The town of Alburgh, Vermont (historically also called Alburg) is located on a tongue of land that stretches down from Canada, and is bordered on three sides by Lake Champlain. Although the town itself is generally peaceful, its proximity to New York and Canada (and unguarded back roads) makes it part of a popular smuggling corridor.
In 1978, fugitive West German terrorist Kristina Berster (part of the Baader-Meinhof Group) was arrested trying to cross into the United States at Alburgh. Thirty years later, in 2008, border agents at Alburgh seized 200,000 tablets of ecstasy, valued at around five million dollars—the largest ground seizure of drugs ever in New England.
Careers with Customs and Border Protection in Alburgh
As a result of its popularity with smugglers, the United States has stepped up its efforts to secure the border around Alburgh, especially since the attacks of September 11, 2011. Customs and Border Protection employees play a vital role in this undertaking, since they are on the front lines of protecting the nation from terrorists, drugs, illegal immigrants, and other threats. Border Patrol jobs in Alburgh, Vermont that may be available include:
Border Patrol Agent – Border Patrol Agents are the nation’s first defense against threats at ports of entry. They interview travelers, respond to surveillance, maintain traffic checkpoints, and conduct anti-smuggling investigations, among other activities. Applicants must be under the age of forty, be U.S. citizens, and pass stringent background requirements. Successful hires undergo paid training in New Mexico, with additional time for those unfamiliar with the Spanish language.
Agriculture Specialist – Because Alburgh is located in a largely agricultural area, CBP Agriculture Specialists are particularly key. These specialists protect the nation’s land and economy from pests, invasive species, and agro-terrorism by carefully analyzing the millions of plant and animal items that pass through the border every day. They may also act as technical consultants on intelligence and anti-smuggling operations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass background investigations and other exams, and generally have a scientific background.
Marine Interdiction Agent – CBP Marine Interdiction Agents are especially important in an area surrounded by water, such as Alburgh. These agents patrol the waterways and shoreline to prevent the entry of criminals, smugglers, terrorists, weapons, drugs, and other threats. They also assist in disaster response and large-scale event security. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents, pass background investigations, and meet other criteria.
Border Crossings in Alburg, Vermont
The Alburg Station (linked to Noyan, Quebec) is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. In an unusual set-up, Canadian and US border agencies share the same structure. Alburg is designated as a Class A port, which means it is a suitable entry point for all foreign nationals.
Other Border Patrol jobs in Alburgh, Vermont, may include:
- Canine Enforcement Officers
- Air Interdiction Agents
- Import Specialist
- Operational Support Positions
- Mission Support Positions