Requirements
Conditions of employment
Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
Be rated well-qualified for the position based on the competencies listed above; and submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies clearly exceeding the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here:
U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Key Requirements:
Qualifications
NOTE: GL-04 applications are not being evaluated at this time. Please ensure your application reflects an eligible grade level if you wish to receive consideration.
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
GL-04: Successfully completed education above the high school level in any field may be substituted for general experience at the rate of 30 semester hours for one year of experience.
GL-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
GL-06: 9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours of graduate level education in a major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to this position.
GL-07: One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to the position is qualifying for GL-07.
GL-08: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
GL-04: At least 2 years of full-time general experience, one year of which is equivalent to the GL-03 level in the Federal service.
General experience is defined as progressively responsible work that demonstrates the ability to:
- Follow and apply rules, procedures, or regulations.
- Use sound judgment in decision-making.
- Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Maintain composure and take appropriate action in emergency or stressful situations.
GL-05: At least 3 years of full-time general experience, one year of which was equivalent to the GL-04 grade level. This experience must have demonstrated the aptitude for acquiring the qualifications required for correctional work, and, in addition, demonstrate the possession of personal attributes important to the effectiveness of correctional officers, such as:
- Ability to meet and deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns.
- Ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas.
- Ability to lead, supervise, and instruct others.
- Sympathetic attitude towards the welfare of others.
- Ability to reason soundly and to think out practical solutions to problems.
- Ability to make decisions and act quickly, particularly under stress.
- Poise and self-confidence, and ability to remain calm during emergency situations.
For examples of qualifying general experience, please refer to the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement.
GL-06: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Examples of occupations where specialized experience may have been gained:
- Correctional Officer
- Detention Officer
- Police Officer
- Border Patrol Agent
- State Trooper
- Sheriff
- Park Ranger
- Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail
- Mental Health Counselor in a Residential Facility
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
- Experience with instructing inmates with proper housekeeping and sanitation.
- Experience working as a Police Officer responding to domestic disturbances and issuing citations for law violations.
- Experience in investigating crime scenes as a State Trooper.
- Experience as a Mental Health Worker in a Mental Health Lockdown facility.
GL-07: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Examples of occupations where specialized experience may have been gained:
- Correctional Officer
- Jailer
- Detention Officer
- Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail.
- Military Corrections (Brig, Internment/Resettlement Specialist, etc.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
- Providing supervision, care and security of inmates in a correctional environment.
- Experience supervising inmates throughout the institution and providing instructions related to institutional procedures and sanitation.
- Experience with enforcing rules and regulations governing correctional institution security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct.
- Experience with conducting various count procedures of inmates.
- Experience working various correctional posts, assignments (such as Control Room, Rear-gate, Housing Units, etc.).
GL-08: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Experience must have been gained in a correctional facility with responsibilities in correctional treatment, care, custody, and control of inmates.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
- Experience with assignments made to those areas requiring the maximum skill and expertise in dealing with inmates, the public, and the security of the institution.
- Experience in supervising and instructing inmates regarding proper sanitation, personal hygiene and work habits.
- Experience in maintaining the control and discipline of inmates in such areas as the auditorium, housing units, segregation, recreation areas, dining rooms, etc.
- Experience in having responsibility for the custody and control of inmates who require special handling.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GL-04 Only: Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
AND
Medical Requirement:
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2027.
Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here.
This announcement is being advertised under an agency specific Direct-Hire Authority approved by OPM for filling vacancies when a severe shortage or critical hiring need exists. Veterans Preference and other Category Rating procedures do not apply to this announcement. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements of the position. The hiring office may interview and select any qualified candidate of their choosing from the qualified pool. See OPM, Direct Hire Authority for more information.
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
Although 5 U.S.C. 3307 established a maximum entry age of 37 for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution, applicants can be considered up to age 39. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY:
Eligible applicants will remain on the inventory until the closing date of the announcement. NOTE: This announcement is posted on a yearly cycle. The announcement will EXPIRE on the listed closing date of 09/30/2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In order to receive consideration for the next cycle, applicants MUST reapply to the new vacancy announcement.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SECTION:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
SALARY RANGE:
The salary range for this announcement reflects 2026 Special Rate for Rest of U.S. GL-04/01 $44,902 to highest GL-08/10 San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA, $98,113. See OPM's Special Rates website and search the locality area for which you are applying to for more information.
ADDITIONAL SALARY INFORMATION:
A 15%-50% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to the Selectee(s) who meets the criteria for recruitment bonuses. For more information, visit BOP Incentives.
Retention Incentives may be authorized upon completion of the recruitment service agreement period.
Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA):
There is an 8.64% (of basic pay) Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) authorized for FDC Honolulu, HI, and a 2.49% for MDC Guaynabo, PR. See COLA and Locality Pay Rates in Nonforeign Areas for more information.
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.
Once the job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm ET on 09/30/2027 ), your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) to verify you meet the basic qualifications for the position and grade level selected. Qualified candidates are then referred to the selecting official at their preferred locations for further consideration. The Hiring Official may select any qualified candidate. Veterans' preference is not applicable. Applications received under Direct Hire public notice may or may not result in a referral or selection.
When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume.
Examples of Qualifying General Experience:
General experience does not need to be in a correctional setting, nor is it expected to be obtained through supervisory experience. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Military Service - Military service in any branch inherently develops the ability to work effectively with people of differing backgrounds, lead and instruct others, think clearly under pressure, remain calm in emergencies, and exercise sound judgment. These qualities demonstrate the aptitude for correctional work and key personal attributes qualifying as general experience. Through the discipline, responsibility, and real-world challenges of service in any branch, veterans build the foundational competencies this role requires.
- Industrial, Mining, or Skilled Trades Work - Working as a miner, heavy equipment operator, welder, or in other occupations where strict compliance with OSHA safety procedures, rules, and regulations is required to protect personnel and maintain operational safety.
- Security or Law Enforcement Support - Serving as a security guard, military police, or patrol officer assistant, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Customer Service in High-Volume or Regulated Environments - Working in airports, transportation hubs, or large event venues where enforcing rules and resolving conflicts is required.
- Youth or Group Supervision - Supervising youth in residential programs, summer camps, or educational settings, ensuring safety and adherence to rules.
- Emergency Services - Serving as a firefighter, EMT, or disaster response volunteer, requiring quick decision-making under pressure.
- Transportation or Logistics - Operating in roles where safety checks, inspections, and adherence to strict schedules and procedures are critical.
General experience may also have been gained in work such as:
- Social case work in a welfare agency or counseling in other types of organizations.
- Classroom teaching or instructing.
- Responsible rehabilitation work, e.g., in an alcoholic rehabilitation program.
- Supervising planned recreational activities or active participation in community action programs.
- Management or supervisory work in a business or other organization that included directing the workflow and/or direct supervision of others.
- Sales work, other than taking and filling orders as in over-the-counter sales.
The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required:
GL-04, GL-05, GL-06, GL-07 and GL-08:
- Stress Tolerance
- Writing
- Oral Communication
- Decision Making
- Teamwork
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13069721
Required Documents
Failure to provide legible required documents and/or follow the prescribed format often results in removal from consideration. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD-214, or Transcripts.
Veterans' Preference Documentation:
Failure to submit all required documents at the time of application will result in the loss of claimed preference eligibility.
- DD-214: Veterans MUST provide a DD-214 demonstrating that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit:
- A completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" andall required documentation identified on the SF-15.
- Note: A Department of Veterans Affairs letter must contain the Veteran's Name and Combined Service-Connected Evaluation.
- For a copy of the most current SF-15, Click Here.
- If you are on active duty and expect to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days, you may submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information:
- the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and
- the character of service (must be an honorable or general discharge); and
- any qualifying service/campaign/expeditionary medals
Resume - All Applicants:
You must submit a resume
(a two page or less resume is required) that includes your name, contact information, and relevant experience (cover letter optional).Additionally, for each job entry listed in your employment history, you must include:
- Official position title,
- Employer name and contact information,
- Start and end dates (month and year, MM/YYYY, format),
- Indicate number of hours worked per week, and
- A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Experience that would not normally be part of the Federal employee's position is creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence of qualifying experience (e.g., a memorandum from the manager, Human Resource Manager, SF-52, MOU, etc.). If providing a memorandum, it must follow the format above AND clearly cite the duties performed.
For more help, visit USAJOBS Help Center - What should I include in my resume?
College Transcripts:
If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit a transcript containing a school name and student name in addition to full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award (if applicable).
Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.
SF-50: If you are a current/former federal government employee, you must provide an unredacted copy of your latest SF-50.
Proof of ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility:
If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under
CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit:
- A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter),
- Your most recent performance appraisal, and
- Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
Professional Certification/License: if applicable.
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
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.