see also: in March 2008:   Summer Months an Added Challenge for Border Patrol   Los Meses de Verano, un Reto Para la Patrulla Fronteriza   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 38 Illegal Aliens from Smuggling Attempt   Laredo North Station Border Patrol Agents Arrest MS-13 Member   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Arrest 18th Street Gang Member   El Paso CBP Officers View HDTV: Hidden Drugs in TV Set   El Paso Border Patrol Agents Arrest Criminals with Extensive Records ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

El Centro, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host a CBP Officer hiring event on Thursday, March 6, 2008 which is part of a national recruitment drive to hire several hundred new officers nationwide and specifically for the ports of entry in Calexico.

The event will take place at the Imperial County One Stop Business and Employment Center conference rooms A&B located at 2695 S. 4th St. , Building “D” in El Centro. The event will run from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The Calexico ports of entry are among the busiest and most active for smuggling in the nation. Because of this, the career of a CBP Officer is demanding but the rewards for protecting the nation from dangerous people and contraband are exceptional.

Few other law enforcement agencies offer front-line opportunities to defend against terrorist intrusion, as well as criminal activities such as drug smuggling, money laundering, and undocumented entry of individuals, weapons trafficking, smuggling of prohibited goods, apprehensions of fugitives and other dangerous criminals, and a host of other violations.

Applicants seeking information about the position will be able to talk with CBP recruiters at the event and be able to apply on-line at the event.

These are full-time, uniformed positions starting at the GS-5 to GS-7 level with starting pay approximately $29,726 - $36,822 annually and enjoy non-competitive promotions to the GS-11 level earning $54,500. CBP officers have the opportunity of making up to an additional $35,000 in overtime. The position requires regular qualification and carrying of firearms successful of the CBP Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have at least three years of general experience that demonstrate the ability to meet and work with people. Positions are contingent upon a background investigation and are subject to random drug testing. The employment opportunity includes a generous benefits package and 15 weeks of paid training.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.