the primary organization tasked with securing the nation’s borders. From enforcing immigration and trade laws to seizing illegal narcotics and conducting rescue operations in dangerous conditions, CBP agents are on the front lines of protecting American interests. Joining the CBP team means becoming part of a diverse, mission-driven organization that values vigilance, integrity, and service.