Correctional Institution Administrator (Warden) Job in Lexington, KY

Vacancy No. SES-2026-0002 Department Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Salary $150,160.00 to $225,700.00 Grade ES to ES
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/9/2025 Close Date 12/29/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Lexington, KY


Summary

This position is located at the Federal Medical Center, Lexington, KY. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the incumbent serves as the Warden providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the institution. 

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from qualified, current federal civil services employees. Also eligible are (1) a current/former career SES appointees, (2) alumnus of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, or (3) current GS-14 or 15 federal employees who can demonstrate the mandatory technical qualifications for the position.

Duties

As the SES Warden at the Federal Medical Center, Lexington, KY, the incumbent is responsible for the overall management of a federal prison, the mission of which is the safekeeping, care, protection, discipline, programming, and release of more than 1,274 inmates charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States. Many of these inmates have complex sentences and have compiled serious records of institution misconduct which indicate they require stringent security measures. Under the general direction of the Regional Director, incumbent is delegated full authority and responsibility for carrying out the directives of the federal courts and the Attorney General. Incumbent is responsible for all administrative functions of the institution, including planning and coordinating all programs related to security, discipline, etc., and developmental issues with regard to federal inmates. To receive serious consideration, applicants for this position must demonstrate successful performance and creative leadership in senior management position(s). 

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the 3-week Introduction to Correctional Training Techniques Program at Glynco, Georgia.
  • You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
  • After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • You will be required to travel occasionally for training and operational purposes.
  • In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
  • Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
  • You must be a United States citizen.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) related to this position within your resume-NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be considered. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. A panel may assess whether you possess the required ECQs and MTQs through resume review, assessment, and/or interview.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the mandatory technical qualification listed below.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: To be qualified for this position, applicants must be able to show progressively responsible experience in a correctional environment which has demonstrated the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties such as training subordinates in the specific duties related to their function in the institution, coordinating and directing operations and programs in a correctional setting or at the national level, evaluating performance of institution operations and the effectiveness of programs in relation to the inmate population. This experience must have been gained through the direction or assistance in the direction, of an entire correctional program or major phase of a correctional program. 

Education

This position does not have an education requirement.

Additional information

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available, and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. The materials you send with your application will not be returned. Upon appointment, you are required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278. You must provide the information annually after appointment. Veteran's Preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.

The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of the selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee (Title 5) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment.  In addition, individuals entering the SES for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.  Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. 

Candidates must still satisfy the MTQ of the position, but do not need to address the ECQs if you:

1. Are currently serving under a career SES appointment;

2. Are eligible for reinstatement into the SES; or

3. Have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and been certified by Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Proof of Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification must be provided. 

The selected individual will be subject further evaluation through a Structured Interview by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). OPM must review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment. 

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to federal employees: Click Here

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based upon how they have addressed the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the resume, as well as responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): The ECQs describe the skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service, and are in addition to the specific MTQ listed above. To assess the executive experience of each candidate, applicants applying for their initial career appointment in the SES must demonstrate, with specific examples, how their experience is relevant to the five ECQS.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):

ECQ 1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY: Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE: Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4 - LEADING PEOPLE: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

ECQ 5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to state goals from superiors.

Additional information on the Executive Core Qualifications can be found at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp. Please refer to OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

  1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date. 
  2. Provide certification of OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs). 
  3. You MUST submit a copy of your latest yearly performance appraisal/evaluation. 
  4. Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) Form which reflects the most recent position, title, series and grade; competitive service appointment; tenure group; status or SES reinstatement eligibility.
  5. All applicants must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.

       Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must apply through the online application system at www.USAJOBS.gov. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions and submit all required documents. NOTE: This position requires the completion of the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) and SES Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment. All required supporting documentation MUST be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Required supporting documentation must be submitted via USAJOBS (uploaded). Contact for Assistance in Applying On-Line: DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20534 E-Mail: BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov Phone: 202-307-0495.

Agency contact information

Senior Executive Service
Phone
202-307-0495
Fax
202-307-6626
Email
BOP-HRM-SES-S@bop.gov
Address
JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
320 First Street, N.W. 7th floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20534
United States

Next steps

Once your completed application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.  Your experience/competencies must be clearly reflected in the resume, ECQs, and MTQ, or you may be eliminated from the highly qualified status resulting in non-referral. An SES rating and ranking panel will evaluate your application based on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo an interview and a reference check. If selected, you must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. You must receive certification before you can be appointed to the position. We recommend you preview the ECQs and MTQ outlined in this announcement before you start the application process.

We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement.

You will receive email notifications after each step of the application process has been completed. To automatically receive these notifications via email, your USAJOBS profile must be setup to do so. Alternatively, you must log in to your USAJOBS profile to receive application status updates. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:

  1. Upon receipt of your application.
  2. Upon minimum qualification determinations.
  3. After the certificate is issued.
  4. After final selection is made.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.