Border Patrol launches new hiring program

    HOULTON – In an effort to increase staffing in the State of Maine, the United States Border Patrol is now accepting applications from qualified persons who desire to live and work in Maine.
    The U.S. Border Patrol is implementing a program known as the Hybrid Intern Program to increase northern border staffing nationwide. Under the Hybrid Intern Program, interns will attend the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, complete field training and post-academy programs on the southwest border and return to Maine to complete their Border Patrol probationary period. This new program is designed to increase staffing specifically at the Calais, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Jackman, Rangeley and Van Buren stations. These stations are all part of Houlton Sector, which encompasses the State of Maine.
    The United States Border Patrol is increasing staffing to approximately 18,000 agents by the end of December 2008. Agents have historically been assigned to the southwest border for training and experience. The assignment of Border Patrol Agents to the northern border as their first duty station is an effort to increase personnel in “hard to fill” northern border stations.
    Applicants may apply on-line at USAJobs.gov from May 12 to June 9, announcement number BPANR 08-3. For more information about the Border Patrol, applicants may go to www.borderpatrol.gov or call 1-866-231-5434 to speak with a Border Patrol recruiter. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, under 40 years of age, pass a medical, fitness and background check. Applicants are required to have a valid state driver’s license and no convictions for domestic violence.
    Anyone interested in joining the Border Patrol is also invited to attend a special hiring event on Saturday, May 31 at the Millar Civic Center. Information sessions will start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.